NRA-SCI Connection Runs Rampant at SCI Convention!

by
posted on February 5, 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 (6)

The NRA-SCI connection is so apparent every time I walk the aisles at an SCI show, partly because many of us are members of both organizations and attend both annual conventions, starting with NRA's own Wayne LaPierre. But what caught my eye this time around is that, more than ever, this is where you see many women of the NRA, starting with members of the NRA Women's Leadership Forum (WLF). Not only does this philanthropic and outreach society gather here to celebrate their peers' achievements and a shared passion for the Second Amendment, but the WLF just became the sole presenting sponsor of the prestigious SCI Diana Award, which for the past 20 years has recognized one female leader in the big-game hunting, wildlife conservation and education arena. As for the 2015 Diana Award recipient pictured here—Mary Harter, editor of The Front Sight, an award-winning publication of the Mid-Michigan Chapter of SCI who has hunted five continents, including the Big Five and, most recently a Marco Polo—we'll see her receive the award at SCI's annual Grand Finale banquet Saturday evening. By the way, this long-range hunter is 84 years old and dropped a sheep that was standing a good 600 yards away!

For another NRA-SCI connection, check out the 2015 SCI International Professional Hunter of the Year. Award recipient Kaan KaraKaya, owner of Shikar Safaris in Turkey, had quite a list of recommendations, one of which was written by NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox. KaraKaya, who launched his operation in 1996, worked to open hunting in new destinations including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Iran and Tajikistan. He has also worked to protect multiple endangered animal species, educated more than 100 professional hunters and guides, and established programs granting up to 80 percent of hunting fees to local communities. He has hosted thousands of hunters, including quite a few Weatherby Award winners. More than 80 of Shikar Safaris' trophies are Top 10 in SCI's record book. For another outfitting connection, there's my husband, Phil Phillips, who in 1991 was presented with SCI's Bowhunting Outfitter of the Year for his Phil's Bowhunting Adventures operation in Colorado. Though not many bowhunters were NRA members at that time, Phil understood what NRA did for hunters, regardless of whether one used a gun or a bow, and was a Life member of both NRA and SCI.

Of course, there's a big NRA-SCI connection with NRA Golden Ring of Freedom members Larry and Brenda Potterfield, who I blogged about here earlier this week after they were presented with the inaugural Beretta Conservation Leadership Award. As the owners of MidwayUSA, the Potterfields continue to work wonders in the name of hunting and wildlife conservation.

As I head back to the show floor, I'm enjoying that feeling of synergy as NRA and SCI members are all on the same team. As for the definition of team, I think I like this one best: "Together Everyone Accomplishes More!"

Latest

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.