What does SCI stand for, anyway?
A gal asked me while on a hike, “what does SCI on your shirt stand for?” Well, two weeks ago, I reported to you on the National Archery in the Schools Program coming to the Middle and High Schools of Norwich. Twenty-five percent of the private donations to fund the program came from the Adirondack-Catskill Chapter of Safari Club International. So, I thought I'd devote this week’s column to ACSCI and let my readers know what they are all about..certainly more than you ever imagined.
Safari Club International (SCI) started in 1972 when a group from Los Angeles met with hunters from Chicago and formed the International. Mostly then it was just big-game hunters getting together to share stories and exchange experiences. As hunters are the oldest conservationists, this aspect was brought into the group and they expanded into other areas involving the sport. Today, SCI has over 55,000 members in 190 chapters worldwide, involved with educational, humanitarian and conservation issues around the globe.
Anyhow, back about 10 years ago, I attended an ACSCI banquet/fundraiser at the old Cathedral Farms in Oneonta. It was a nice time, but there were some issues. I let my feelings be known to Larry Steiner, president of the chapter. He sent me an email back and said, “why not join and help make things better.”
I did.
Over the years I have been witness to, or involved first hand with many of the ACSCI projects. While the International's main missions are 1, preserving the rights of hunters and 2, promoting wildlife conservation worldwide, our local chapter, plays a very important role locally, regionally and state\wide, as well as globally. There have been many projects they have been involved in over the years.
Conservation projects completed locally:
*Provided materials and backhoe service to build a footbridge on the FLT in Bowman Lake State Park
* Five hundred bluebird houses were donated to schools in Poland, Oneonta, New Hartford, Sherburne and Rogers Environmental Center.
* Providing farmers with seed corn for four years at a cost of $5/bag. Corn provides food for wildlife. Today seed corn is usually $150-$300/bag.
* Built a boardwalk along the Utica Marsh.
* Donated two robotic deer to the NYS DEC to thwart poaching.
Nearby education projects that ASCSI has funded:
*Sponsoring Hunter Safety Education and Trapper Safety Education classes.
*Sponsored 16 teachers to date to American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) in Jackson, Wyo.
*Sponsor one or two students every year to attend AWLS in Jackson, Wyo.
*Funded the first National Archery in the Schools Program, Franklin Schools, Delaware County.
*Major donor to the National Archery in the Schools Program in the Norwich NY Middle and High Schools.
*Send kids to NYSDEC Youth Camps each summer.
*Youth Day at Rockdale Rod and Gun Club sponsor. Providing over $4000 in gear and prizes for over four years.
A few of the humanitarian services provided:
*Supported the Annual Bowman Lake Youth Fishing Derby on July 4 for many years.
*Ship hygiene and medical supplies to Africa via the Blue Bag Program.
*Support the CANY Venison Donation program annually.
*Provided wheelchairs for the handicapped through the Safari Wheels program.
*Through the Special Hunter Program they have sent disadvantaged, disabled and terminally ill youth, men and women on hunts throughout the world.
*Started the “Hunt for Warriors” program to provide hunting opportunities for our US Military Veterans. Four hunts have been provided to date.
As I said, these are only a few of the programs and projects that ACSCI has been involved in. Financially, its contributions to groups like the Friends of NRA, the NRA Endowment, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, Cornell Cooperative 4H Shooting Program and even the Chenango County Republican Committee have added up to over $200,000 since its inception.
ACSCI raises most of its money at its annual banquet, held every spring at the Holiday Inn in Oneonta. Throughout the year there are various raffles conducted to help along with the giving effort. While every fundraising banquet, no matter the organization, is about raising money. At the last ACSCI banquet, “giving something back” was certainly the theme. Indeed, three combat-wounded soldiers were provided with hunts to Texas, Saskatchewan, and South Africa by generous outfitters. ACSCI picked up the airfare tab for these men and several taxidermists stepped to the plate to donate their services for mounting the trophies these guys would bring back.
Another fellow won a gun that listed around $1,200. He generously donated it to a young fellow who will be out hunting with it this fall. I remember my first gun, an Ithaca Model 66 20-gauge shotgun. I think it cost $75. This is one lucky kid, thanks to another generous ACSCI member.
I was lucky enough to win a few nice prizes at the ACSCI banquet, including a 10-day African Safari valued at $7,000. Having a full plate of work, writing, and trips planned out this year and in the giving spirit, I donated the trip to Brooke Guernsey. Brooke is 16 and will be heading on her first African safari with her dad later this summer.
Another great give-back is through the SCI Blue Bag program. Hunters headed to far off parts of the world take along a big blue duffel filled with all sorts of items we here in the States take for granted. Since 2005, participants from all the SCI chapters have reported taking 1,331 "Blue Bags" overseas. Shipping these bags would cost hundreds of dollars apiece, and filling each bag would cost anywhere from $150 to $300. But by taking it along as baggage, the fees are much less. They are filled by individual members with medical, educational, hygiene and other relief supplies, clothing and toys, which are then taken to remote areas of the world by hunters who have planned hunts in these regions. The supplies are delivered directly to villages, clinics, schools and orphanages for villagers, doctors, teachers and caregivers to utilize. The chapter reimburses the hunter for the money he/she spends filling the bags.
Of course, I would be remiss to not mention the big part ASCSI plays in the Annual Youth Day at Rockdale Rod and Gun Club. Members donate time. The chapter donates money and equipment and Rockdale R&G donates the facility and lunch for an outdoor education day that sees about 100 kids attend each year.
The most recent addition to ACSCI has been the start of the SABLES group. Sables evolved from a group of women dedicated to supporting outdoor education programs that promote conservation and the positive role of hunting. All funds raised by Sables are dedicated to education programs. Sables are a recognized leader in outdoor education. They recognize the future of the shooting sports and hunting rests with today’s youth. Their efforts are directed toward recruiting educators, youth group leaders, and young people to the conservation science program at the American Wilderness Leadership Schools in Wyoming. Sables meet new people, have a great time, raise money for education programs, and enjoy the personal satisfaction that comes from making a difference.
The blueprint is simple: fun, food, new friends, volunteering and fund raising for their programs, projects and mission by using a combination of events, auctions, and other activities. The spirit of the entire membership, entirely different from what others seem to conjure up when they hear the words Safari Club International. Many seem to relate to the image of some rich trophy hunter who bags his quarry, cuts off the horns, and flies home in his private jet. Nothing could be further from the truth with the members of ACSCI. Mostly all working stiffs like you and me. Guys and gals who have scrimped and saved to go on the hunt of a lifetime. And as for leaving game in the woods, well, every animal that is taken in Africa is given to the village for food. In Alaska, the law is that the meat must be taken out of the woods before the horns. ACSCI's Code of Ethics truly honors the game we pursue.
Contact Larry Steiner, President at 607-988-6334 (www.adirondackcatskillsci.com) for more information. Monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month except January and August and alternate between Christopher's in Oneonta and the American Legion in Cold Brook. Tell him George sent you!
–––
On the Albany Front: The New York Daily News reported that Gov. Cuomo said he has no problem giving economic development funding to New York gun makers that have opposed a bill for microstamping that he wants to see passed. "I don't think (the state) should be in a position of funding or not funding based on my political position on microstamping," said the governor, according to the Daily News. The newspaper reported that the Empire State Development Corp. has awarded more than $6 million to Remington and Kimber since 2009 to upgrade their plants. The article added that Gov. Cuomo was not optimistic that microstamping legislation would be passed before the current legislative session ends.
Additionally, Bill A380/S725 would require the mandatory lock up of all guns. While at first this seems to make some sense, consider the burglar, rapist, thug wielding a weapon and breaking into your house in the middle of the night. Do you request the perp to “hold on while I find the key to the gun cabinet!” Another feel-good piece of legislation that takes away more of our liberties and rights. The downstaters are once again forcing solutions to their problems on the entire state. A quick check through Google showed some interesting statistics that more kids are injured and killed by chemicals under your sink than are by guns. So what’s next, locks on your cupboards? You can't legislate common sense!
I spoke with Sens. Libous and Seward and both assured me neither of these bills will get out of the senate. Thank you senators!
For questions or comments on this column, contact Franke at george_franke@yahoo.com.
Safari Club International (SCI) started in 1972 when a group from Los Angeles met with hunters from Chicago and formed the International. Mostly then it was just big-game hunters getting together to share stories and exchange experiences. As hunters are the oldest conservationists, this aspect was brought into the group and they expanded into other areas involving the sport. Today, SCI has over 55,000 members in 190 chapters worldwide, involved with educational, humanitarian and conservation issues around the globe.
Anyhow, back about 10 years ago, I attended an ACSCI banquet/fundraiser at the old Cathedral Farms in Oneonta. It was a nice time, but there were some issues. I let my feelings be known to Larry Steiner, president of the chapter. He sent me an email back and said, “why not join and help make things better.”
I did.
Over the years I have been witness to, or involved first hand with many of the ACSCI projects. While the International's main missions are 1, preserving the rights of hunters and 2, promoting wildlife conservation worldwide, our local chapter, plays a very important role locally, regionally and state\wide, as well as globally. There have been many projects they have been involved in over the years.
Conservation projects completed locally:
*Provided materials and backhoe service to build a footbridge on the FLT in Bowman Lake State Park
* Five hundred bluebird houses were donated to schools in Poland, Oneonta, New Hartford, Sherburne and Rogers Environmental Center.
* Providing farmers with seed corn for four years at a cost of $5/bag. Corn provides food for wildlife. Today seed corn is usually $150-$300/bag.
* Built a boardwalk along the Utica Marsh.
* Donated two robotic deer to the NYS DEC to thwart poaching.
Nearby education projects that ASCSI has funded:
*Sponsoring Hunter Safety Education and Trapper Safety Education classes.
*Sponsored 16 teachers to date to American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) in Jackson, Wyo.
*Sponsor one or two students every year to attend AWLS in Jackson, Wyo.
*Funded the first National Archery in the Schools Program, Franklin Schools, Delaware County.
*Major donor to the National Archery in the Schools Program in the Norwich NY Middle and High Schools.
*Send kids to NYSDEC Youth Camps each summer.
*Youth Day at Rockdale Rod and Gun Club sponsor. Providing over $4000 in gear and prizes for over four years.
A few of the humanitarian services provided:
*Supported the Annual Bowman Lake Youth Fishing Derby on July 4 for many years.
*Ship hygiene and medical supplies to Africa via the Blue Bag Program.
*Support the CANY Venison Donation program annually.
*Provided wheelchairs for the handicapped through the Safari Wheels program.
*Through the Special Hunter Program they have sent disadvantaged, disabled and terminally ill youth, men and women on hunts throughout the world.
*Started the “Hunt for Warriors” program to provide hunting opportunities for our US Military Veterans. Four hunts have been provided to date.
As I said, these are only a few of the programs and projects that ACSCI has been involved in. Financially, its contributions to groups like the Friends of NRA, the NRA Endowment, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, Cornell Cooperative 4H Shooting Program and even the Chenango County Republican Committee have added up to over $200,000 since its inception.
ACSCI raises most of its money at its annual banquet, held every spring at the Holiday Inn in Oneonta. Throughout the year there are various raffles conducted to help along with the giving effort. While every fundraising banquet, no matter the organization, is about raising money. At the last ACSCI banquet, “giving something back” was certainly the theme. Indeed, three combat-wounded soldiers were provided with hunts to Texas, Saskatchewan, and South Africa by generous outfitters. ACSCI picked up the airfare tab for these men and several taxidermists stepped to the plate to donate their services for mounting the trophies these guys would bring back.
Another fellow won a gun that listed around $1,200. He generously donated it to a young fellow who will be out hunting with it this fall. I remember my first gun, an Ithaca Model 66 20-gauge shotgun. I think it cost $75. This is one lucky kid, thanks to another generous ACSCI member.
I was lucky enough to win a few nice prizes at the ACSCI banquet, including a 10-day African Safari valued at $7,000. Having a full plate of work, writing, and trips planned out this year and in the giving spirit, I donated the trip to Brooke Guernsey. Brooke is 16 and will be heading on her first African safari with her dad later this summer.
Another great give-back is through the SCI Blue Bag program. Hunters headed to far off parts of the world take along a big blue duffel filled with all sorts of items we here in the States take for granted. Since 2005, participants from all the SCI chapters have reported taking 1,331 "Blue Bags" overseas. Shipping these bags would cost hundreds of dollars apiece, and filling each bag would cost anywhere from $150 to $300. But by taking it along as baggage, the fees are much less. They are filled by individual members with medical, educational, hygiene and other relief supplies, clothing and toys, which are then taken to remote areas of the world by hunters who have planned hunts in these regions. The supplies are delivered directly to villages, clinics, schools and orphanages for villagers, doctors, teachers and caregivers to utilize. The chapter reimburses the hunter for the money he/she spends filling the bags.
Of course, I would be remiss to not mention the big part ASCSI plays in the Annual Youth Day at Rockdale Rod and Gun Club. Members donate time. The chapter donates money and equipment and Rockdale R&G donates the facility and lunch for an outdoor education day that sees about 100 kids attend each year.
The most recent addition to ACSCI has been the start of the SABLES group. Sables evolved from a group of women dedicated to supporting outdoor education programs that promote conservation and the positive role of hunting. All funds raised by Sables are dedicated to education programs. Sables are a recognized leader in outdoor education. They recognize the future of the shooting sports and hunting rests with today’s youth. Their efforts are directed toward recruiting educators, youth group leaders, and young people to the conservation science program at the American Wilderness Leadership Schools in Wyoming. Sables meet new people, have a great time, raise money for education programs, and enjoy the personal satisfaction that comes from making a difference.
The blueprint is simple: fun, food, new friends, volunteering and fund raising for their programs, projects and mission by using a combination of events, auctions, and other activities. The spirit of the entire membership, entirely different from what others seem to conjure up when they hear the words Safari Club International. Many seem to relate to the image of some rich trophy hunter who bags his quarry, cuts off the horns, and flies home in his private jet. Nothing could be further from the truth with the members of ACSCI. Mostly all working stiffs like you and me. Guys and gals who have scrimped and saved to go on the hunt of a lifetime. And as for leaving game in the woods, well, every animal that is taken in Africa is given to the village for food. In Alaska, the law is that the meat must be taken out of the woods before the horns. ACSCI's Code of Ethics truly honors the game we pursue.
Contact Larry Steiner, President at 607-988-6334 (www.adirondackcatskillsci.com) for more information. Monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month except January and August and alternate between Christopher's in Oneonta and the American Legion in Cold Brook. Tell him George sent you!
–––
On the Albany Front: The New York Daily News reported that Gov. Cuomo said he has no problem giving economic development funding to New York gun makers that have opposed a bill for microstamping that he wants to see passed. "I don't think (the state) should be in a position of funding or not funding based on my political position on microstamping," said the governor, according to the Daily News. The newspaper reported that the Empire State Development Corp. has awarded more than $6 million to Remington and Kimber since 2009 to upgrade their plants. The article added that Gov. Cuomo was not optimistic that microstamping legislation would be passed before the current legislative session ends.
Additionally, Bill A380/S725 would require the mandatory lock up of all guns. While at first this seems to make some sense, consider the burglar, rapist, thug wielding a weapon and breaking into your house in the middle of the night. Do you request the perp to “hold on while I find the key to the gun cabinet!” Another feel-good piece of legislation that takes away more of our liberties and rights. The downstaters are once again forcing solutions to their problems on the entire state. A quick check through Google showed some interesting statistics that more kids are injured and killed by chemicals under your sink than are by guns. So what’s next, locks on your cupboards? You can't legislate common sense!
I spoke with Sens. Libous and Seward and both assured me neither of these bills will get out of the senate. Thank you senators!
For questions or comments on this column, contact Franke at george_franke@yahoo.com.
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