Houston, TX – Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) proudly announces Sadie Lester as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Achievement in Hunting Award: Youth, presented at the 2026 Houston Safari Club Foundation Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention.
The Outstanding Achievement in Hunting Award: Youth recognizes exceptional accomplishments in big game hunting by a young hunter who exemplifies ethical standards, conservation values, and active engagement with HSCF. Eligible recipients must have harvested at least 30 species across two continents, be between 14 and 18 years of age, maintain active HSCF membership in good standing, and demonstrate strong character and ethical hunting practices.
Sadie Lester, a fourth-generation native of the Bryan–College Station area and a third-generation hunter, embodies the traditions, responsibility, and conservation-minded values central to ethical hunting. She began her hunting journey in 2021 at the age of 10, harvesting her first whitetail deer alongside her father—an experience that sparked a deep and lasting passion for the outdoors and wildlife conservation.
In 2023, Sadie reached a significant milestone when she traveled to Africa for the first time. At just 11 years old, she harvested her first Cape buffalo in the same camp where her grandfather, affectionately known as "Papa Jack," had been on his own first African safari. This multigenerational experience reflects the heritage, respect, and shared values that define Sadie's approach to hunting. Among her many accomplishments, Sadie cites the ostrich as her favorite animal harvested, noting both the challenge of the hunt and its cultural significance.
Beyond the field, Sadie is deeply committed to conservation education and humanitarian service. While traveling abroad, she actively participates in outreach efforts supporting local villages through education and community engagement, reinforcing her belief that ethical hunting and conservation are inseparable.
Sadie's leadership extends well beyond hunting. She serves as volleyball captain, cheer captain, and student council president at her school, where she is recognized for her discipline, inclusive leadership style, and strong work ethic. These qualities mirror the responsibility, respect, and accountability she brings to her role as a young hunter.
"Sadie represents exactly what this award was created to honor," said Joe Betar, Executive Director, Houston Safari Club Foundation. "Her achievements in the field, dedication to conservation, service to others, and leadership among her peers make her an outstanding ambassador for the future of ethical hunting."
Looking ahead, Sadie aspires to become a lawyer, with the goal of advocating for conservation, education, and the preservation of hunting traditions for generations to come. She values hunting alongside her family and the lessons passed down through those shared experiences.
Sadie Lester represents the future of ethical hunting—grounded in heritage, driven by education, and committed to conservation and service.
About Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF): HSCF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our outdoor heritage. Each year, HSCF hosts the Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention, uniting hunters, industry leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts in support of meaningful conservation and educational efforts.