For more than 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has proudly stood at the forefront of hunting advocacy and wildlife conservation. Known for its dynamic blend of tradition, science-based policy, and grassroots activism, SCI has become the voice for millions of hunters worldwide. This comprehensive article offers an in-depth look into SCI’s multifaceted operations—from its rich founding story and visionary leadership to its vibrant corporate culture, extensive member benefits, exciting events, and groundbreaking conservation initiatives. Join us as we explore how SCI defends the freedom to hunt while promoting a sustainable future for wildlife.
Company Overview
Safari Club International (SCI) is a premier nonprofit organization dedicated to defending the freedom to hunt and promoting sustainable-use wildlife conservation worldwide. Founded in the early 1970s, SCI stands apart as the only hunting rights organization with a Washington, D.C.–based national and international advocacy team, an extensive all-species focus, and a vast network of chapters and affiliate networks representing thousands of hunters.
SCI’s core mission is simple yet powerful: protect access to the wild and ensure that hunting remains part of a balanced, science-based approach to wildlife management. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and regional chapters across the United States and abroad, SCI offers a robust platform where hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts unite. Today, SCI boasts more than 40,000 members and over 150 local chapters and affiliates who work together to safeguard hunting rights while advancing innovative conservation strategies that benefit wildlife and local communities.
SCI is not just about defending the freedom to hunt—it’s also a champion for responsible wildlife stewardship. Through strategic advocacy, educational outreach, and a variety of conservation projects, SCI helps secure public access to hunting lands, supports rural community leadership, and partners with international agencies to promote sustainable use of wildlife resources. This dual commitment to protecting hunting traditions and enhancing conservation practices has helped SCI maintain its reputation as a leader in the global outdoor community.
Company Story & Leadership
Safari Club International was born out of the belief that hunting is not only a cherished tradition but also an essential component of wildlife conservation. The organization traces its roots back to the early 1970s when a group of passionate hunters in Southern California, led by the visionary C.J. McElroy, sought to unite like-minded individuals to defend their rights to hunt. In 1971, the precursor to SCI was formed in Los Angeles, and by 1972, through a unanimous vote at a regular meeting, the club was rebranded as Safari Club International. SCI held its first convention in 1973, marking the beginning of a legacy that would see the organization grow into a global advocate for hunters' rights.
Key Milestones
- Founding and Early Years:
- In 1971, the original club in Los Angeles initiated its journey toward establishing a national identity. The rebranding in 1972 and the inaugural convention in 1973 set the stage for the rapid expansion of SCI.
- In 1971, the original club in Los Angeles initiated its journey toward establishing a national identity. The rebranding in 1972 and the inaugural convention in 1973 set the stage for the rapid expansion of SCI.
- Expansion & International Influence:
- SCI quickly expanded with chapters forming in major U.S. cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Houston. The early founding spirit also led to the establishment of overseas chapters in Europe, helping to shape a global community of hunters.
- SCI quickly expanded with chapters forming in major U.S. cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Houston. The early founding spirit also led to the establishment of overseas chapters in Europe, helping to shape a global community of hunters.
- Legislative Advocacy and Global Defense:
- Over the decades, SCI has championed numerous legislative victories. The organization has successfully defended hunters' rights in courts and contributed to international wildlife policy debates. Notably, SCI has filed amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court and even met with government leaders to discuss critical issues impacting hunting and conservation.
- Over the decades, SCI has championed numerous legislative victories. The organization has successfully defended hunters' rights in courts and contributed to international wildlife policy debates. Notably, SCI has filed amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court and even met with government leaders to discuss critical issues impacting hunting and conservation.
- Modern Milestones:
- In recent years, SCI’s influence has expanded through innovative digital campaigns, an active social media presence, and the mobilization of nearly 150 chapters and affiliate networks to defend hunting rights worldwide. Today, SCI remains a powerful force with a staunch commitment to ensuring that ethical hunting supports conservation initiatives around the globe.
- In recent years, SCI’s influence has expanded through innovative digital campaigns, an active social media presence, and the mobilization of nearly 150 chapters and affiliate networks to defend hunting rights worldwide. Today, SCI remains a powerful force with a staunch commitment to ensuring that ethical hunting supports conservation initiatives around the globe.
Visionary Leadership
Today, SCI is led by a dynamic team that encompasses experienced hunters, celebrated conservationists, and skilled policymakers. The leadership is deeply committed to championing the freedom to hunt while working collaboratively to address complex conservation challenges. Under the guidance of seasoned professionals, SCI’s executive team and board of directors continue to push for progressive changes through legislative advocacy, comprehensive educational programs, and innovative partnerships that drive sustainable wildlife management. This blend of traditional wisdom and modern expertise has enabled SCI to remain not only relevant but also a leader in the evolution of outdoor sports and wildlife conservation.
Corporate Culture & Work Environment
At Safari Club International, the spirit of the hunt is entwined with keen environmental stewardship—a balance that permeates every level of the organization. SCI’s work environment is characterized by an enduring passion for the outdoors, a vibrant community-driven approach, and a commitment to scientific innovation.
- A Community Fueled by Passion
- Every individual at SCI, from its seasoned board members and dedicated staff to the volunteers at local chapters, shares a profound love for the wild. This passion fuels the organization’s energetic atmosphere, where personal experiences in the field translate into collective action for a common cause. The culture at SCI is one of camaraderie and mutual support—values that are essential for confronting the challenges of modern wildlife conservation.
- Every individual at SCI, from its seasoned board members and dedicated staff to the volunteers at local chapters, shares a profound love for the wild. This passion fuels the organization’s energetic atmosphere, where personal experiences in the field translate into collective action for a common cause. The culture at SCI is one of camaraderie and mutual support—values that are essential for confronting the challenges of modern wildlife conservation.
- Grassroots Empowerment
- SCI’s decentralized chapter model is a cornerstone of its corporate structure. With over 150 local chapters spanning the globe, members have a direct hand in influencing local policy, organizing events, and contributing to conservation initiatives that are tailored to regional challenges. This grassroots structure ensures that every project resonates with local needs while benefiting from the larger pool of SCI’s national expertise.
- SCI’s decentralized chapter model is a cornerstone of its corporate structure. With over 150 local chapters spanning the globe, members have a direct hand in influencing local policy, organizing events, and contributing to conservation initiatives that are tailored to regional challenges. This grassroots structure ensures that every project resonates with local needs while benefiting from the larger pool of SCI’s national expertise.
- Blending Tradition with Innovation
- SCI honors the enduring traditions of hunting while embracing modern technological advances and scientific research. Through regular meetings, field workshops, and online training seminars, experienced hunters collaborate with emerging conservation scientists, creating an environment where classical hunting techniques meet the latest in wildlife management strategies. This integration of old and new not only enhances operational effectiveness but also broadens the horizons for all members involved.
- SCI honors the enduring traditions of hunting while embracing modern technological advances and scientific research. Through regular meetings, field workshops, and online training seminars, experienced hunters collaborate with emerging conservation scientists, creating an environment where classical hunting techniques meet the latest in wildlife management strategies. This integration of old and new not only enhances operational effectiveness but also broadens the horizons for all members involved.
- Mentorship and Continuous Learning
- A signature element of SCI’s work culture is the spirit of mentorship. Veteran hunters and conservation advocates often mentor younger members, passing on crucial skills and instilling best practices for sustainable hunting and wildlife management. This commitment to education is evident in SCI’s abundant workshops, seminars, and digital resources that keep members up-to-date on the latest developments in conservation policy and field techniques.
- A signature element of SCI’s work culture is the spirit of mentorship. Veteran hunters and conservation advocates often mentor younger members, passing on crucial skills and instilling best practices for sustainable hunting and wildlife management. This commitment to education is evident in SCI’s abundant workshops, seminars, and digital resources that keep members up-to-date on the latest developments in conservation policy and field techniques.
- Dynamic and Fun
- Finally, SCI’s culture is fun and engaging. From spirited debates on policy issues to friendly competitions at chapter events, the organization infuses every activity with energy and humor. Annual conventions, local gatherings, and even informal online groups create an atmosphere where members can celebrate their shared passion, build lasting relationships, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. This lighthearted spirit of engagement is what makes SCI a beloved organization among hunting enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
Check out the Safari Club International on YouTube!
Membership Benefits & Programs
Joining Safari Club International is more than just obtaining a membership card—it’s becoming part of a worldwide network of passionate hunters and conservation advocates who are determined to defend our natural heritage. SCI offers a range of membership programs designed to meet the diverse interests and commitment levels of its members.
Membership Types & Pricing
SCI provides several tiers of membership, giving prospective members the flexibility to choose the option that best aligns with their engagement level. Although pricing may adjust periodically, typical membership categories include:
- 1-Year Membership:
- Ideal for those seeking to explore what SCI has to offer without a long-term commitment. This membership includes a subscription to SCI’s award-winning SAFARI magazine, a digital and print membership package, and access to local chapter events and record book entry.
- Ideal for those seeking to explore what SCI has to offer without a long-term commitment. This membership includes a subscription to SCI’s award-winning SAFARI magazine, a digital and print membership package, and access to local chapter events and record book entry.
- 3-Year Membership:
- For those ready to commit more deeply, a 3-year membership offers enhanced benefits. Members enjoy all the perks of the 1-year membership along with priority registration for conventions, additional discounts on hunting gear, and exclusive invitations to special events.
- For those ready to commit more deeply, a 3-year membership offers enhanced benefits. Members enjoy all the perks of the 1-year membership along with priority registration for conventions, additional discounts on hunting gear, and exclusive invitations to special events.
- Lifetime Membership:
- For the most devoted supporters, Lifetime Membership provides lifelong benefits. Lifetime members receive permanent recognition, access to exclusive events such as the Lifetime Member Breakfast, special memorabilia, and top-tier discounts not available to other tiers.
- For the most devoted supporters, Lifetime Membership provides lifelong benefits. Lifetime members receive permanent recognition, access to exclusive events such as the Lifetime Member Breakfast, special memorabilia, and top-tier discounts not available to other tiers.
Exclusive Member Benefits & Programs
Members of SCI enjoy a wealth of benefits that enhance every aspect of the hunting experience while directly contributing to conservation efforts. These include:
- Premium Publications:
- Receive regular issues of SAFARI magazine and SAFARI TIMES newspaper, which are packed with engaging hunting stories, conservation updates, expert advice, and insights into legislative developments affecting hunters’ rights.
- Receive regular issues of SAFARI magazine and SAFARI TIMES newspaper, which are packed with engaging hunting stories, conservation updates, expert advice, and insights into legislative developments affecting hunters’ rights.
- Digital Tools and Resources:
- Access interactive digital resources, including online record books for tracking hunting achievements, webinars on wildlife conservation, and cutting-edge training sessions that cover everything from advanced hunting techniques to sustainable habitat management.
- Access interactive digital resources, including online record books for tracking hunting achievements, webinars on wildlife conservation, and cutting-edge training sessions that cover everything from advanced hunting techniques to sustainable habitat management.
- Local Chapter Involvement:
- Participate in a network of over 150 chapters worldwide. These local groups host field events, educational workshops, and social gatherings that allow you to connect with like-minded individuals and witness firsthand the impact of collective conservation efforts.
- Participate in a network of over 150 chapters worldwide. These local groups host field events, educational workshops, and social gatherings that allow you to connect with like-minded individuals and witness firsthand the impact of collective conservation efforts.
- Networking Opportunities:
- Large-scale conventions and regional rallies provide invaluable networking opportunities. Gain insights from industry leaders, legislative advocates, and experienced hunters who share their expertise and celebrate conservation successes.
- Large-scale conventions and regional rallies provide invaluable networking opportunities. Gain insights from industry leaders, legislative advocates, and experienced hunters who share their expertise and celebrate conservation successes.
- Discounts and Perks:
- Benefit from exclusive discounts on hunting gear, outdoor apparel, travel packages, and specialized equipment from SCI’s partner brands. Additionally, SCI’s record book services offer free or discounted entries to help document your achievements.
- Benefit from exclusive discounts on hunting gear, outdoor apparel, travel packages, and specialized equipment from SCI’s partner brands. Additionally, SCI’s record book services offer free or discounted entries to help document your achievements.
- Conservation Impact:
- Your membership fees directly support millions of dollars in habitat protection and wildlife research. SCI’s numerous conservation projects have helped open millions of acres for public hunting and secure vital ecosystems across the globe.
- Your membership fees directly support millions of dollars in habitat protection and wildlife research. SCI’s numerous conservation projects have helped open millions of acres for public hunting and secure vital ecosystems across the globe.
With these comprehensive benefits, SCI membership not only enriches your personal hunting experience but also empowers you to be an active participant in safeguarding wildlife and natural resources.
Unique Events & Gatherings
A hallmark of Safari Club International is its array of engaging events and gatherings that bring together hunters, advocates, and conservation enthusiasts from across the globe. These events serve as a celebration of our hunting heritage and a battleground for the defense of your freedom to hunt.
Annual Conventions and Award Banquets
The SCI Annual Convention is the crown jewel of the organization’s calendar—a multi-day event that gathers thousands of members for a celebration of hunting, conservation, and camaraderie. Highlights of the convention include:
- Awards Banquets:
- These formal evenings honor outstanding hunting achievements, record-setting trophies, and significant contributions to conservation initiatives. Members are recognized for their excellence in the SCI Record Book, which documents and celebrates every achievement.
- These formal evenings honor outstanding hunting achievements, record-setting trophies, and significant contributions to conservation initiatives. Members are recognized for their excellence in the SCI Record Book, which documents and celebrates every achievement.
- Educational Seminars and Workshops:
- Led by renowned experts in wildlife conservation, legislative advocacy, and cutting-edge hunting techniques, these sessions provide hands-on insights and practical tips to improve your skills and deepen your knowledge of sustainable hunting practices.
- Led by renowned experts in wildlife conservation, legislative advocacy, and cutting-edge hunting techniques, these sessions provide hands-on insights and practical tips to improve your skills and deepen your knowledge of sustainable hunting practices.
- Exhibitor Halls and Vendor Showcases:
- From innovative hunting gear to advanced conservation products, the convention features an extensive range of exhibits and products that give you a first look at the state-of-the-art tools designed to enhance your hunting adventures.
- From innovative hunting gear to advanced conservation products, the convention features an extensive range of exhibits and products that give you a first look at the state-of-the-art tools designed to enhance your hunting adventures.
Local Chapter Meetings and Regional Rallies
SCI’s grassroots strength is championed by its extensive local chapter network. These regional groups host a variety of events that provide an intimate setting for members to foster connections and support local conservation efforts. Such events include:
- Community Conservation Projects:
- Local chapters organize hands-on projects such as habitat improvement initiatives, food plot installations, and public access enhancements that directly benefit your local elk, deer, or small game populations.
- Local chapters organize hands-on projects such as habitat improvement initiatives, food plot installations, and public access enhancements that directly benefit your local elk, deer, or small game populations.
- Social and Networking Gatherings:
- Informal get-togethers, barbecues, and field days offer the perfect opportunity to share your hunting stories, exchange valuable tips, and build lasting friendships with fellow enthusiasts.
- Informal get-togethers, barbecues, and field days offer the perfect opportunity to share your hunting stories, exchange valuable tips, and build lasting friendships with fellow enthusiasts.
- Regional Competitions and Raffles:
- Fun competitions like record book challenges, bugling contests, and themed raffles add an exciting edge to fundraising efforts, ensuring that every event is both meaningful and memorable.
- Fun competitions like record book challenges, bugling contests, and themed raffles add an exciting edge to fundraising efforts, ensuring that every event is both meaningful and memorable.
Digital Engagement and Virtual Events
Embracing modern technology, SCI also offers a range of virtual events and interactive digital platforms designed to keep you connected regardless of your location. These sessions include:
- Webinars and Online Workshops:
- Participate in real-time digital conferences led by experts covering current issues affecting hunting rights, wildlife management, and conservation strategies.
- Participate in real-time digital conferences led by experts covering current issues affecting hunting rights, wildlife management, and conservation strategies.
- Virtual Record Book and Awards Competitions:
- Engage with fellow members on SCI’s online platforms as you track your achievements, share your milestones, and compete for recognition on a digital leaderboard.
- Engage with fellow members on SCI’s online platforms as you track your achievements, share your milestones, and compete for recognition on a digital leaderboard.
Together, these events and gatherings ensure that SCI remains a dynamic, interactive community, offering ample opportunities for learning, networking, and celebrating the passion for ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
Conservation Efforts
At the core of Safari Club International’s mission is a steadfast commitment to conservation. SCI’s efforts in this arena are comprehensive and multifaceted, reaffirming the organization’s belief that hunting and conservation go hand in hand. Here are some of the primary ways SCI makes a measurable impact:
Governmental and Legislative Advocacy
SCI has built a formidable reputation as an advocate of hunters' rights and wildlife conservation policies. Its Washington, D.C.–based advocacy team works around the clock to:
- Protect Hunting Rights:
- Representing millions of hunters, SCI actively lobbies for key legislative reforms that secure public access to hunting lands, defend traditional hunting practices, and oppose policies that would undermine the freedom to hunt.
- Representing millions of hunters, SCI actively lobbies for key legislative reforms that secure public access to hunting lands, defend traditional hunting practices, and oppose policies that would undermine the freedom to hunt.
- Influence Policy Decisions:
- Through strategic partnerships and direct engagement with lawmakers, SCI champions bills and regulations that lead to effective wildlife management and conservation funding. Their advocacy work has led to significant victories over the years, supporting everything from predator management to sustainable use of game species.
- Through strategic partnerships and direct engagement with lawmakers, SCI champions bills and regulations that lead to effective wildlife management and conservation funding. Their advocacy work has led to significant victories over the years, supporting everything from predator management to sustainable use of game species.
Global Wildlife Conservation Initiatives
SCI’s commitment to conservation extends beyond American borders. The organization works internationally to:
- Partner with Conservation Organizations:
- SCI collaborates with numerous wildlife agencies, research institutions, and international NGOs to develop and implement biodiversity projects that enhance habitat preservation and sustainable use across continents.
- SCI collaborates with numerous wildlife agencies, research institutions, and international NGOs to develop and implement biodiversity projects that enhance habitat preservation and sustainable use across continents.
- Support Science-Based Research:
- By funding and supporting cutting-edge scientific studies, SCI helps develop best practices in wildlife management. This research informs the organization’s policy development and conservation strategies, ensuring that its projects are grounded in proven ecological principles.
- By funding and supporting cutting-edge scientific studies, SCI helps develop best practices in wildlife management. This research informs the organization’s policy development and conservation strategies, ensuring that its projects are grounded in proven ecological principles.
Grassroots Conservation Projects
As one of the most influential hunting rights organizations, SCI’s local chapters are the beating heart of its conservation efforts. Meeting the needs of their communities, these chapters:
- Execute Local Restoration Initiatives:
- From establishing food plots and restoring native vegetation to creating new public access trails, local chapters lead hands-on projects that directly improve wildlife habitats.
- From establishing food plots and restoring native vegetation to creating new public access trails, local chapters lead hands-on projects that directly improve wildlife habitats.
- Educate the Next Generation:
- Through outreach programs and mentorship opportunities, chapters inspire young hunters and community members to embrace conservation ethics, ensuring that the legacy of ethical hunting endures for future generations.
- Through outreach programs and mentorship opportunities, chapters inspire young hunters and community members to embrace conservation ethics, ensuring that the legacy of ethical hunting endures for future generations.
Sponsorships and Collaborative Programs
SCI’s conservation efforts are amplified by its sister organization, the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF), which focuses on wildlife conservation, outdoor education, and humanitarian services. SCIF:
- Funds Research and Field Projects:
- By channeling the generosity of SCI members and donors, SCIF supports conservation projects that have restored millions of acres of habitat, from North America to Africa and beyond.
- By channeling the generosity of SCI members and donors, SCIF supports conservation projects that have restored millions of acres of habitat, from North America to Africa and beyond.
- Hosts International Conservation Forums:
- These platforms bring together hunters, scientists, policy experts, and community leaders to address pressing wildlife challenges and devise strategies for global conservation efforts.
- These platforms bring together hunters, scientists, policy experts, and community leaders to address pressing wildlife challenges and devise strategies for global conservation efforts.
Together, these comprehensive conservation strategies ensure that SCI not only defends the freedom to hunt but also actively preserves the natural world for the benefit of all.
Contact Information
Safari Club International welcomes inquiries from prospective members, partners, and anyone interested in learning more about its mission to defend hunters' rights and promote global wildlife conservation. Here’s how you can connect with SCI:
- Website:
- Mailing Address:
- Safari Club International 654 Richland Hills Dr, Suite 160 San Antonio, TX 78245, USA
- Safari Club International 654 Richland Hills Dr, Suite 160 San Antonio, TX 78245, USA
- Phone:
- Reach SCI’s membership services at +1 (888) 486-8724 (or check the website for updated contact numbers).
- Reach SCI’s membership services at +1 (888) 486-8724 (or check the website for updated contact numbers).
- Email:
- For general inquiries, use the contact form on the website or email the dedicated member services team as directed on the “Contact Us” page.
- For general inquiries, use the contact form on the website or email the dedicated member services team as directed on the “Contact Us” page.
- Social Media:
- Connect with SCI on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for real-time updates, engaging stories, and event announcements.
- Connect with SCI on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for real-time updates, engaging stories, and event announcements.
- Local Chapters:
- To find a chapter near you, use the chapter locator on the SCI website. Local chapters provide opportunities for grassroots engagement and direct involvement in regional conservation projects and defense initiatives.
Call to Action
Imagine a future where the wild is accessible to all who cherish it—where ethical hunting rights are defended at every corner of the globe and wildlife conservation is a shared responsibility for future generations. Safari Club International stands as the guardian of these values, transforming passion into action and policy into protection.
Join Safari Club International Today!
- Become a Vital Part of the Movement:
- With your membership, you play an essential role in defending the freedom to hunt, advancing critical conservation projects, and promoting sustainable use of wildlife resources. Every dollar you contribute empowers SCI to maintain its influential advocacy work, protect public lands, and secure access for hunters.
- With your membership, you play an essential role in defending the freedom to hunt, advancing critical conservation projects, and promoting sustainable use of wildlife resources. Every dollar you contribute empowers SCI to maintain its influential advocacy work, protect public lands, and secure access for hunters.
- Connect with a Global Community:
- Join a network of over 40,000 hunters and outdoor enthusiasts spanning more than 150 chapters around the world. Share your passion at national conventions, local meetups, and via cutting-edge digital platforms that connect you with fellow conservationists.
- Join a network of over 40,000 hunters and outdoor enthusiasts spanning more than 150 chapters around the world. Share your passion at national conventions, local meetups, and via cutting-edge digital platforms that connect you with fellow conservationists.
- Enjoy Exclusive Member Benefits:
- Access premium publications, digital resources, exclusive discounts on hunting gear, and one-of-a-kind events that celebrate the legacy of the hunt. Your membership enriches not only your outdoor adventures but also your understanding of wildlife management and sustainable practices.
- Access premium publications, digital resources, exclusive discounts on hunting gear, and one-of-a-kind events that celebrate the legacy of the hunt. Your membership enriches not only your outdoor adventures but also your understanding of wildlife management and sustainable practices.
- Make a Real Impact on Conservation:
- Help fund groundbreaking research, habitat restoration projects, and legislative initiatives that ensure our natural heritage continues to prosper. Your active involvement today shapes the wild landscapes of tomorrow.
- Help fund groundbreaking research, habitat restoration projects, and legislative initiatives that ensure our natural heritage continues to prosper. Your active involvement today shapes the wild landscapes of tomorrow.
Now is the time to stand up for your rights and the great outdoors. Embrace the challenge, protect the legacy, and be a driving force for conservation. Join Safari Club International and contribute to a future where hunting freedom thrives and our wilderness remains a vibrant and sustainable legacy for all.
Last updated November 2025
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It may include personal opinions, user-generated input, or material created with the assistance of AI tools, and is not intended as professional advice of any kind. Tier 1 Sportsmen does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Always verify any hunting, safety, gear, or health-related information with qualified experts, and check all local laws and regulations before participating in any hunting activity. This site may contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We believe that this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of the material in accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107. For full details, please review our Disclaimer.