SCI Convention Set to Draw 25,000 Hunters to Las Vegas, Feb. 4-7

by
posted on February 3, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sci_ah2015_fs.jpg

Safari Club International's 43rd Annual Hunters' Convention doesn't even start until tomorrow, but the joint is already jumping. With 1,100 exhibitors from six continents and 33 countries setting up 2,197 booths at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino as I type this, the event is once again gearing up to be "the ultimate hunter's marketplace." My husband, Phil, and I just got our media badges and look forward to walking the aisles here in Las Vegas, Feb. 4-7, with 25,000 of our closest hunting buddies!

The SCI Convention directory highlights 559 guides and outfitters, 32 gear manufacturers, 29 booking agents and 55 world renowned wildlife artists alone in addition to countless firearm, archery, ammunition and optics manufacturers and even makers of wildlife-themed home furnishings and jewelry. And did I mention the 100-plus taxidermy booths? I just got a sneak peek at some of the world-class animal mounts being rolled into the exhibit hall—everything from monster whitetails and Western big game to African plains game, sheep species from around the world and, last but not least, an elephant. Have you ever considered what's involved in transporting a life-sized African elephant mount? As you might guess, it takes many sets of hands!

And by the way, the 2015 SCI Convention is a really big show—literally—considering the convention floor spans 572,000 square feet!

Latest

Herman Shooting Encore Pro Hunter
Herman Shooting Encore Pro Hunter

#SundayGunday: Thompson/Center Arms Encore ProHunter

On this week's #SundayGunday, we check out the T/C Encore ProHunter. It is a stainless steel, break-action, interchangeable barrel, single-shot rifle, that can be fitted with any number of barrels, from centerfire to muzzleloader. On the centerfires, it has a 26-inch heavy fluted barrel with a muzzle threaded to add a brake or silencer. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Alligator Hunting Opportunities Are Expanding

This year, both Florida and Louisiana are expanding or introducing new opportunities for alligator hunts. For decades, Florida has estimated that there are over one million in the state—it is, of course, hard to count alligators. Louisiana now says its alligator population exceeds three million. The two states have managed their alligator populations very differently over the last half century, but now both are expanding hunting opportunities to help manage alligator populations.

Equipment to Film and Shoot Like the Pros

Curious how the pros get such great shots of their hunts? Check out some of the equipment they use to make sure their hunts look as smooth on camera as they go in the field.

First Look: Tuo Ballistic Storm

Tuo's Ballistic StormJacket and Pant are a field-proven solution for hunters who prioritize reliability in the face of volatile weather. The foundation of Ballistic Storm is its sophisticated three-layer polyurethane (PU) laminated polyester fabric, which serves as the core of the proprietary H-Tuo waterproof and windproof breathable membrane system.

Ruger and Beretta Reach Agreement

Ruger and Beretta Holding—two of the most beloved names in the hunting industry—reached a strategic cooperation agreement last week. Officials from both companies said the terms were mutually beneficial. Read on for the details.

Hardware Review: Taurus Raging Hunter 350 Legend

Check out Frank Melloni's Hardware review of this dedicated hunting handgun from Taurus.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.