FALL 2023
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Q&A A member of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts an annual Convention that raises funds for grants in conservation, education and advocacy. In the past couple years, millions of dollars have been directed to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission.
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A s one of the world’s most respected conservation organizations, Dallas Safari Club is directly tied to the success of proper game management programs globally as well as a thought leader on outdoor education, restoration programs, and hunting ethics. Through its vast network of ardent supporters, the many chapters of DSC provide the resources to ensure that current and future generations of hunters are able to pursue their passions. With an eye toward the Fall hunting season and setting the stage for their annual convention, we caught up with the leadership at DSC to share some thoughts about their current and future efforts, as well as their overall mission.
Q:
At its core, DSC is really about conservation—how do the efforts from DSC get applied to the global conservation effort?
A:
As DSC has grown since its inception in 1982, so has its voice. From the local communities and state legislative bodies where DSC Chapters continue to gain recognition, to Federal and International policymaking bodies, DSC is working tirelessly to ensure the voice of the hunter-conservationist is heard … the voice of DSC’s Membership is heard! DSC’s effectiveness at important international conservation policymaking meetings such as CITES, is made possible by the continued generous support of DSC Members, Corporate Sponsors and Exhibitor Partners.
Q:
Certainly, DSC has its roots in Texas, so then how do you balance the global element of what you do against making it meaningful at the local level as well?
A:
DSC was established in 1982 and since then the organization has grown into a leading voice representing hunterconservationists around the world. Conservation and wildlife management know no boundaries and DSC is committed to ensuring sound science-based policymaking and legislative decisions are made at local, national and international levels when dealing with matters relevant to wildlife, conservation and sustainable use.
Q:
Dallas Safari Club consists of individual chapters across the country, which then gives people an opportunity to get involved with the efforts through engagement, events, and so on. Tell us a bit about the individual chapters and their body of work as it relates to the overall organization?
A:
For the DSC Chapter System, 2023 has brought with it an energy and commitment to collaboration among Chapters and across DSC as a whole. Overall, Chapter events this year have attracted record attendance while also raising record funds, funds critical to delivering on the DSC mission. 2023 has also brought with it an increased focus on Chapter and DSC Membership. As DSC membership grows, so grows the organization’s impact across all levels of legislative and policy action. Our DSC Chapters now also hold a voting seat on the DSC Board with a representative elected by the Chapters themselves! If you are interested in becoming more involved with DSC Chapters, please contact the DSC office to learn more.
Q:
At the center of your efforts is an education piece to ensure that your constituents and others are well-informed on the topics and initiatives at hand. How do you keep that education focus at the forefront when we live in a time of rabid misinformation?
A:
Education is best served when driven by facts and science, rather than agenda and mis-informed emotion. DSC is committed to educating everyone on the key conservation component that hunting fills, and the undeniable benefits to wildlife habitat and the communities who live and work among wildlife, ensuring that current and future generations understand the important role that legal, regulated hunting plays in conservation. Here in the US, the proven North American Model of Wildlife Conservation provides an excellent example of how science-based management can ensure sustainable wildlife populations for future outdoor enthusiasts.
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Q:
The annual convention in Dallas is incredibly wellattended. What do you think has been the most consistent reason that so many from across the globe have that January date consistently circled?
A:
We are truly blessed as our annual Convention is regarded by many as the premier hunting and conservation convention. The annual DSC Convention & Sporting Expo brings the best in the industry to Dallas each year, including many of the most highly regarded outfitters, firearms manufacturers, equipment companies, artists and more. These DSC Exhibitor Partners greet thousands of the most enthusiastic attendees, eager to book that next great trip of a lifetime. Earlier this year, DSC welcomed ~35,000 such attendees, resulting in arguably the best Convention in DSC’s history – enthusiastically supporting the DSC mission.
Q:
Speaking of the Convention--- approximately 500 volunteers throughout the week— anything you’d like to say about them?
A: Well, this is truly DSC’s “secret sauce”! While DSC has a
very small staff of employees, we proudly boast an absolute ARMY of passionate, dedicated Members who continuously commit their time, skills and resources to the betterment of DSC. The DSC 100 Member Volunteers was established years ago to build a team of 100 volunteers to help deliver the annual DSC Convention. Now with over 500 Member Volunteers, we recognize this special group for giving 100% to ensure the DSC Convention continues to deliver our annual Convention with true southern hospitality.
Q:
Some of your members are able to give great chunks of time and energy to DSC, but there are ways for virtually anyone to help your organization too, yes?
A:
DSC and DSC Foundation, the charitable arm of DSC operating under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, offer endless opportunities for individuals and organizations to become more involved with DSC. Each individual or organization can make a profound difference by offering their time, unique skills and/or resources to advance the mission of DSC. Between our annual Convention, other DSC and DSC Foundation events throughout the year and the many DSC Chapter gatherings each year, there are numerous opportunities for anyone wishing to become more involved. Contributions to DSC Foundation can be done online at www.dscf.org or by contacting the DSC and DSC Foundation office directly.
Q:
Speaking of the network of people involved, what are the various ways that people can experience what DSC is doing for the sporting community as perhaps a precursor to getting more involved?
A:
First, I would personally invite your readers to attend the upcoming 2024 DSC Convention & Sporting Expo, to be held in Dallas, January 11-14, 2024, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Additionally, more information about DSC is available on our website at www.biggame.org, where you can find details regarding our Chapter events and other Member events scheduled throughout the year. Lastly, I would encourage those interested in learning more about DSC to consider joining DSC as a Member. This can be done while on the DSC website and, as part of your membership, you will receive a quarterly issue of Game Trails, DSC’s Member magazine, where you will be able to stay current on Conservation, Education and Advocacy efforts, while also enjoying some great stories from our Members. P+P
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