Elks Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Austin Woods and Water, Safari Club (a couple of them), Quail Forever and so on. What's the point? So many clubs, all covering the same thing - why? Let's turn this around, why not? I realize most of you reading this newsletter probably aren't actually a member of any of these clubs. That's a shame. Let's ignore the "do good factor" and forget any positive benefit to our hunting heritage in general, or protecting your rights to own guns and hunt - what's the benefit to you?

As an Eddie Murphy monologue goes "What have you done for me lately?". Lots…think a moment - how important is it to you to hunt and fish? Given the same trip, would you rather spend more or less hunting/fishing? I don't think many people, in fact most members of the clubs, really realize what a clearing house for great bargains your local hunting club represents. Join these clubs, if for no other reason,
to get great deals on hunting and fishing trips and packages. Have you been to any of these banquets? It is amazing what you can pick up. I have personally seen people win a $1,500 rifle for a mere $20 bucks. You can't get that in a gun store, a pawn shop, or out of the back of someone's trunk in an alley! It's amazing what one can win, the auctions are incredible. Has traveling to Africa always seem an impossible dream? Think again - Leann (my hunter wife) and I bought two weeks in Africa, all our food, lodging, a professional guide every day we were there, maid service, room service, all our drinks, and all of our liquor for $750.

The fascinating aspect of this, a hunt we had tentatively committed to if conditions were met, finally came together. Now we had two hunts! What to do? We tried and tried to sell this 14 day hunt, we even got as low as $400 - I tried to give it to a family member. No takers, so I got thinking…and thinking…and thinking…. What if I just stayed a month in Africa? Would my world fall apart? So I spliced my trips together, then added a third trip. It was life altering and incredible. The most expensive thing about this trip was the airfare! We had an incredible time.

Where in the world can a guy buy a 14 day hunt - everything included - the full works for $750? A weekend camping trip can be more expensive. Yet I can show you over and over hundreds of people who have done just so. Hunting trips to South Africa are selling cents on the dollar at various club auctions.  One Austin club just this last January had to pull numerous hunts off the auction block that didn't sell at all! There are deals to be had, jump on them. Guys you can realize your dream through our various hunting organizations - just by attending and being aware. Many members join the clubs, get the newsletters, then skip the banquet. For anywhere from $50 - $75, those banquets are a steal. You're missing the best part of being a member of a club.

Various hunting and fishing outfitters donate their hunts or fishing trips, most generously, to support our local clubs and at the same time raise money for our beloved sports. Take advantage of their generosity. It cost far less for an outfitter to donate a hunt or fishing trip than it cost to actually advertise in traditional medias. It works out great for everyone. The bottom line is each club you join actually makes you money.  They want you to buy their hunts, they feel bad when they go unsold.

If you love to hunt and aren't a billionaire, then you might consider the various clubs as avenues to stretch your hunting dollars. Further, in each club you have a resource of hundreds of members to get advice, tips and cautions. I can think of few experiences that offer more bang for your buck. Central Texas Safari Club offers wide range of services, check us out, but really, all the clubs in Austin can help you tremendously, you don't have to be a member of just one.

Author David Sefton is President of the SCI chapter Central Texas Safari Club. They have incredible socials, wine tastings, wonderful dinners and group hunts. If your interested in joining contact their secretary Leann Collins at 512-773-5674. Their next function will be a Chinese Wild Game Gourmet Dinner May 12th, A Wild Pigeon Hunt in Argentina June 8-11th, sponsored by the Detail Company, and their Wildlife Conservation Gala October 23rd at the Austin Club, downtown Austin.

Central Texas Safari Club
Article from Open Seasons Newsletter