VOLUME 36, ISSUE 2
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CampTalk DSC NEWSLETTER
IN THIS ISSUE 3 4 7 8 9 10 12 14 15
CEO Message Feature Story Hunt Reports Chapter Events Chapter Map Feature Story New Members News Calendar of Events
www.biggame.org FAC E B O O K www.facebook.com/ dallassafariclub I N S TA G R A M @officialdsc
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2026 DSC Summer Expo Celebrates Record-Breaking Success Dallas Safari Club extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 DSC Summer Expo & Foundation Gala an extraordinary success! Held July 23–26 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, the second annual Summer Expo broke records in attendance, auctions, raffles, banquets, and hotel bookings. Guests from all 50 states and more than 20 countries traveled to Grapevine Texas, in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, for four days focused on conservation, outdoor traditions, and our hunting heritage. “This year’s success belongs to everyone who helped bring the event to life,” said DSC & DSCF CEO, Russell Stacy. “Our exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, donors, attendees, staff, interns, and vendors each played a vital role. Seeing people from across the country and around the world gather in Grapevine was incredibly special. It gives us tremendous confidence in the future of DSC and this event.” The Expo floor featured a wide range of exhibitors from around the world. Guests connected with outfitters, firearm manufacturers, wildlife artists, bronze sculptors, outdoor retailers, conservation organizations, and lifestyle brands. This variety created an experience with something for every age and interest. Thursday evening’s Happy Hour on the show floor was a major highlight and gave exhibitors and attendees the chance to connect in a fun setting. Raffle participation also reached record levels. Younger guests enjoyed the Passport to Adventure scavenger hunt, which encouraged them to explore the show floor and interact with exhibitors. The weekend also featured one of the largest and most successful DSC Foundation Galas to date. Support from donors, bidders, and guests helped advance the Foundation’s work in wildlife conservation, education and the future of hunting and our outdoor heritage. The Gaylord Texan served as the perfect home for the event. Guests were able to enjoy the Expo, special events, accommodations, and resort amenities in one convenient destination. The success of this year’s event reflects the strength of the DSC community and the hard work of everyone involved. The future of the DSC Summer Expo & Foundation Gala has never looked brighter. DSC now looks ahead to its final year in Atlanta for the 2027 DSC Convention & Sporting Expo on January 7–10. The organization will then return to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine for the 2027 DSC Summer Expo & Foundation Gala on July 15–18. Registration and hotel reservations for both 2027 events are now open!
Angola Hunting Returns! See page 14
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CEO Message
CampTalk D S C S TA F F
Staying Connected
Executive Russell Stacy, Chief Executive Officer, ext. 100 Brian Fienhold, Chief Operating Officer, ext. 100
R U S S E L L S TA C Y, C E O
Operations Terri Lewis, Operations & Partnerships Manager, ext. 105 Auctions Lori Stanford, Auctions Manager, ext. 120 Christie Selle, Auctions Coordinator, ext. 108
This summer has been a strong one for Dallas Safari Club, and I want to take a moment to share a few highlights from what has truly been a successful season. Our summer show was outstanding from start to finish, and the feedback we received from exhibitors was exceptional. Move-in and move-out were smooth, efficient, and welcoming. Exhibitors repeatedly expressed their appreciation for the hospitality shown by our volunteers and staff. That spirit of service is one of the things that sets DSC apart, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make the experience seamless. All three evening events for DSC and DSC Foundation were well-attended and well-received. The energy in the room each night reflected the strength of our membership and the commitment our community continues to show for conservation, education, and advocacy. One of the standout moments was the Mark Haldane Campfire Chat moderated by Robbie Kroger. The conversation was thoughtful, engaging, and a reminder of how fortunate we are to partner with Zambeze Delta Safaris. Hearing firsthand about the impact of dollars invested in anti-poaching and conservation efforts in Mozambique was inspiring. It is always encouraging to see measurable results from the work our members support. I hope you are enjoying Camp Talk. This newsletter is designed specifically for you, our members, and I encourage you to use it as a tool to stay connected with upcoming events, chapter activities, and the road leading to Convention. We have a busy and exciting fall ahead, and Camp Talk is one of the best ways to keep up with everything happening across the DSC community. I would also like to take a moment to introduce our Membership & Volunteer Coordinator, Philip Pacific, Jr. Philip first joined us as a DSC Intern in Atlanta and has now transitioned into this important role. Over the next year, he will continue completing his degree at the University of Dallas while growing into this position and helping us strengthen and expand our membership engagement. Philip brings enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to serving our members. You will see him at upcoming events, and I know you will enjoy getting to know him. As we move toward Convention and the fall season, I want to thank each of you for your continued support of DSC. Your involvement, whether through volunteering, attending events, mentoring new members, or simply staying connected, makes a meaningful difference. Camp Talk is your resource, and I hope it helps you stay informed, engaged, and excited about what lies ahead. Thank you for being part of this great organization. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming member events and chapter gatherings as we head into a busy and productive fall. In conservation and camaraderie, RU S SE L L S TAC Y Chief Executive Officer
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Convention Khris Harris, Convention Events Manager, ext. 109 Scott Fowler, Convention Services Coordinator, ext. 103 Exhibits Tatiane Brazil, Convention Facilities & Exhibits Manager, ext. 106 Jacqueline Pulk, Convention Facilities & Exhibits Coordinator, ext. 107 Membership, Volunteers, and Events Crystal Allison, Events Manager, ext. 102 Philip Pacific, Membership & Volunteer Coordinator, ext. 110 Government Affairs Erica Tergeson, Government Affairs Director, ext. 119 Chapters Bruce Boroski, Chapter Development Manager, ext. 117 Mike Hoffstatter, Chapter Development Coordinator, ext. 118
For advertising opportunities and rates, contact Terri Lewis at terri@biggame.org or call 972-980-9800
D S C B OA R D 2 0 2 6 -2 0 2 7 Officers Rick Warren, President Knighton Sample, President-Elect Ray Mulholland, Immediate Past President Stephen H. Miller, Secretary Richard Biggers, Treasurer Directors 2024-27 Kyle Allison, Corey Goss, Ken Heard 2025-28 Michael Oropallo, Rebecca Jones, Jay Leyendecker 2026-29 Colby Hale, Daniel McGehee, Chris Ruhman Vice Presidents Bob Brininstool, Gray Riatti, Erin Throckmorton (Chapter Liaison) Assistant Vice President Tom Benavides International Assistant Vice Presidents Richard Burdon, Michael Schneider, Danene van der Westhuyzen, Georg Versch Assistant Chapter Liaison Jared Habel (DSC Utah) Convention Co-Chairs Rebecca Jones, Chris Ruhman
13709 Gamma Road · Dallas, TX 75244 USA Phone: 972-980-9800 Email: info@biggame.org Website: www.biggame.org Advertising inquiries, letter and member stories are welcome. Queries, manuscripts and photos are welcome. Digital submissions only. DSC reserves the right not to publish, or to edit for content and length. Photos that have been altered to misrepresent will be rejected. The views expressed in Camp Talk are expressly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of DSC, its members, employees or assigns. DSC assumes no responsibility for lost items or unsolicited materials.
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Feature
Untouched by Time A Canterbury Duck Hunt BRE LEWIS
What is it about duck hunting in early winter that feels timeless? The sharp edge of morning air, the low murmur of voices in the dark, a duck call carrying over still water, and a dog trembling with expectancy and excitement inside his hide. None of it feels far removed from a prior century. The shared anticipation and simple pleasures that have drawn hunters to these waters for generations imbue the quiet, predawn gathering with a pervasive sense of continuity and belonging. Long after the birds have been eaten and forgotten, these details stay with you. Instincts, expectancy, and camaraderie maintain a sporting rhythm wonderfully unchanged. Our Glen Dene hunt with Chloe and Ty began in the fading light of a Canterbury evening, tucked into pondside hides brushed carefully into the bank. Bruce, Ty’s broad black English Lab, waited nearby in his own straw-covered hide—alert but composed, eyes locked on the sky and water. Conditions were perfect with clear skies and a sharp bite in the air. We hadn’t been sitting for more than ten minutes when
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a pair of paradise ducks, shell ducks endemic to New Zealand, swept over Ty and Chloe’s blind. Henry called the shot. Two quick reports echoed across the pond and both birds dropped cleanly to Ty’s Beretta. At Henry’s whistle, Bruce was in the water instantly, driving through the cold with purpose. For a dog still under a year old, he worked with remarkable composure. He was steady, polished, and completely at ease in his role. Not long after, Henry picked out mallards in the distance and coaxed them closer with well-timed calls. Chloe and Ty rose together when he gave the word and one bird folded into the shallow water. Chloe was quick to claim it, though Ty may argue otherwise. However, it wasn’t long before more mallards arced overhead and gave the shooters a chance to harvest two more birds. A pair of paradise ducks crossed wide over the far edge of the pond and Ty managed to fold one. Then came the evening’s real spectacle: two black swans gliding low through the last of the light. Two shots, two birds down, and Bruce was off again.
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Watching dog and handler work beneath the red wash of sunset across the Canterbury plains conveyed deeply-rooted tradition and heritage. Watching dog and handler work beneath the red wash of sunset across the Canterbury plains conveyed deeply-rooted tradition and heritage. The winter air settling over the paddocks, dark water reflecting the last light, and a good retriever moving with quiet purpose between fallen fowl and handler was unmistakably New Zealand. Swarms of teal flickered past in tight groups, fast enough to tempt anyone, but Ty kept the Beretta lowered because he knew they were protected birds here. A few more mallards circled wide before drifting off. One final swan crossed overhead and fell before the light disappeared altogether. The cold settled in with the dark. We found warmth at the local pub. Good food, a couple brews, and stories were shared across the table before turning in for the night. Before first light we were back on the move. The jon boat pushed off from the ramp under a pale sky and skimmed across the water toward the maimai, a New Zealand duck blind, where Henry had already set an impressive spread of duck and swan decoys. A strong overnight wind had shifted much of the bird life into thicker marsh around the lake edges, but standing there in the first light with coffee warming our hands, it hardly seemed to matter. The lake stretched out in every direction—vast, shallow, and bronze under the sunrise. The morning started slowly, then gathered some momentum. Mallards appeared in the distance and Henry worked them carefully. They circled and, at his call, one bird dropped neatly over the decoys. Teal skimmed low across the spread, flashing through and out again, untouched. There was something satisfying in simply watching them work the wind and commit. Swans crossed overhead too, but Henry had us wait. “The distance is deceiving out here.” He was right. The openness of the lake played tricks with perspective. Birds appeared close but were well out of range. By midday, the movement had slowed. Breakfast in the maimai tasted better than any proper meal, but by now hunger urged us to pull the pin. We headed back in with ducks aboard and the lake bright behind us. The birds mattered, certainly, but the real reward sat in two very different pieces of Canterbury water, in a sunset and a sunrise, in Bruce charging through cold water, and in the heritage and tradition of a winter duck hunt shared with good people—an experience untouched by time.
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Hunt Reports Scott Fowler White-tailed Deer Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation November 2025 Old Glory, TX
My first hunting experience with the Lone Star Outdoor News Foundation was something I will never forget. From learning how to shoot a rifle for the first time to spending time in the blind and seeing so many deer, every part of the weekend was exciting and completely new to me. The guides and everyone involved made me feel comfortable, taught me a great deal, and gave me the opportunity to truly understand and appreciate the hunting experience.
Harvesting my first buck made the trip even more special, especially knowing it was the first deer taken by someone in my family in 43 years. I am incredibly grateful to the Foundation and would highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in hunting for the first time!
Call for Hunt Reports A hunt doesn’t end when the rifle is cased or the camp is packed. In many ways, the experience continues every time we share the story with someone else. Recalling the sights, sounds, excitement, and lessons of a hunt brings those moments back to life—and allows us to share them with friends and fellow hunters. The joy of recounting an adventure is an important part of the enjoyment of the hunt itself. Your hunt report can also inspire someone else. It may introduce a fellow DSC member to a destination they have never considered, a species they have never pursued, or a style of hunting they have never experienced. Your adventure might be the spark that encourages another hunter to step outside the familiar and try something new. Have you been on a memorable hunt? Visit https://www.biggame.org/huntreport/ for a fillable hunt report template. Send your completed hunt report and photos to info@biggame.org. Your experience could become someone else’s inspiration and, just as importantly, give you another opportunity to relive one of your favorite adventures.
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2027 Chapter Events
DSC Georgia
January 6
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
DSC Convention
January 7-10
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
DSC Heartland
February 6
Scott Conference Center, Omaha, NE
DSC Charleston
February 10
Harbour Club at West Edge, Charleston, SC
DSC Big Sky
February 27
Heritage Inn, Great Falls, MT
DSC Great Lakes Region
March 4-6
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Acme, MI
DSC Iowa Sportsman’s Club
March 5
Hy-Vee Hall, Des Moines, IA
DSC Wyoming
March 20
M Building, Casper, WY
DSC South Texas
TBD
Pedrotti’s Ranch, Helotes, TX
DSC Oklahoma
TBD
Skirvin Hotel, Oklahoma City, OK
DSC Panhandle
April 3
Amarillo Civic Center Heritage Ballroom, Amarillo, TX
DSC Texas Gulf Coast
April 16
Cypress Alamo, Cypress, TX
DSC Utah
May 8
Homestead, Midway, UT
DSC East Texas
June 5
Nacogdoches Civic Center, Nacogdoches, TX
DSC Summer Expo
July 15-17
Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, TX
DSC New Mexico
July 17
Isleta Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, NM
DSC Northeast
TBD
Avon Old Farms Hotel, Avon, CT
DSC Central Texas
TBD
Goldthwaite, TX
DSC Gulf Coast Naples
TBD
Quarry Golf Club, Naples, FL
DSC Mid Atlantic
TBD
Winery at Sunshine Farms, Gainesville, VA
DSC Coastal Bend
TBD
TBD
DSC Central Florida
TBD
TBD
DSC South Louisiana
TBD
TBD
DSC Carolina
TBD
TBD
DSC Tennessee
TBD
TBD
DSC Permian Basin
TBD
TBD
DSC South Florida
TBD
TBD
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Chapter Map
DSC Northeast Avon, CT DSC South Texas San Antonio, TX DSC Permian Basin Midland, TX DSC New Mexico Albuquerque, NM DSC Heartland Omaha, NE Charleston Safari Club Charleston, SC DSC Wyoming Chapter Casper, WY DSC Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK DSC Texas Panhandle Chapter Amarillo, TX DSC East Texas Chapter Nacogdoches, TX DSC Georgia Atlanta, GA DSC Great Lakes Regional Chapter Traverse City, MI DSC Utah Chapter Salt Lake City, UT
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DSC Iowa Chapter Des Moines, IA DSC Mid-Atlantic Gainesville, VA DSC Tennessee Nashville, TN DSC Central Florida Melbourne, FL DSC South Louisiana Kenner, LA DSC Big Sky Great Falls, MT DSC South Florida Ft. Lauderdale, FL DSC Gulf Coast Naples, FL DSC Central Texas Fredericksburg, TX East Tennessee Safari Anyone Knoxville, TN Texas Gulf Coast Chapter College Station, TX Texas Coastal Bend Chapter Corpus Christi, TX
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Feature
All American LARRY WEISHUHN
“Think he’ll go sixteen?” I asked Don Richardson. “He’s long and thick, but hardly any prongs. They’re really short!” “Yep, easily sixteen. But let’s keep looking!” replied my guide. “Greg saw a buck here a month ago that he thinks may go seventeen with really good prongs. Chances are this one will stay in the area because of the water and the numerous does.” We backed off of the little ridge and headed toward our pickup to continue looking for the pronghorn that Greg Simons, with Wildlife Systems, had seen earlier. As a fellow wildlife biologist and a long-time friend, I trusted Greg’s judgment as well as Don’s. Besides, I was having a blast passing up bucks that I would have shot on other properties. Greg had told me about the particular ranch we were on in the Texas Trans Pecos. Several years earlier, the local pronghorn population—which had dwindled a bit—had then been augmented by some antelope from the Texas Panhandle. Don and I had glassed an ear-tagged, monstrous buck from that stocking. The pronghorn antelope, native to and only found in North America, is a truly unique animal. The species was saved from the brink of extinction through efforts paid for by hunters and aided by landowners, wildlife biologists, and game wardens. The pronghorn is truly an all-American wildlife conservation success story. Today, their numbers flourish in many western states. Pronghorn are unique in being the only antelope species in the world with forked horns; those horns are cast or shed from the horn core every year and new horns replace them. They are America’s fastest animal, running at speeds exceeding 50 miles
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per hour. They run with their mouths wide open. To prevent anything but air from entering their lungs, they have a screen in their trachea that prevents bits of dried grass and dirt from entering their lungs. They are herd animals that love the wide open spaces. They depend upon their excellent eyesight, which some suggest is equivalent to that of a human’s eye aided by a six-power binocular to detect danger. Then, they use their speed to escape. Both bucks and does can have horns, but those of the buck are considerably larger. Bucks, too, have a dark patch at the back of their lower jaw. During the fall, this—along with their darkly colored horns—gives bucks the appearance of having more dark on their head than does. It was that “much darker head appearance” that allowed Don and me to finally spot the buck that Greg had described. We glassed him from a long way away, then started a very long stalk using every bit of possible cover to approach him. We finally closed the distance to within 300 yards. I sat down behind shooting sticks, rested my .257 Roberts Ruger No. 1 RSI loaded with Hornady ammo, and prepared for the shot. I would have liked to have gotten closer, but we had run out of any possible cover. When I shot, the buck humped a bit, then fell where he stood. Moments later at his side, I could hardly believe how big his horns were. We measured both horns at 17 inches—by far my biggest pronghorn! If you have not yet hunted pronghorn, I suggest you do so, for his kind is truly all-American!
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Welcome New Members
L IFE ME MB E R Brandon Bouma Graham Crown Chris Dickinson Sean Drinan Tim Evans John Henry Graham Wyatt Graham John Greaney Dan Haile Tate Hanks William Michael Little Tim Medin Kevin Perry John Schenken Chad Shimunek Ashley Thames Erin Throckmorton Jeff Thruston Eric Udick Grant Williams
CO RPOR ATE Bryce Collins Jess Collins Ursula Marais Adrienne Reeve Cheyenne Rowe
PROF E SS ION A L Blair Bennett P.J. Carleton Jacob Corrie Bret Ferguson Alex Garcia Mike Gatliff Stephen Haley Emily Harper Mike Jordan Beth Lax Keith Leonard Becs Lloyd Andrew Mount Taylor Peters Joshua Schwencke Jason Trubee
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Caroline Ward Francisca Wittenbach
S P O NS O R Boomer Batchman Steven Becker Benjamin Boyer Chris Burger Erith Catlett Peter Crawford Diane Daley Cameron Deter Matthew Dill John Dull Archie Dunham Gary Edgington Charles Fichtner Chris Gilleland Klint Graf Chad Hale Frederick Hanshaw Bob Hicks Chad Hillman Gavin Hume Brady Jardine Larry Johns Bryce Juneav Maria Lamm Michael Littledike Derek Mackey Heather Mallinckrodt Bruce McArthur Bruce McArthur Juan Munoz Aiden Nickels Dale Perry Steven Purvis Mason Rivera Craig Robinson Will Rose Chad Rupe Kyle Schreiner Cary Stone Kenneth Tallent Daniel Tam Jerry Traylor Alexandria Troutman Christiane Troutman
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SPO U SE SPO NSO R Katie Dill Mirina Perry Mrs. Thomas Price David Troutman
YO U TH Lucas Andreani Mila Andreani Aspen Armstrong Mindy Armstrong Riggin Austin Tatum Autry Maria I. B. Yuyo B. Blake Backus Jaxton Backus Jameson Bain Godwin Logan Barwick Turner Barwick Rowan Beall Emerie Beck Kacen Beck Brooklyn Belford Brandon Bell Dylan Bell Barbara Below Eugene Berkheimer Miriam Berkheimer Barrett Bolner Emma Kate Bolner Lola Bothwell Emma Boyles Nolan Bradley Sienna Brewer Carter Bridges Weston Bridges Burkley Burns Wyatt Burrogh Will Casera Tommy Catlett Lincoln Causey Graham Chalfant Brentleigh Clark Darian Clark Cade Coltharp Carly Cooper Kingman Cooper
Brady Crooks Camden Crooks Poppy Dahl Molly Deviney Tommy Deviney J.D. Dill Luke Dill Gracie Doxey Hadson Drewry Hayes Dunn Noah Farrar Cade Farris Jackson Farris Pablo Felix Roberto Felix Rowan Finney Axel Flores Jaxie Forsythe Piper Forsythe Olivia Frerich Bryant Gallups Gunner Geeslin Everett Geis Ava Gerard Braxton Gerard Fiona Gleason Georgia Greenwood Mary Harper Hall Holden Hamilton Hudson Hamilton Rhett Hammers Elijah Hanz Samuel Henderson Peyton Henington Kathleen Henry Elize Herrington Amelia Hodges Everly Hodges Rosie Hodges Allister Holderman Kieria Hollister Freya Holman Ryter Holman Kennon Hothem Owen Hothem Jack Ivy Walker Ivy Abby Kahle Judah Kahle Brody Kainer Eden Kelley
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Quinn Kelley Finley Kempe Presley Kempe River Kempe Emerson Killem Everly Killem Minerva Kimmel Riley Koehler Tate Koehler Lake Lambert Evan Lancaster Graham Larson Frances Leyendecker Rusty Liebherr Graham Lindley Isaac Felix Lopez Hollyn Lowe Dillon Mackey Brooklyn Maitice Charlotte Maitre Allie Mallinckrodt Ella Mallinckrodt Peanut Marshall Kyler Martin Nico Martin Robbie Martin Sawyer Martin Jackson McCreery Zaden Mears Waylon Mease Marie Merchant Madeline Micallet Morton Michael Colten Michels Kasyn Mindemann Londyn Mindemann George Ming Ellison P. Mondics Bentlee Morgan Charlie Morgenstern Shepherd Morgenstern Nate Murstig Brooklyn Myrick Catherine Myrick Lauren Myrick Krofton Nease Jody Nicholas Ainsley Norwood Payton Odell Charlotte Ogden Eddison Ogden
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Bellemy Orso Graceson Orso Merek Orso J.P. Pack Karsyn Pakebusch Dalila Maria Perez Maltez Colt Pilgrim Christine Proctor Sadie Proctor Bryleigh Purdom Corbyn Purdom Lyla Ramos Nathan Reed Rhett Reed Landon Reinford Owen Reinford Nicholas Reno Warren Roberts Weslyn Roberts Daniella Rodriguez Victoria Rodriguez Tyler Rubner Cristina Salinas Maria Salinas Maria Sofia Salinas Santi Samuelson Christopher Schneider Wyatt Schofield Jackson Sewell Charlotte Shafer Mason Sharp Ashton Sheets Parker Shewmaker Emma Shoemaker Arya Silvera Carter Smith Croy Smith Grant Smith John Smith Reid Smith Eve Speake Beatrice Spurr Elizabeth Stallings Kady Stallings Mccoy Stateson Teddy Stateson Adley Steele Judah Steele Tristan Stephens Zoe Sternitzky Kaylee Stevens
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News
A Historic Return to Angola R I C K WA R R E N , D S C P R E S I D E N T
There are hunting trips you remember because of the animals, the country, or the people you meet along the way. Then there are trips that represent something much bigger. My recent journey to Angola with fellow DSC Life Member J.D. Yates was one of those experiences. For the first time in 18 years, legal, regulated hunting has returned to Angola, and J.D. and I had the tremendous privilege of participating in the country’s first sanctioned safari hunt following that long absence. For me, this journey really began a year earlier at the inaugural DSC Summer Expo & Foundation Gala. Representatives from Angola joined DSC and Conservation Force to announce that the country was taking the important step of reopening to legal, regulated hunting. After decades of war and nearly two decades without a formal hunting program, Angola had begun the difficult work of rebuilding its wildlife management system and creating a foundation for sustainable use. As part of that historic announcement, the Angola Hunters Association donated a 14-day plains game safari to be auctioned by DSC. I was fortunate enough to place the winning bid. What
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made that auction particularly meaningful was where the money went. Funds raised through the hunt were directed back to the Angola Hunters Association to support its work rebuilding a sustainable hunting program. Before J.D. and I ever stepped foot in the field, this hunt was already contributing to the future of hunting and wildlife management in Angola. Nearly a year later, it was time to see that work firsthand. Being first rarely means everything goes according to plan, and this trip certainly reminded us of that. We encountered delays with firearms paperwork, a charter flight that never arrived, and some very long drives across Angola. At one point, we traveled roughly 400 kilometers in a day before reaching camp near dark. But those challenges were part of the experience. We were entering a hunting destination that had essentially been dormant for 18 years, and everywhere we went, the people hosting us were eager to help, learn, and improve. And the hunting was anything but easy. My first couple of days ended without an opportunity, but that changed when I was finally able to take a common waterbuck shortly before lunch. J.D., who has never been one to shy away from a difficult hunt, found success of his own with a Damara dik-dik. Over the course of our time in Angola, our hunt also included another common waterbuck, springbok, Angolan bush duiker, and southern impala. Each animal was memorable, but what I will remember most is what those animals represented. We were seeing the beginning of something that has the potential to provide lasting value to Angola’s wildlife and its people. When properly managed, legal, regulated hunting creates an economic reason to maintain wildlife habitat, generates resources for management and anti-poaching efforts, supports local communities, and gives wildlife tangible value on the landscape. That is why the return of hunting to Angola matters. It will take time. There will be challenges and lessons learned along the way. J.D. and I experienced some of those growing pains firsthand. But we also experienced wonderful camps, hardworking people, and a genuine desire from our Angolan hosts to build something successful and sustainable. As President of Dallas Safari Club, I am especially proud that DSC members played a role in turning an announcement made on a stage in Texas into action on the ground in Africa. What began with partnerships, conversations, and an auction at our Summer Expo ultimately helped put resources directly into the hands of the Angola Hunters Association—and less than a year later, we were there watching a new chapter begin. I am grateful to everyone in Angola who welcomed us and worked tirelessly to make this historic hunt possible, to Conservation Force for its work helping Angola reach this point, and to the DSC community for continuing to stand behind legal, regulated hunting and sustainable use around the world. It was an honor for J.D. and me to be among the first hunters back. But hopefully, we will be far from the last.
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Member Activities Calendar
O CTO B ER OCTOB E R 1 5 DSC 100 Volunteer Fish Fry DSC Headquarters, Dallas, TX
NOV EM BE R NOVEM B E R 1 9 Speaker Series featuring Dr. Mike Arnold Royal Oaks Country Club, Dallas, TX
DEC E M BE R D ECEM B E R 2 DSC Foundation Christmas Party Rock Island Auction Company, Bedford, TX D ECEM B E R 1 2 Volunteers Needed: Store Packing, Membership Packets, Bag Stuffing DSC Headquarters, Dallas TX D ECEM B E R 1 7 DSC 100 Volunteer Send Off Southwest Gallery, Dallas, TX
JA N UA RY JANUARY 7-1 0 2027 DSC Convention & Sporting Expo Atlanta, GA
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RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED
Dallas Safari Club 13709 Gamma Road Dallas, TX 75244 USA
DSC Convention & Sporting Expo FUTUR E DAT E S January 7 – 10, 2027, Atlanta January 27 – 30, 2028, Houston February 15 – 18, 2029, Houston DSC Summer Expo & Foundation Gala Gaylord Texan, Grapevine/DFW, TX FUTUR E DAT E S July 15 – 18, 2027 July 20 – 23, 2028 July 19 – 21, 2029