Georgia Chapter of SCI Sets Records at Annual Banquet
May 2, 2023
By Trevor W. Santos
More than 230 sportsmen, women, and conservationists from across the Southeast gathered at Adventure Outdoors for the annual Sportsman’s Banquet and Auction hosted by the Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI). Preliminary numbers indicate a record-breaking night for fundraising.
Georgia SCI was proud to again recognize outstanding individuals from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Jack Dominy of the Wildlife Resources Division was recognized as the 2022 Wildlife Technician of the Year. Dominy’s dedication to maintaining Wildlife Management Areas was critical to ensuring healthy habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for Georgia outdoorsmen and women. The 2022 Investigative Game Warden of the Year award was presented to Corporal Brock Hoyt. Through his dedication and persistence to upholding the law and protecting Georgia’s natural resources, Cpl. Hoyt proved himself to be very deserving of this award.
Additionally, John and Drew Burrell of The High Adventure Company were honored for their ongoing support of the Georgia Chapter of SCI’s efforts to engage and recruit new hunters and recreational shooters. The High Adventure Company has generously donated their time and facilities for the Georgia Chapter to host events. More than 100 people have been given the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through Georgia SCI programs hosted at The High Adventure Company’s Beretta Shooting Grounds in North Georgia.
Georgia Chapter Treasurer Marc Stewart (from left) and President-elect Trevor Santos (right), honored Drew Burrell (center left) and John Burrell (center right) of The High Adventure Company for their ongoing support of the Georgia Chapter of SCI’s efforts to engage and recruit new hunters and recreational shooters.
Louis P. Cole, Vice President of SCI, spoke about SCI’s efforts to protect the rights of hunters and hunting. Cole, a former president of the Georgia Chapter, said SCI is engaged legislatively and in the courts throughout the country and around the world to push back against anti-hunting policies and proposals. He also mentioned that the Georgia Chapter is a big part of the global SCI organization, noting that several Georgia Chapter officers and members serve in key positions for SCI as a whole. Cole invited banquet-goers to join SCI at its 2024 Convention, Jan. 31 through Feb. 3, in Nashville, Tennessee.
“To watch this entire event, and all the work we put in, come together is extremely rewarding,” said Marc Stewart, Georgia Chapter of SCI Treasurer and Atlanta Banquet Chairman. “The individuals who joined us at Adventure Outdoors, as well as the online bidders, were extremely generous in their giving, which will ultimately allow our chapter to execute our critical programs for veterans, new hunters and shooters, and wildlife conservation.”
Dollars raised during the annual Sportsman’s Banquet and Auction will help fund the Georgia Chapter’s full slate of educational programs, such as the Chapter’s Introduction to Hunting Firearms event, youth deer hunts, First-Timer Mentored Deer Hunt, support for Georgia DNR and wildlife research, as well as a three-day-long Wounded Veterans’ Fishing Weekend and veterans’ deer and pheasant hunts.
The night was made possible by Georgia SCI volunteers, generous donors, and the following sponsors: Larry Shores, Lester Richardson, NG Turf, Adventure Outdoors, Benelli USA, Bergara, Broomsedge Rod & Gun, Cal Hardie – Whitetail Properties Real Estate of Northwest Georgia, Corrosion Control, Inc., Franchi, Michael Housworth of Edward Jones, Prestige Contracting, Primary Weapons Systems, Davis & Sons Plumbing, Glasslined Technologies, Taurus, The Striper Experience, YETI, Chris Albrecht, and Dick Caillouet.
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About the Georgia Chapter of SCI
The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting and protecting our hunting heritage through education, conservation, and humanitarian efforts. Founded in 1981, the Georgia Chapter is one of the oldest SCI chapters in the world. Visit www.GeorgiaSCI.org for more information.