There’s a first time and a place for everything, and in February, it was time for my first visit to Safari Club International’s convention at the Music City Center in Nashville. It was kind of a last-minute trip. A friend has mentioned the event for years, and it just so happened that my schedule was free, so she encouraged me to attend and stay with her. She always said SCI was unlike any trade show/convention I’ve ever attended before, and heck, it’s in Nashville, one of my favorite places to visit.
Before I went, I looked up some information about SCI. Even though I’ve known about it since I started in the industry over 15 years ago, I wanted to find out more. SCI is the only hunting-rights group with both U.S. and international advocacy teams in Washington, D.C. It leads efforts to protect hunting rights and conservation worldwide, focusing on all species.
The 2026 convention featured over 950 global exhibitors, over 114 countries and over 15,000 attendees (85% of whom travel internationally for hunting) from the US and around the world. I lived vicariously through Facebook, watching posts about exclusive evening galas, concerts, and VIP events. Oh, and then there’s the online auctions, some of which included:
- 9-day, 1×1 guided Coastal Brown Bear hunt aboard the expedition Yacht “Alaskan Grandeur” for one hunter.
- Once-in-a-lifetime 22-day safari donation from The Republic of Zambia guided by SCI International Professional Hunter of the Year 2026, Johnny du Plooy.
- 7 Day Alaska Luxury Yacht-Based Mountain Goat Hunt with Field Ethos Journal and Donald Trump Jr.
As my friend mentioned, the trade show floor was unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Sure, there were the obvious items you would expect: firearms and accessories, clothing and hunting gear. However, it was the various accents I heard while perusing the aisles that immediately caught my attention. They came from booths full of breathtaking photos of landscapes and stunning hunting lodges.
Then there’s the mounts. WOW! I have never seen so many displays. Aside from recognizing how beautiful they were, I kept thinking, “How much could it possibly cost to ship all of them?” From elephants and giraffes to numerous antlered and horned animals and more.
As you may imagine, there were numerous taxidermy exhibits and custom taxidermy display options, including one with a sign that read, “Do you need a proper display for your real rhino horns?”
I also found another unique alternative at the J. Greenwood Luggage and Leather booth. Greenwood, a leather artist, collaborates with clients to create purposeful commissioned pieces from trophy hides brought home from the hunt. Some of the items include luggage, field bars, gun cases and other leather goods. The Huntsman Studio pieces are built one at a time and are absolutely gorgeous.
One part of the SCI Convention that impressed me was the women of SCI’s efforts to welcome others into their circle. Some of the events held at the staffed Women Go Hunt booth included an industry meet-and-greet and a meet-and-greet with the SCI Diana Award winners. These offered the perfect opportunity for women to ask questions, share and learn more about SCI from female hunters.
Another aspect of the SCI Convention I’m not used to seeing at other shows was the luxurious furs, artwork, sculptures, fabulous jewelry and a conestoga. Yep, you read that right. Conestoga Wagon Company. displayed its Conestoga Lux Wagon on the show floor. Talk about glamping!
With an interior height of 8 feet, the movable wagon had a full bathroom, a king bed, air conditioning, heat, RV hookups and so much more. Imagine this on a piece of property or pulling up to your favorite campground. I would have to purchase a Laura Ingalls-style bonnet if I owned one.
I’ll admit I was a bit awestruck attending Safari Club International’s convention as a first-timer. If I have the opportunity to attend again, I will definitely download the app. There were numerous seminars and booth meet-ups I wish I had experienced. Even though this isn’t my world … yet … I’d love to learn more about SCI and other conservation groups that support and preserve our hunting rights in the US and worldwide.