Safari Club International proudly announces the opening of its 54th Annual Hunters' Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, which began February 18 and runs through February 21 at the Music City Center. The Convention brings together hunters and wildlife conservationists from around the world to celebrate and defend the freedom to hunt.
Convention officially commenced on Wednesday morning with an Opening Ceremony featuring remarks delivered by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, underscoring the state's strong support for hunting, conservation, and outdoor traditions.
"SCI is an organization that protects freedom and liberty in important ways, and I'm grateful for their advocacy. We live in the greatest country in the world, but we have to protect and defend those things that make it such, and SCI is part of that," said Governor Bill Lee. "I'm a long-time lover of the outdoors and of hunting and fishing. Having walked around this event itself, talking to outfitters that are working in regions of the world that I've been to hunt, it reminds me how much I love this place."
Governor Lee was followed by U.S. Representative David Kustoff (R-TN-08), who spoke on the important work SCI's Congressional allies are doing in D.C. to protect the right to hunt.
"A big focus of mine, and frankly, a lot of my other colleagues in Congress, is to make sure that we all have a great place that we can live, work, and hunt, like West Tennessee, where I represent," said U.S. Representative David Kustoff (R-TN-08). "That also means, in part, standing up for responsible gun owners across the country and pushing back on Washington and on government when they try to overreach on your rights, and we've got to work hard for that."
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Executive Director Jason Maxedon also shared the importance of SCI's work with local and state agencies in the Volunteer State and across the U.S.
"One of the missions that you all share with us is the protection of the species that we enjoy hunting. We all share a passion and love for the outdoors, so thank you for your contributions to conservation," Maxedon said. "Conservation doesn't happen without partnerships, and SCI is a great partner to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and to many other state agencies that support wildlife all across the country."
As the largest and most influential gathering of hunters in the world, Convention features more than 900 global exhibitors representing the very best in hunting adventures, gear, and lifestyle. Attendees from across the United States and around the globe will participate in multimillion-dollar conservation auctions, high-level policy briefings, and conservation seminars focused on advancing wildlife management and protecting the future of hunting. Convention will also host exclusive evening galas, concerts, and VIP events that bring together leaders from across the hunting and conservation community.
"Governor Bill Lee launched our first convention in Nashville four years ago, and we've gone on to have the three best conventions in SCI's history," SCI President Jeff Meyerl said. "This year, our fourth year, is absolutely going to break every record we've had over 50 years."
"This Convention annually displays the strength of the hunting community on U.S. soil and abroad," said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. "We look forward to yet another successful week in Nashville as we bring together leaders and advocates from around the world committed to protecting the freedom to hunt and advancing wildlife conservation."
SCI extends its sincere appreciation to the dignitaries and elected officials who champion hunting and conservation and work to protect these longstanding traditions. SCI is also deeply grateful to its members, exhibitors, sponsors, and donors whose continued support and partnership make Convention possible. Their commitment plays a critical role in advancing SCI's mission and ensuring the continued success of this global gathering.