DALLAS SAFARI CLUB
Annual show experiencing dramatic growth each year
John Johnston

PHOTOS BY JOHN JOHNSTON This taxidermy exhibit of wolves attacking a musk ox was presented at the Dallas Safari Club's annual show. The event, which is patronized by outdoorsmen from all over the state has witnessed significant growth the past few years and will be moved to the Dallas Convention Center in the future to accommodate that growth.

Last weekend the Dallas Safari Club put on its annual show for both its members and the public.

There were guides, pro hunters and outfitters from all over the world.

Custom rifle and knife makers were there also, along with taxidermists whom I consider artisans in their field.

Some of the oldest firearms makers from America and England showed their works of art. Even though I could not afford any of their firearms, it is a pleasure to pick up and handle some of these beautiful weapons.

No matter if you are planning a whitetail hunt in Texas, a moose hunt in Maine, a cape buffalo hunt in Africa, an ibex hunt in Spain, a stag hunt in New Zealand, fishing for salmon in Alaska, a water buffalo hunt in Australia or just a goose hunt in South Texas, you could meet the people who would guide you and see their facilities.

To meet these people face to face is a great benefit when you are spending your hard-earned money for the experience.

Africa is getting more attention than ever from American hunters. The reason is the price. For the same price as a Texas trophy deer hunt you can fly to Africa for a 10-day, plains-game hunt, all inclusive. You can plan this type hunt in two ways.

You can deal directly with the professional hunter in Africa, or you can book the hunt through an outfitter in the states. Outfitters are like travel agents and can assist you greatly in all the planning, paperwork and shots you will need. Most outfitters only book at locations they have actually hunted. Using an outfitter will not cost the hunter any more, since they get their commission from the hunting/fishing provider.

This show is growing every year. This year there were about 1,000 exhibitors, and in four days more than 20,000 people attended. It has grown so much, they plan to move it to the Dallas Convention Center.

Left: Aaron Austin of Keller presented this moose head for Texas Wildlife Taxidermy. Right: Ronnie Williams of Lewisville presented this Cape Buffalo for Artistic & Realistic Taxidermy.

Hunting and fishing is very much alive and flourishing in Texas. Recently the National Shooting Sports Foundation reported that Texas is at the top of the pack nationally.

It is No. 1 in total hunters and anglers (2.6 million), money spent ($6.6 billion), jobs supported (106,000) and tax revenue generated ($1.3 billion). Florida lands the trophy for the No. 2 spot.

This represents a truly significant impact on our state.

John Johnston is a retired sergeant detective who served with the Austin Police Department for 25 years. He also was a licensed gun dealer for 25 years who now lives in Lampasas County.

He can be contacted via e-mail at olsingleshot@gmail.com.