Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 2/18/08 Section: News

Midland sophomore Travis DuLude looks at a rifle Saturday afternoon at the 29th annual Hunter's Outfitter's Convention at Finch Fieldhouse. "Hunting is a huge part of my life," DuLude said. [Click to enlarge]

Finch Fieldhouse became a hunter's paradise this weekend.

The large facility was filled with taxidermied animals, numerous outfitters and thousands of people there to talk about hunting.

Safari Club International, one of the largest and most well-recognized hunting companies in the world, hosted the 29th annual Hunter's Outfitters Convention.

"I live for this every year," said Mid-Michigan Safari Club International member Tony Brown. "It's my favorite place to be."

The event, which in previous years has taken place at Soaring Eagle Casino 6800 E. Soaring Eagle Blvd., switched to Finch this year.

William Brown, director of the Mid-Michigan chapter, said organizers were hoping for a turnout of 3,000 this weekend.

Proceeds from the event will go toward educating youth about gun safety and allowing veterans and disabled people hunting opportunities.

Don Harter, another director of the club, said the group is about responsible hunting.

"The chapter is all about promoting ethical hunting throughout the world," he said.

Canadian Lakes sophomore Kasey Hixson went to the conference for the love of the sport and to support his grandfather, who had a booth at the event.

"I think it's awesome and I think more people should get out and do this," Hixson said.

Various outfitters and companies offered hunting packages.

One such outfitter, called Tracks in Africa offered hunting packages throughout South Africa.

The company is geared toward hunters who want a more exotic hunt and more exotic animals. Rossouw said there are 52 different kinds of animals to hunt in Africa, which adds to the excitement.

"South Africa is a rifle man's paradise," said Bob Schnock an SCI member attending the conference.



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