The Team behind the Magic

The annual Safari Club International Convention once again proved why it is widely regarded as one of the largest and most exciting hunting conventions in the world. This year’s event in Nashville brought together thousands of hunters, outfitters, conservation leaders, and outdoor industry professionals for what many consider the premier outdoor show of the year. During my conversation with Raymie Grimm, we reflected on the incredible energy that filled the convention halls as attendees from across the country and around the world gathered to celebrate hunting, conservation, and the global outdoor community.

Hosted by Safari Club International, the SCI Convention is far more than a typical outdoor trade show. It serves as a central hub for the hunting community where attendees can connect with world-class outfitters, hunting destinations, outdoor gear manufacturers, and conservation organizations. The show floor featured hundreds of exhibitors offering guided hunting opportunities, firearms, optics, apparel, and outdoor equipment. For many sportsmen and women, the convention is the ideal place to plan their next hunting adventure while discovering the latest innovations in hunting gear and outdoor technology.

Raymie emphasized that the Safari Club International Convention plays a vital role in supporting wildlife conservation and protecting hunting traditions. Through auctions, fundraising events, and special recognition ceremonies, SCI raises millions of dollars annually to support conservation initiatives and wildlife habitat preservation around the world. These efforts reinforce the important role that ethical hunters play in global conservation, helping to fund research, habitat management, and wildlife protection programs.

Another key aspect of the convention is the extensive planning required to deliver an event of this magnitude. From coordinating hundreds of exhibitors to organizing educational seminars, conservation discussions, and networking opportunities, the SCI team works year-round to ensure the event provides value for both members and industry partners. According to Raymie, the goal is to create an environment where attendees can build meaningful relationships, gain valuable knowledge, and strengthen the future of the hunting and outdoor industries.

Beyond the business and conservation discussions, the camaraderie and community spirit of the convention truly set it apart. Longtime friends reconnect, new partnerships are formed, and hunters from every corner of the world share stories and experiences. The vibrant atmosphere of Nashville added to the excitement, making it an ideal host city for an event that celebrates outdoor heritage and the hunting lifestyle.

As Raymie and I discussed, the success of this year’s convention highlights the continued growth and influence of Safari Club International within the outdoor community. The event not only showcases the best the hunting industry has to offer, but it also reinforces the importance of conservation, education, and advocacy for hunters everywhere.

For those passionate about hunting, wildlife conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle, the Safari Club International Convention remains one of the most influential hunting events in the world. If the excitement and engagement seen in Nashville are any indication, the future of the hunting community and the conservation efforts that support it remains stronger than ever.

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On Target with the + One Mentorship Initiative

Chris Avena interviewed Justin Morrissey from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to discuss the +One Mentorship Initiative. The program encourages hunting mentorship and shooting sports participation through partnerships with groups like the National Deer Association and Pheasants Forever. Originally built around pledges, the +One Initiative now focuses on measurable recruitment and mentorship to expand hunting participation and firearm safety education.

Through +One, the NSSF created a national mentorship network that connects experienced hunters with newcomers. Morrissey highlighted scalable programs like Learn to Hunt, which teach outdoor skills and firearms safety in a welcoming, inclusive environment. He emphasized the importance of mentors who can adapt, communicate, and support new hunters with patience and understanding. The NSSF plans to launch a national mentor recruitment campaign to expand these efforts even further.

Today, the +One Initiative includes over 62,000 mentors who reach more than half a million new participants each year. These mentors include hunting instructors, shooting coaches, and first responders who promote firearm safety and outdoor ethics. Morrissey explained that the partnership model is far more scalable and impactful than traditional awareness pledges.

The +One Mentorship Initiative is helping preserve America’s outdoor heritage through education, inclusion, and mentorship. By teaching new generations about hunting, conservation, and firearm responsibility, NSSF and Justin Morrissey are ensuring the future of our hunting and shooting sports traditions.

⁠http://NSSF.org/plusone ⁠

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#NSSF #+One #PlusOne #Mentorship #HuntingMentors #ShootingSports

Mentor the Hunter of Tomorrow

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mitch Strobl from Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, a nonprofit organization that is making a real impact in the world of hunting and fishing. The organization’s mission is clear: to connect kids with mentors who can teach them the values, skills, and joys of the outdoor lifestyle. Through structured programs and strong partnerships with state wildlife agencies, conservation groups, and local volunteers, Pass It On has created an accessible pathway for youth to experience hunting and fishing—many for the first time. During our conversation, Mitch spoke passionately about the importance of mentorship in preserving our outdoor heritage. With fewer young people being introduced to the outdoors through traditional family structures, programs like Pass It On fill a critical gap. Mitch shared stories of kids who had never held a fishing rod or fired a rifle before joining the program—some of whom now return year after year, even bringing younger siblings or eventually mentoring others themselves. It’s a powerful testament to the long-term impact that one positive experience in the outdoors can have on a young life. Our interview served as a strong reminder that the future of hunting and fishing depends not only on conservation but on education and community. Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is helping to build that foundation, one youth and one mentor at a time. Their work not only promotes outdoor skills but fosters responsibility, confidence, and a lifelong connection to nature. It was an inspiring conversation with Mitch Strobl, and we’re proud to spotlight their efforts in American Outdoor News. http://OutdoorMentors.orghttps://www.americanoutdoornews.com/