WINTER 2023
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50 - WINTER 2023 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
From Dallas to the Deserts How DSC’s Corey Mason Brings the Globe Together
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here are many reasons to visit Dallas. The Cotton Bowl, the diverse selection of food, great music, and the arts to name a few. But each January, the Big D plays host to tens of thousands of outdoor, hunting, and conservation enthusiasts who come for the annual experience of the Dallas Safari Club convention. Beyond the countless number of opportunities for attendees to interact with their friends and hunting buddies, they get to engage with the wide variety of brands, vendors, and outfitters who have traveled from around the world to be a part of this event. In the span of the weekend, guests can speak with a leather goods retailer from right there in Texas and talk to a hunting guide who makes his living in the African safari. For those who’ve never been, it is truly a spectacle for the entire family to behold. Each year, seemingly more and more children have come in attendance and are able to get up close with exotic taxidermy and interact with true experts in the field. For most of the show’s attendees, the date is circled on the calendar year after year, and one of the large reasons behind that is DSC leadership’s commitment to making it the best hunting and outdoors expo on the planet. At the head of that leadership tree is Corey Mason, Dallas Safari Club’s CEO. A native Texan, certified biologist, and an accomplished hunter himself, Mason understands the importance of the show not just to show off the best products and programs, but to showcase DSC’s importance in worldwide conservation efforts. The key word there? Worldwide. Far from the
halls of the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, the efforts of DSC are being felt in small communities in Asia, in the green hillsides of Scotland, and into the villages and outposts throughout Africa. The work being done to preserve the traditions of the hunt, support the millions who rely on our sporting lifestyle, and bring up the next generation of hunters and anglers. As CEO of Dallas Safari Club, Mason’s every day is devoted to these important missions, but it extends past just a professional responsibility. For Mason, it’s personal as well. Like many others who have such great appreciation for the outdoors, he wants to ensure that his family and the future generations of it get the opportunity to do the same. While preparing for this year’s DSC Convention, Porch + Prairie spent time with Corey to discuss the upcoming show and his passion for all things outdoors. One thing, however, is that it is hard to convey through written word alone is how important Mason’s work is for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The level of conviction that he speaks with is palpable. The amount of thought and effort that goes into his profession is apparent in every word, and whether it is through organizations like DSC, or his seat on the Board of Directors for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, you get the quick understanding that this is vitally important to Corey Mason. Beyond that, it’s personal, and because it is, those who are a part of DSC and its annual expo, are getting a level of commitment from the very top of the organization that is a sight to see. The results? Well they speak for themselves.
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P+P: Many know about Corey Mason the hunter and (SFA) State University to study Wildlife Management. SFA was a outdoorsman--- what does the world not know about Corey Mason great university and program and focused on applied conservation, ensuring practical experience for working in the field. Upon my that you want to share with us? CM: A couple things to know about me are that I am a Christ graduating from SFA, I went to work for an outfitter in west Texas follower and I have been married to my wonderful wife for over and New Mexico. I guided for elk, deer, and aoudad on a couple 20 years. When we met, my wife was not a hunter and I often say big ranches in Texas and on private and public land in New Mexico. With a desire to continue that the reason she hung my career in conservation around with me was just to and having stayed in touch see my lab, Anna, work. As with my major professor at a family, we spend as much SFA, I returned to SFA to time outdoors as possible, I was so fortunate to have a father that pursue a Master of Science. but with my work schedule took me hunting and fishing every My graduate project was a and a daughter in high collaborative project with school that plays multiple time he could. Further, we also hunted Texas Parks and Wildlife sports, it is a challenge for with my grandfather and my other Department (TPWD), every minute. grandfather farmed and ranched, so and lead to employment P+P: The path to with the agency after I enjoyed lots of time outdoors with becoming the CEO of Dallas graduation. I spent 16+ them as well. Safari Club (DSC) - can you years with TPWD in various describe it for us? roles – management area CM: I was so fortunate to biologist, waterfowl and have a father that took me wetlands biologist, game hunting and fishing every time he could. Further, we also hunted bird program and regional director. My time with TPWD was with my grandfather and my other grandfather farmed and ranched, exceptional and in my roles, I had the opportunity to work with most so I enjoyed lots of time outdoors with them as well. Growing up with conservation organizations in the US, private landowners, other these influences gave me a desire to work with our natural resources. states, USFWS, USFS, NRCS, and other management authorities. I As such, after graduating high school, I went to Stephen F. Austin had the privilege of joining the DSC team in 2017.
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P+P: Texas is a special place for hunters in that there is a plethora of animals to enjoy and a wide variety of country to navigate. What makes the Texas hunting experience so special for you and why its a required bucket list item for the hunter? CM: Texas has a rich history and pride in land conservation and is second to none in hunting opportunities. Being a state that is 95%+ private land, it is very well managed for many species, and thus great hunting. Known for dove, quail, and deer hunting (and fantastic fishing), it is the place that many have grown up hunting and the destination for many others. Having grown up deer hunting in Texas, I have lots of great memories, and those extended to introducing my wife and daughter to the outdoors.
CM: DSC is a conservation organization with international reach. Our membership is about 85% from North America, with the remainder from all over the world. DSC’s Government Affairs Director is in Washington D.C., and we actively work on wildlife policy matters all over the globe. DSC is a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and actively participate in CITES meetings around the world. We have been in Switzerland for CITES Animals Committee meetings this year and will be in Kenya for a CITES Non-Detriment Finding workshop before the end of the year. Further, with DSC working with state agencies and other organizations across North America, we have become a trusted resource for policy development and management planning. So, from testifying in U.S. Congressional hearings to advising on pieces P+P: As a hunting guide, you’ve experienced a lot of this country of upcoming and pending legislation, we are in the middle of it. that is well off the beaten path and interacted with a great cross- Further, DSC and DSC Foundation annually significantly financially section of people in your travels. What was the more rewarding piece support projects and programs around the world thorough grants. of that portion of your life, the people or the land? This year alone, over 30 projects have been supported. CM: It has always been a That P+P: great privilege to be invited international reach takes onto someone’s farm or into account a lot of hot ranch to see their land and button items in a world what they were doing to with varying political, DSC is a conservation organization with manage it, and then be able social, and legislative international reach. Our membership to guide them in achieving views. Does DSC play an their goals in habitat and active role as an evangelist is about 85% from North America, with wildlife management. and thought leader in the remainder from all over the world. Working with land stewards those discussions? DSC’s Government Affairs Director is across the country has been CM: In the last few a great experience. years, DSC has emerged in Washington D.C., and we actively as a leading voice on the work on wildlife policy matters all over P+P: These past few international stage for the globe. years have enabled more policy and conservation people to get out more and matters. We are working enjoy the opportunities within international policy making bodies and more and more--- how has that changed the outlook of organizations like DSC knowing that work directly with a number of foreign governments. Additionally, more people are finally getting exposed to hunting in a way we hadn’t have MOUs with several countries to assist in their conservation programs and efforts. Further, with these relationships we are seen before? CM: With a society that is increasingly urban and with less personal better able to engage the USFWS on international conservation connection to the land, for years the general public’s understanding matters with firsthand experience and knowledge. of the role of hunting in wildlife conservation has been wanning. P+P: A biologist by trade, you have a different pulse on the However, in the last couple years, more people new to the outdoors have bought a renewed interest and thus understanding of hunting. outdoors than does the traditional hunter or outdoor enthusiast. This has resulted in more public support of legal, regulated hunting How has your experience as a biologist and really understanding and increased the desire for people to have personal access to reliable conservation practices helped shape your project list with DSC? CM: DSC has always been a very effective conservation focused and quality food sources – be it venison or fish, the interest has increased. DSC has focused much our public education efforts on organization. I have been fortunate to be able to help guide the engaging the 80% of the population that are non-hunters. We do not conservation and strategic priorities for our growth, and our focus on the 10% that are radically opposed to hunting, because they connectedness in the conservation community continues to grow. are largely unteachable and do not want to know or hear the truths We have focused and grown largely in the international policy about the 1937 Wildlife Restoration Act, how state fish and wildlife arena, knowing the connectivity across forums like CITES to shape conservation policy and thus conservation practices. agencies are funded, principles of carrying capacity, etc. P+P: Those who are familiar with DSC know that it is more than just the annual convention each year, but for those who are newly exposed to the organization, can you put into focus the reach that DSC has?
P+P: Via DSC and some of the other organizations you devote your time to, you are surrounded by a great deal of volunteers who are so passionate about this lifestyle. What can you say about those volunteers and what they mean to DSC’s success?
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CM: DSC’s amazing volunteers are the ‘secret sauce’ of DSC. Each year, we have a huge number of volunteers that take a week or more off work to volunteer at the DSC Convention. They are working on everything, from welcoming our exhibitor partners in the parking areas to delivering a welcomed cup of coffee early in the morning, they make the difference. And with being at DSC six years now, I can honestly say our volunteers serve our exhibitor partners, attendees, sponsors, and other members so earnestly and sincerely. It is very motivating for the DSC staff to have the privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and selfless group of people. They sure inspire me! P+P: Speaking of success, every show seemingly gets better and better each year as it truly is a “must attend” event. Is that something that was a strong focus since you’ve arrived at DSC or has the success of the convention in recent years due to some form of change within the market? CM: DSC certainly benefits from a very loyal following of Convention attendees, and many of those bring someone new with them every year. Additionally, the hospitality at the event, created largely by the incredible volunteers, continues to create a buzz in the industry. The DSC Convention is the must attend event for all things outdoors. P+P: A big misnomer is that DSC is only about hunting, yet with each convention, more and more luxury brands and lifestyle brands are becoming partners. Be it companies like Clint Orms Engravers, Nicholas Air private jets, or Parker Boot Company, you are seeing an influx of these brands be excited about their relationship with DSC. What is it about the convention that brings these brands out to be a part of it? CM: The luxury brands you note are great partners to DSC and really make the DSC Convention an elevated experience. We market the Convention as all things outdoors, and having partners like Nicholas Air helps serve our Convention attendees well. Our attendees vary in what they are looking for, but we have a very high percentage of high-net-worth individuals that enjoy the Convention and support our great exhibitor partners. In turn, these luxury brands are meeting new clients at DSC and maintain relationships with existing clients. It is truly a win, win. P+P: One of the noticeable pieces of the DSC show each year we’ve noticed is how often it involves the whole family, which is a great way to involve the next generations in the outdoors in a great, yet easy-paced setting. Do you see that same trend? CM: We strive to create an event and environment that is welcoming to the entire family. In fact, we look across our exhibitor partner composition each year to ensure that we have something for everyone at the Convention. We offer seminars for the new outdoorsman to the experienced and experiences for young lady hunters (like my daughter) to the adult interested in learning how to get involved. We also provide free admission for children to promote the entire family attending. P+P: What do you feel DSC’s responsibility is to welcome those new to hunting and shooting into the sport, specifically young kids? CM: DSC has been directly engaged in National R3 efforts, with a focus on recruitment. We engage in a number of ways, working at
the national and state level on legislation that gets youth outdoors, support a number of organizations whose sole function is the educate and engage youth in hunting, fishing, etc., and we support youth hunting opportunities throughout the U.S. Additionally, we work to educate these new hunters on the role of the hunter in wildlife conservation and sustainable use principles. P+P: Is there a segment or demographic that you see rapidly rising within the hunting and sporting community? CM: We have seen an increase in adult hunters in both DSC and across the hunting community. These family-based hunters have also brought their children to hunting and are often interested in the health aspect of wild game meat. In the same regard, the fieldto-table movement and desire for organic and high-quality meat has bought a number of new people into hunting. P+P: Do I dare ask the former hunting guide for a very specific map to where I can find the best mule deer in the West, or is that one best left unprinted? CM: I love to hunt mule deer, so those secret spots may only be shared around the campfire… P+P
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