Receiving invitations to shows and conventions is something that I will never take for granted. I appreciate the invites, the ability to cover these events and meet new people. For years, I’ve received an invite to the Safari Club International Convention as a member of the media, but it never piqued my interest. As a die-hard hunter of North American big game, I don’t fancy an African hunt, but this year I decided to quit judging a book by its cover.
The SCI Convention was held January 22-25, 2025 at Music City Center in Nashville, TN. So yeah, it was in my backyard and I needed to go. In my experience, weekends are crazy busy for shows and I usually try to attend during one of the weekdays. That wasn’t going to happen this year, so I showed up at MCC early on Saturday morning to pick up my press badge and walk around. Unlike other shows, media isn’t allowed to walk the floor before paying attendees (a one-day ticket will cost you $150), so I had to wait a short while. This gave me time to walk though the outside-the-floor area, check out the silent auctions and observe the crowd. The silent auctions are packed with great items and while I may not have won anything, it sure was fun window shopping.
SCI may be similar to other conventions and shows, but it is different in a couple ways. First off, there aren’t packs of tactical muscle heads like you’ll find at SHOT Show. Sorry, but not sorry because it’s true. You know the type; tight shirt, muscles, looking like they want to fight everyone. No, at SCI it was a family-friendly, courteous experience. The smiles were contagious! Cowboys and girls, businessmen, huntresses in fur and the list goes on. Second, the layout is similar to other shows, but with more space and at this show you can purchase equipment, apparel and hunts. It pays to take your time and walk as much of the floor as you can as there are deals to be had, giveaways, meet and greets, and raffles.
Allow me to help you visualize the surroundings. Think of a room full of the best taxidermy you’ve ever seen and let your imagination wander. Many pieces are replicas, but there are rhinos, polar bear, crocodiles, elephants, leopard and that’s before you get to see the mule deer and whitetail mounts. We can’t stop there as that is only a small part of what you’ll experience.
Let me talk about the artists! They have a gift and I was mesmerized by more than a few pieces. I stopped so long to stare at a sculpture that Scott Hayes, the artist from Montana, struck up a conversation with me. We talked about his work, hunting in Montana, looked through photos on our phones and went so far as to exchange contact info to talk in the future. The wonderful thing about it was that it was an organic conversation. I believe we would have talked hunting all day if given the time, but we both had work to do.
From knife makers, like Daniel Winkler of Winkler Knives, to safari trips (photographic or hunting), to hunting equipment from Badlands Gear and firearms manufacturers showcasing their wares, you can find just about anything here. I spent time conversing with Daniel Winkler and contemplated which knife of his I would purchase soon. Ben at the Springfield Armory booth spent time answering all of my questions about their new Echelon 4.0C, the 1911 DS Prodigy and my favorite handgun, which they do not make anymore, the TRP in 10mm. The TRP trigger is like butter and the gun handles so well. After our conversation and holding both handguns, I can’t wait to shoot the Echelon and the Echelon 4.0C. My goal now it to find a range where I can test fire both handguns before I buy.
There are also many “celebrities” you might run into, talk hunting with and snap that selfie for the Gram. Jim Shockey, Tom Miranda, Jon Pardi and more were spotted throughout the day on Saturday. The great thing is they are personable and always willing to chat for a few minutes.
Overall, my first impression of the SCI Convention was very positive and I encourage you to attend, at least once. Wear comfy shoes, bring snacks and a full wallet! It’s worthwhile to view the map on the app first, mark the booths you want to visit and utilize it on the show floor. I spent four hours walking around talking to people, but I could easily have spent more. Want to talk to someone about that Australian, African or Canadian hunt you want to go on? Plan to attend next year! This is a mere snippet of what goes on at SCI. There are also award presentations, fundraising dinners and many other evening events that are worthwhile to check out. Be sure to mark your calendar for the next SCI Convention to be held on February 18-21, 2026 back here in Nashville, TN. I’ll see you there!
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