SCI vs DSC

[NickyMaz]

I have been wondering this for a while, what is the difference between Safari Club International and the Dallas Safari Club? Both are conservation and hunter advocacy groups but is one better than the other? What do they actually do to support wildlife and hunting? If one is looking to join one of the groups which one would you support?

Thanks for the help.

 

[James.Grage]

Hi Nicky,

I belong to both organizations and they both work for the hunter on the domestic and international venue.

SCI has many local clubs branches that work in all 50 states and many foreign countries. They are all working on different projects in their various states and countries.

DSC is a local Texas club that has members around the world, again they have domestic and international projects.

Sometimes the two organizations work on the same projects, however most times they have different projects that they fund.

Both Clubs work to assist hunter and sportsmen and should be supported.

Both clubs have conventions that raise money for their individual projects.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

In addition to what James said, SCI is a bit more pricy for membership and attendance at the convention than
DSC. The conventions also have a bit of a different atmosphere. DSC being a bit more of a laid back feel like you would expect in Texas. SCI is a bit more of a black tie affair atmosphere, but also quite larger than DSC.

 

[James.Grage]

As far as expenses go, the yearly membership to both SCI and DSC is about the price of a box of quality ammunition or a nice bottle of Spirits. And if you cannot afford the membership, maybe drinking & hunting is out of your financial bracket.

The Conventions are second, to my way of thinking in belonging to the clubs. Attendance at the conventions not mandatory, however an added plus if you can afford it and are able to take the time to attend.

I have been a member of both clubs for a few years and have only attended one (1) convention. While it was nice, the size could be over whelming. If you decide to go plan on at least three (3) days, so that you have some time to stop and visit different booths. I develop a plan and where i want to stop and see. The floor plans are down loadable.

SCI chapter banquets is a better option (in my opinion), smaller with a slower pace.

The various Sportsman shows are a good alternative to either of the SCI or DSC conventions if you are unable to attend either of them.

At both the SCI and DSC convention there will be a AH get together to meet members, something you will not find at local Sportsman shows.

 

[sierraone]

I am a member of both DSC and SCI. I was a member of DSC more than 20 years ago when the convention was in a hotel in the middle of Dallas Fort Worth Airport. It was much smaller in those days. But for a white tail hunter from Arkansas at that time, it was an amazing event! Think Christmas morning for a 5 year old! I was then out of the picture for about 15 years working overseas. I re-entered DSC over a year ago and attended last year's convention. It is probably 10 times larger and even more amazing! I live in Florida now and I try to stay involved with DSC as much as possible. I will be in Dallas again in January. Even though I am now a member of SCI, I try and keep up with what they are doing as an organization but do not attend the convention due to distance and it being much more expensive even after you subtract airfare. I can promise you that if you attend the DSC meeting in January, you will be overwhelmed as a hunter!

 

[sierraone]

By the way, welcome to the site! You can find an answer to any question related to hunting in Africa, guns, rifles, reloading and on and on. Some of these guy spend more time either in Africa or planning to go to Africa than they do anything else!

 

[robertq]

Welcome NickyMaz,
I'm a life member of both.
You can go to DSC convention without being a member.
SCI you have to be a member to go to there convention.

 

[Red Leg]

Welcome NickyMaz,
I'm a life member of both.
You can go to DSC convention without being a member.
SCI you have to be a member to go to there convention.

Ditto. Life member in both.

 

[NickyMaz]

Hey guys, thanks a lot for the info. Looks like the choice really comes down to preferences, I think I'll become a member of both (after the holidays). I think it's important to support groups like this. Maybe someday I'll make it to a convention, sounds like a great time.

 

[robertq]

Hey NickyMaz, if you come down to DSC or SCI convention I would like to meet You.

My booth # 2049 in DSC
Booth # 458 SCI

 

[billrquimby]

I've been away from this site for awhile, and just found this thread. Both SCI and DSC are great organizations. I've attended more than 30 SCI conventions and only one DSC convention, and that was about ten years ago. I was an independent contractor with contracts to produce SCI's publications from 1983 (soon after several of its founding chapters quit the club over a new rule that called for chapters to contribute 30% of the proceeds of their fund raisers to the larger organization) until I retired in 1999.

Today's Dallas Safari Club grew from that split and now has 5,000-6,000 members. As with SCI, its annual convention is its major fund raising event.

I've been far out of the loop at SCI since I retired, but I understand it now has 50,000 (plus or minus) members and about 200 chapters on six continents. Those chapters spend 70% of the fund-raising efforts on pro-hunting and wildlife conservation projects as they choose. This results in a wide range of conservation programs all over the globe.

SCI runs its conventions, publications, membership programs and legislative efforts, but its
separate SCI Foundation handles its conservation and education efforts. The foundation operates a ranch in Wyoming where a couple thousand teachers have received training in wildlife conservation education over the past three decades or so.

The headquarters for SCI/SCIF are in Tucson, Arizona. SCI's offices in Washington DC and in Canada are involved in pro-hunter legislation.

Bill Quimby

 

[billrquimby]

I hit "submit" on the entry above before I should have. I meant to also include that SCI publishes a worldwide record book in addition to a bimonthly magazine and monthly newspaper.

Also, until recently, it also had an office in South Africa.
In addition to the Wyoming ranch, SCIF also funds conservation education programs for teachers at colleges and provides scholarships for wildlife students. SCI/SCIF now handle its African conservation and legislative programs from its Tucson and DC offices.

SCI chapters have many on-the-ground local conservation programs all over the world at any given time, while the international organization and its federation bring government leaders together on hunting issues (especially in Africa), fund various research programs, and testify at government hearings.

SCI also is a recognized NGO and testifies regularly at various CITES treaty meetings. Many have said that SCI is to worldwide hunting as the NRA is to American firearms ownership.

I'd like to include more information about DSC, but I really don't know much about the club or its programs. The DSC members I know are enthusiastic about their club, and perhaps they will add more.

Bill Quimby

 

[Philip Glass]

Just last year I became a life member of both and attended their conventions. Both very good in all that they do and the convention floor is a dream come true for any hunter. I particularly enjoyed some of the seminars they offer at these conventions. There are informative seminars on a range of topics and I learned a lot. It was really funny when I was in a seminar at SCI in January on import rules for elephant and lion when Q&A time came. A familiar voice came from a lady somewhere far behind me in this big room. I though no it couldn't be but when I turned around it was my PH's wife asking the question whom I hadn't seen in years!
I can not totally agree on DSC being laid back however. My wife and I attended the Saturday evening banquet and were totally underdressed. I had no idea that a hunters get together would include a TOTALLY BLACK TIE EVENT! I was the only fella without a tux on Saturday night. I wish that had been made clear somehow! Other than that it was fantastic.
I don't know that I would go every year to these conventions but they are totally amazing and everyone should be a member and attend from time to time.

Regards,
Philip