SAN ANTONIO — Safari Club International said its 2026 Annual Hunters' Convention saw a 14.4% increase in registered attendees over 2025, with Wednesday turnout up 17.7% from the previous year.
SCI leaders said the growth reflects strong engagement at a time when hunting faces growing legal, regulatory and political challenges. Thousands of hunters, conservation partners, outfitters and industry representatives gathered in Nashville for the four-day event.
"This level of growth reflects the resolve of our members," said Jeff Meyerl, president of Safari Club International. "Hunters understand what is at stake. They are organized, engaged and committed to protecting our heritage and ensuring conservation decisions are guided by science."
The convention, which SCI describes as the world's largest gathering of hunters, featured more than 900 exhibitors, policy briefings, conservation seminars and auctions that help fund the organization's advocacy and wildlife conservation programs.
"The 14.4% growth in registrations and Wednesday attendance shows clear momentum behind SCI's leadership," said W. Laird Hamberlin, the organization's CEO. "As anti-hunting litigation increases and policy battles intensify, our members are showing up. This convention helps support the advocacy infrastructure needed to defend hunting access, protect state wildlife authority and promote sustainable-use conservation around the world."
Funds raised at the convention support SCI's state, federal and international advocacy work, including efforts to defend hunting seasons, support predator management, oppose import bans and challenge litigation-driven wildlife policy.
Organizers said the record growth underscores a shared message: hunters are conservationists prepared to defend the policies that sustain wildlife populations globally.
SCI said it plans to build on the convention's momentum to expand its advocacy and conservation efforts in the coming year.