The African leopard (Panthera pardus) is a supremely adapted predator that attracts much admiration and represents special importance for safari hunting as one of the “Big Five” trophy goals.
Accurate estimates of leopard abundance, density, and distribution are a central aspect of the species population ecology, and key elements in the development of policy for its management and conservation. Thus, the SCIF involvement with research is to produce science-based information to assist in the decision-making process of policy to develop wildlife management programs based on sustainable hunting. The SCIF is leading leopard scientific research in Botswana to estimate population density and distribution of the species in the country.
In this seminar you will learn about the science supporting the study and enjoy the highlights of this unique SCIF research of this unique species.
Ethical Hunting & Guidelines – Airguns & Rifles with Keith Warren
12:00pm-1:00pm
Location: Room 201 B
Federal and State guidelines on PCP air rifles and pistols as well as ethical and humane hunting of big game, proper care and operation as well as on site display of equipment.
The world truly is a whole lot bigger than our own back yards, abounding with dizzying arrays of ducks, geese, swans and upland gamebirds. There are 6 whole continents worth of opportunity! For nearly 3 decades, GetDucks.com’s Ramsey Russell has chased them worldwide, collecting over 125 waterfowl and upland gamebird subspecies as well as the experiences that come with it.
SCI’s relatively new Game Birds of the World awards platform opens important new frontiers to long-time SCI members, and sub chair Ramsey enthusiastically shares need-to-know details and personal anecdotes in an engaging Q&A format. Ask him anything about duck hunting worldwide.
Predation Impacts to Big Game & Predation Management for Wildlife
1:00pm-2:00pm
Location: Room 202 A
Predators impact prey through direct mortality and behavioral changes by the prey species to avoid predation.
Traditional predator research has focused on direct impacts of predation, but understanding the impacts of predation avoidance puts some research into perspective. When predation puts game species at risk and holds populations below management objectives, predation management may be warranted.
This seminar explores the mechanisms by which predators impact prey as well as management strategies that provide protection with minimal impacts to the predators — themselves often game species. This seminar is important to hunters who wish to engage their wildlife agencies on predation management as well as landowners who want to maximize their wildlife populations.
Be an Outdoors Writer with Craig Boddington & Safari Magazine
1:00pm-2:00pm
Location: Room 202 BC
Ready to be an outdoor writer? It’s not difficult, but there are obstacles.
Craig Boddington and John Geiger, Safari Magazine Managing Editor, offer insight about getting published in books, websites and magazines. You’ll learn about options to get published in this changing world of digital and print content, and how to know what medium is right for you. As a hunter, you’ve already got the material in your head and in the photos phone app. As an SCI member, you have a distinct advantage within the organization: Safari Magazine, Chapter publications and websites give writers and photographers exposure to content-consuming readers and viewers around the world.
Writing about outdoor adventures is a labor of love. If it calls you, this seminar has your name on it.
Are you ready to take your backpacking hunts to the next level?
Join Kristy Titus for an in-depth seminar on backcountry backpacking gear, designed to help you make informed choices and maximize your backcountry hunting experiences. In this comprehensive session, she’ll cover:
- Backcountry Gear: Understand the core components of your gear setup, from backpacks and sleeping systems to cooking equipment and navigation tools.
- Choosing the Right Equipment: Learn how to select gear that balances weight, durability, and functionality to suit your specific hunt needs and conditions, including horseback hunting.
- Personalization and Customization: Explore how to tailor your gear choices to fit your unique preferences and the type of terrain you’ll encounter.
Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or new to the backcountry, this seminar will provide valuable insights and practical advice to enhance your outdoor hunting adventures. Prepare to delve into gear, tips, and Q&A sessions to address your specific gear-related questions.
- The History of Safari Club International is a hard-cover, coffee-table book that celebrates the people, places and successes of SCI’s first 50 years. Visit with SCI leaders while they sign your own copy.
Question and answer format with Jim Shockey. One you certainly don’t want to miss!