The 2018 DSC Convention and Expo has just concluded, and all signs point to another successful “Greatest Hunters’ Convention on the Planet ™.” Attendance was robust, potentially 5,000 over last year, and the auction dollar amounts exceeded expectations by an impressive margin — potentially more than a quarter of $1 million over budget. These funds will be channeled into the grants programs operated by DSC and DSC Foundation.
“It was a great show, thanks to our volunteers, exhibitors, the DSC staff and all that attended,” said DSC President Craig Nyhus. “It was awe-inspiring to see so many hunters, dignitaries and distinguished conservationists from all over the world all join as part of the DSC family.”
Exhibitors were greeted with chilly temps outside, but inside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas, they were warmed by the usual Texas hospitality of DSC’s volunteer army, the “DSC 100” (so called for giving 100 percent). Nearly 900 exhibitors displayed everything from fine guns to lodge-style furnishings, luxurious furs and jewelry, ranch real estate and off-road vehicles — and everything in between, all for the international hunters and outdoorsmen and women.
Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt
On Saturday night, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt spoke to a packed crowd at the gala and thanked everyone for their support of America’s wild places and wildlife management policies now in effect under Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke’s leadership. A particularly touching moment came when the Outstanding Hunting Achievement Award was dedicated to its founder, Dr. Bob Speegle, the 92-year-old, still-active hunter who has been a part of DSC since the very beginning of the club.
On Friday, media interest in the application for an import permit provided a chance for DSC to shed light on how hunting supports conservation, and how the selective hunting of black rhinos in Namibia is actually benefitting the recovery of this endangered species in the wild.
