The Truth Behind African Antelope Permits

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a new rule on January 5th, 2012 that eliminated a previous exception regarding permits to hunt three African antelope species on ranches or game operations. Since the information was published, many blogs, forums and other news sources have published false information regarding the ruling.

Background

In 2005 the USFWS added three species of African antelope to the endangered species list, but an exception was made that allowed these species to legally be hunted without a permit.

Danielle Kessler, outreach specialist for the USFWS said a court ruling ordered the USFWS to remove this exception and formalize the process of antelope conservation. The majority of game ranches with antelope populations are in Texas where the species came on ships long ago and now thrives in there, while in Africa their numbers are dwindling. The ruling that goes into effect April 4, 2012 nullifies the exception that ranchers do not need a permit to allow these three species to be hunted on their property.

Beginning April 4th, ranchers will need a permit to allow hunting of the dama gazelle, addax and the scimitar-horned oryx on their property. A permit will also be required if ranchers wish to engage in commerce of these animals.

Misinformation on the web

USFWS has been in damage-control mode for some time and has been in contact with Outdoor Hub to help quell misinformation on the web. Speculation online includes misinformation that obtaining a permit will be difficult, that it will cost thousands of dollars and that permit processing time is outrageous.

In reality, Kessler said the process is not that cumbersome and USFWS put together a myths and facts sheet that you can access by clicking here (pdf).

What this means for hunters

• Hunters may still hunt the three species of native African antelope.
• Hunters should make sure that they hunt on ranches that have the appropriate authorization from the USFWS to allow them to hunt.
• Other than the state-issued regular hunting permits, there is no additional permit needed to hunt antelope.
• Costs for hunters have not been raised by this ruling, although some ranchers may assuage their increased costs by charging hunters more. Hunters do have to pay if they want to export the animal to a country other than the one the animal was taken in.

What this means for ranchers

• If a rancher wishes only to own and breed the animals, no permit is necessary.
• If a rancher wishes to carry out activities normally prohibited, for example: interstate or foreign commerce, import, export (including re-export), culling or other forms of take, he/she must obtain the proper permit and join the federal Captive-Bred Wildlife (CBW) program.
• Ranchers must be part of CBW if he/she owns captive-born, exotic, endangered or threatened wildlife AND he/she wishes to carry out otherwise prohibited activities, such as those mentioned above. The permit requirements are simple and the application carries a $200 processing fee that once issued, is good for five years.
• If a rancher wishes to allow hunting on his/her property, a take/interstate commerce (cull) permit is required. The application fee for this permit costs $100 and is good for one year.
• Permit processing can take an upwards of 90 days, but the USFWS is trying to reduce the time to 60 days or less. The review process includes a mandatory 30-day comment period to receive public comments.
• Annual renewal for the take/interstate commerce permit costs $100, but the renewal process is much faster than an initial application.
• The take/interstate commerce permit does not restrict the number of animals taken in a year IF the take is for management of a herd that is being maintained for conservation of the species.

Example of permit application costs:

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Three Antelopes Myths and Facts

Application information

• To register for CBW, visit http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-41.pdf
• To apply for a “export, import, interstate and foreign commerce, take of animals” permit, visit http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-37.pdf
• For brief information on the issue, visit Open Spaces, the USFWS blog.
• Get full documentation and coverage of the issue on the USFWS international affairs page, Management and Scientific Authorities.

The issue is still ongoing. A Congressman from Texas is introducing legislation to override the previous court ruling that made it necessary for ranchers to obtain permits. He is worried that the added cost and paperwork for ranchers will lead them to eliminate their herd for financial reasons before the rule takes effect in April. Click here to read the press release.

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Texas PWD Amends Nuisance Alligator Permit Process

Landowners will be able to contract directly with nuisance alligator hunters under new rules adopted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.

Over the past 20 years, once imperiled alligator population in Texas have rebounded spectacularly. Increased suburban, exurban, an industrial development in an adjacent to coastal counties, particularly along the mid- and upper coast, has resulted in increasing number of nuisance alligator complaints, especially in areas biologically characterized by diminishing or little to no habitat.

The new protocol will authorize a permitted control hunter to contract directly with landowner or landowner’s agent (including a political subdivision, governmental entity, or property owner’s association) for a fee or other compensation for the removal of nuisance alligators

The new protocol requires that each nuisance control hunter complete a certification process that includes an application to TPWD, a department administered course and a test on nuisance control. Reporting requirements will ensure that only bona fide nuisance alligators are taken by permitted control hunters. An annual permit fee is also required.

Prior to the new rules, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department had contracted with qualified individuals for the removal of nuisance alligators.  Each hunter bid for the privilege to conduct nuisance control activities in a specific territory, agreeing to pay a per foot price to the department for every alligator removed.  In return, the control hunter was allowed to keep the alligator and could sell the skin and meat.  All removals were authorized on a case by case basis by the department.

Persons interested in the nuisance alligator control program should contact Amos Cooper at 409-736-3625 (office) or 409-293-2836 (cell). Prospective permittees can also request the information by email at amos.cooper@tpwd.state.tx.us.

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Texas PWD Proposes Opening Deer Hunting Near Dallas

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is considering opening deer hunting in three North Texas counties and another on the upper coast this fall as part of recommended changes to the 2012-13 Statewide Hunting Proclamation.

TPWD staff recommended an open season for deer in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and Galveston counties during a presentation Wednesday, Jan. 25, to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s Regulations Committee.

In addition, the department is proposing to eliminate pheasant season in four coastal counties and permit the use of firearm silencers for hunting game animals and game birds. Staff recommendations addressing bobwhite quail hunting were tabled by the committee until additional population data is available later in the summer.

Wildlife officials cited the rules for Grayson County, the only county in Texas with an archery-only deer season, as a starting point for the Dallas metro area counties being considered for an open hunting season.

Under the proposed amendment, the current season structure in Grayson County would be altered to allow full-season, either-sex whitetail harvest. The amended Grayson County archery-only deer season structure would be implemented in Dallas, Collin, and Rockwall counties. In addition, the department is proposing to implement the Harris County season structure in Galveston County.

The deer season in Collin and Rockwall counties has been closed since 1976 after agricultural development had virtually eliminated deer habitat. Since that time, agriculture has been gradually displaced by the extensive urban, suburban, and exurban growth of the Metroplex, which has resulted in highly fragmented habitat and minimal populations of white-tailed deer, mostly in riparian areas surrounding lakes and streams.

The department believes that there is no biological reason to prohibit hunting and this is a way to increase hunting opportunity. Opening a season would also provide an additional method for addressing nuisance deer issues.

In 1976 the department stocked pheasant in seven counties along the upper Texas coast in an effort to create hunting opportunity. By 2002, surveys indicated no pheasant populations in four of those counties, and the seasons in those counties were closed. Surveys now indicate that there are no pheasants remaining in Chambers, Jefferson, or Liberty counties, either. Therefore, the department proposes to close the season in those counties because there are no birds left to hunt.

Regarding the proposed amendment allowing the use of silencers, the department has determined that there is no resource- or enforcement-related reason to prohibit the use of firearm silencers for the take of alligators, game animals or game birds, and therefore proposes to eliminate the current prohibition. The department notes that if the proposal is adopted, it will not relieve any person of the obligation to otherwise comply with any applicable state, federal, or local law governing the possession or use of firearm silencers.

Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted by phone or e-mail to Robert Macdonald (512) 389-4775; e-mail: robert.macdonald@tpwd.state.tx.us, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744.  Comments may also be submitted through the department’s Internet web site and at upcoming public meetings to be scheduled around the state.

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Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to Consider Hunting with Suppressors

At its next meeting on Wednesday, January 25, the Regulations Committee of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will present proposed amendments to the 2012-2013 Statewide Hunting Proclamation. It will seek permission for them to be published in the Texas Register for public comment. These amendments include a regulatory change that would expand the use of lawfully-possessed suppressors on firearms while hunting non-nuisance species. This common sense reform will help prevent hearing loss and mitigate noise complaints against sportsmen in the Lone Star State. Importantly, reducing noise complaints will help to keep hunting opportunities open well into the future.

Testimony will not be heard at this committee meeting on January 25, or at the full Commission meeting the following day. We will report back to you with instructions on how to weigh-in on this proposal after it has been formally submitted for public comment.

To view a copy of this proposed rule change, please click here and scroll down to Committee Agenda Item No. 2, Exhibit A.

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TTHA Releases January/February Issue of The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters

Continuing the 35 plus year tradition of providing hunters with the finest outdoor stories and information, Texas Trophy Hunters Association (TTHA) proudly announces the release of the 2012 January/February issue of The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters (The Journal).

The January/February issue of The Journal presents stories from members including Chip Karels’ father and son monster elk hunt as well as Jeffrey Selucky’s story of The Moment when he shoots his double droptine buck. Featured stories include Wintertime Bobcats by Gary Roberson, and Jim Heffelfinger’s Tips for Taking Trophy Whitetails. There are also great articles and columns from Ted Nugent, Dr. James Kroll, and Horace Gore. This issue also spotlights Pork Chopper hunting and the unveiling of the 2012 ATV and SXS utility vehicles, “Diversity is IN.”

The Journal began its over 35 year history under the title of Texas Hunters Hotline in 1975. As the magazine and the Association quickly grew in popularity, the publication’s name changed and Texas Trophy Hunters Association’s The Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters was born.

The Journal is available in print for members and can be purchased on newsstands. The digital version can be downloaded and viewed on mobile devices including iPhone and iPad at www.zinio.com. Additional details and ordering information can be found on www.TTHA.com.

Get your January/February 2012 issue of The Journal today!

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Dallas Expo is First Peek at Economic Health of Hunting

Several trends suggest the hunting industry–with its $66 billion in economic impacts–appears relatively resilient to recent downturns, but the upcoming Dallas Safari Club (DSC) convention and expo offers the nation’s first real peek at the economic health of hunting in 2012.

Always the first major hunting show of the year in the U.S., the event is set for Jan. 5-8 at the Dallas Convention Center.

The reliability of the event as an economic indicator may be strengthened by its location. Texas leads the nation in number of hunters (1.1 million), annual retail sales from hunting ($2.3 billion) overall economic impact from hunting ($4.1 billion), and jobs supported by hunting (47,000).

DSC’s annual convention and expo is open to the public. A record 32,000 attended in 2011 and officials expect another strong showing in 2012.

“Our event–and the funds it generates for conservation–have both enjoyed significant growth in recent years, and our upcoming show looks to be the biggest yet,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “In a time when many organizations, businesses and even entire industries are doing their best to just ride out the bad economy, we’re actually trying to limit our growth to a manageable pace.”

In the final weeks of event preparation, DSC had confirmed a record 800 exhibitors with a record 400 more relegated to a waiting list.

“We’re emphasizing quality, variety and hospitality rather than the size of our event. These days, that’s a luxury. A very good problem to have,” added Carter.

While some might contend that such growth is occurring in spite of the economy, studies show participation in hunting–and related consumer spending on hunting licenses, gear and trips–may actually be increasing because of the downturn.

Supporting studies, trends and news include:

1. Hunting license sales rose by 3.5 percent in states used as an index by a hunting industry trade association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, in 2009. More info:

http://www.nssf.org/newsroom/releases/show.cfm?PR=020110-hunting.cfm&path=2010

2. Researchers in 2008 found a correlation between hunting participation and new housing starts. In down economies when more carpenters, electricians and other tradespeople are out of work, more hunting licenses are sold. More info:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09361/1023706-358.stm

3. A recent look at the buying habits of sportsmen in 2011 showed that purchases of hunting and fishing equipment remained steady or improved slightly from the previous year. More info:

http://www.southwickassociates.com/news/sportsmen-purchases-remain-steady/

4. If hunting were a corporation, it would rank in the top 20 percent of the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest companies, slightly ahead of such global giants as General Dynamics and Coca-Cola, based on a 2007 report. Includes state-by-state economic facts based on the most current federal data:

http://www.southwickassociates.com/portfolio-view/u-s-2007-hunting-in-america/

5. The 2011 DSC convention and expo set several records for size metrics and generated brisk sales for many exhibitors. More info:

http://www.biggame.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=188&Itemid=200

For 2012, the DSC event will feature a record 425,000 square feet of sporting attractions, taxidermy displays and exhibits by outfitters and professional hunters from around the world, gun makers, optics and gear companies, artists, jewelers, clothiers, furriers and many others from across the outdoor industry. Highlights also will include seminars, entertainers, dog-training demonstrations and even a special appearance by 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Day honorary chairman T. Boone Pickens.

Daily admission is $20 per person. Multi-day discount packages are available.

Expo hours are Thurs., Jan. 5, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 6, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 7, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 8, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Negligent Transportation of Wildlife

United States Attorney John M. Bales announced today that Blake Powell, a 32-year-old Cherokee County man, pleaded guilty to the charge of negligent transportation of wildlife before United States Magistrate Judith K. Guthrie.

Powell pled guilty to a three count information filed in court Monday.  According to the evidence presented in court, on three separate occasions Powell transported and possessed illegally imported, live whitetail deer valued at over $350.

Powell has agreed to pay a fine of $243,000 plus $157,000 in community restitution to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Powell owned and operated the Rockin’ P White Tails, a high-fence deer breeding facility in Cherokee County. On or about Feb. 17, 2007, in the Eastern District of Texas, Powell sold a live, whitetail deer, known as “Diablo” valued at over $350 that was acquired from an out-of-state source, which is prohibited by Texas law.  On or about March 4, 2007 Powell, sold 10 live whitetail deer, valued at over $350, and on or about Nov. 22, 2007 Powell, knowingly imported, transported, received, and acquired, in interstate commerce, a live whitetail deer, a buck known as “Thunderstruck”, valued at over $350 that was acquired from an out-of-state source.

The fair market value of all of the illegally imported, whitetail deer, including relevant conduct, exceeded approximately $208,500.  Additionally, through the unlawful importation of white-tail deer, Powell accumulated white-tailed deer semen valued at approximately $85,000 and progeny valued at approximately $172,500.

This case was investigated by the Special Operations Unit of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

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Seminar Lineup Announced for Dallas Safari Club Expo

For hunters who want straight poop from top experts, Dallas Safari Club (DSC) is offering a full lineup of public-welcome seminars as part of its annual convention and expo, Jan. 5-8, 2012, at the Dallas Convention Center.

All seminars are included with daily admission to the expo: $20 per person. Multi-day discount packages are available.

The expo hall will be 425,000 square feet of sporting attractions, taxidermy displays and a record 800 exhibits including outfitters and professional hunters from around the world. Gun makers, optics and gear companies, artists, jewelers, clothiers, furriers and many others from across the outdoor industry also will be there. New for 2012 is an expo section called “Upland Country” sponsored by Quail Coalition. The focus is on upland bird conservation, with dog-training demonstrations and appearances by Dr. Dale Rollins and T. Boone Pickens.

The DSC seminars are slated for Jan. 6-7, with a lineup including:

Extreme Whitetail Management-Presenter: Dr. James C. Kroll. The record drought and heat of 2011 not only caused extreme conditions for deer management, but also offered opportunities to learn more about intensive management under these situations. Here’s the latest research.

African Professional Hunters: The Men Behind the Licenses-Panel discussion moderated by Dave Fulson, producer of the DSC-sponsored TV series “Tracks Across Africa.” Topics will include safari planning, preparation, guns, gear, game and habitat, the professional hunter/client relationship, the changing face of safari, audience Q&A, and more. Don’t miss this one.

Boddington On Mountain Hunting-Presenter: Craig T. Boddington. Join well-known outdoor writer and TV show host Craig Boddington for a discussion of sheep and goat hunting around the world. Topics include permit draws, preparation, guns and loads and shooting tips.

Smarter Water for North Texas-Presenter: Janice Bezanson, Texas Conservation Alliance.
With the population of the DFW-North Texas area expected to double over the next 50 years, and the prospect of drought looming, the region will need more water. How will we get it?

Building Your Trophy Room: Design and Construction-Presenter: Tom Julian. Julian & Sons Fine Woodworking has long catered to the sportsman, carving a niche in the design and execution of custom trophy rooms.

African Tips for Trips-Presenters: Terry Blauwkamp, Anne Gaines-Burrill. Tips for first timers as well as veteran safari hunters. Included is a rundown on the requirements of the South African Firearms control act and what you need to do to take your own firearms to Africa.

Improve your Long Distant Shooting-Presenter: Darrell Holland.

Beasts of Legend-Presenter: Ivan Carter. The host of the DSC-sponsored TV series “Tracks Across Africa” has been hunting since 1988 in several top countries in Africa, and has developed a reputation for tracking and shooting big game from very close proximities.

Shotgunning: Improving your Percentage in the Field-Presenters: Vicki and Gill Ash.
If you have questions about wingshooting or sporting clays, here’s a chance to ask the experts. This duo has not only studied shooting techniques but also the psychology of learning and performance, and they have developed perhaps most effective teaching approach in the industry.

Tactical First Aid for Hunters-Presenter: Dr. Alan Frankfurt, chief instructor for Advanced Medical Training. Frankfurt’s experience includes mobilization with the First Marine Expeditionary Force in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Preparing for Your First Safari, by Coppersmith-Presenter: Lynley Bishop. Tired of trying to determine the best way to get your trophies home from safari? Coppersmith is a firm that can answer questions in plain English.

Safari Destination: Namibia-Presenter: Marina Lamprecht. Learn more about Namibia, often referred to as “the Switzerland of Africa.” Namibia offers political stability, great infrastructure, healthy climate, fantastic hunting and tourist options for the entire family.

Planning a Quality Adventure-Presenters: Tim Herald, James Brion, Rob Dunham and Gary Joseph. The hosts of “Nosler’s Magnum TV” cover how to plan and book a big adventure hunt. Topics include research, outfitters, locations, budgeting, travel, trophy expectations and more.

Gear Up for Hunting Alaska, Canada and Beyond-Presenter: Bob Hodson. A discussion of both the latest in outdoor equipment and time-tested gear that you shouldn’t be without. A great seminar for those who are new to the outdoors as well as seasoned veterans.

Photography Africa-Presenter: Jofie Lamprecht.

Families and Non Hunters on Safari-Presenter: Monica Lamprecht.

Seminar times and room locations are posted on the DSC website: www.biggame.org.

Expo hours are Thurs., Jan. 5, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Fri., Jan. 6, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 7, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sun., Jan. 8, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The DSC convention and expo serve as the largest annual fundraiser to support the organization’s conservation, education and hunter advocacy initiatives. DSC spent a record $784,000 on mission-related programs in 2011, and more than $2.8 million over the past five years, for habitat protection and management, wildlife restoration and research, youth learning programs, and promoting hunter interests and benefits to conservation worldwide.

In 2013, the American Custom Gunmakers Guild will relocate its annual exhibition to Dallas to be held in conjunction with the DSC convention and expo.

While the DSC seminars and expo hall are open daily to the public, full convention registrants can also enjoy evening events such gala banquets, celebrity speakers, awards, entertainment and auctions for world-class hunts, firearms and more. Most evening events will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Dallas. For registration information, visit www.biggame.org.

Sponsors for the 2012 DSC convention and expo include Orion Versus, Sports Afield, Midway USA, Trijicon, Lone Star Conversions, Hunting Consortium, Hornady, Tanzania Adventures, Bad Boy Buggies, Yamaha Motors, Capital Farm Credit, The Wildlife Gallery, Ruger, Blaser, Cabelas, Sovereign Bank and RBC Wealth.

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Namibia Guides Name Dallas Safari Club a Preferred Conservation Partner

Dallas, TX -The Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) has become the fourth outfitter organization to name Dallas Safari Club (DSC) as its “Preferred Conservation Partner.” Each of these joint strategic alliances is meant to strengthen public appreciation for the ties between hunting, healthy habitat and abundant wildlife populations worldwide. Partners work together to reinforce the highest standards of the hunting and guiding industry, as well as to promote today’s best practices in conservation, education and hunter advocacy.

The list of DSC “Preferred Conservation Partners” now includes:

• Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA)
• Professional Hunter’s Association of South Africa (PHASA)
• Alaska Professional Hunters Association (APHA)
• Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC)

“We’re honored to be selected by NAPHA for a partnership that we feel will prove beneficial for hunters and wildlife around the world,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “By combining our membership and organizational strengths, we can better uphold the integrity, ethics, stewardship and leadership that made sportsmen the first worldwide voice for conservation.”

Johannes (Janneman) Brand, president of NAPHA, said, “We value this relationship with DSC because it will help us reinforce the highest standards of professional service, ethical principles and responsible actions towards nature, wildlife and the local population.”

The NAPHA mission includes ensuring and promoting ethical conduct, sustainable utilization of natural resources, and securing the hunting industry for current and future generations. NAPHA members adhere to a code of conduct, and only members in good standing are allowed to exhibit at the DSC annual convention and expo.

DSC’s upcoming convention is Jan. 5-8, 2012, at the Dallas Convention Center. For details, visit www.biggame.org.

Carter said DSC intends to grow its “Preferred Conservation Partner” alliances in coming months. Each agreement identifies specific cross-promotional opportunities for the partners.

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MidwayUSA Renews Sponsorship of DSC Convention

Dallas, TX — Proclaiming Dallas Safari Club (DSC) as one of the world’s great conservation and hunting advocacy organizations, MidwayUSA founder and CEO Larry Potterfield has announced that his company has renewed its official sponsorship of the DSC annual convention and expo.

The big event, Jan. 5-8, 2012, at the Dallas Convention Center, is the main fundraiser behind DSC’s mission to conserve wildlife and habitat, educate youth and the public, and promote and protect the rights and interests of hunters worldwide.

“DSC puts on one of my favorite shows,” said Potterfield. “Brenda and I believe in supporting programs and organizations that teach our next generation about wildlife and conservation. I hope everyone who believes as we do will join us at the 2012 DSC convention and help preserve and support our hunting heritage.”

MidwayUSA is a catalog and Internet retailer offering “Just About Everything? for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting.” For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit www.midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.

Ben Carter, DSC executive director, said, “MidwayUSA is a major force behind our annual convention and expo. Their partnership allows us to host a top quality event and, even more importantly, to put more dollars on the ground for our conservation and education programs.”

In 2011, DSC spent a record $784,000 on mission-related programs, an increase of more than $100,000 from the previous year. Over the past five years, DSC has granted more than $2.8 million for habitat protection and management, wildlife restoration and research, youth learning programs, and promoting hunter interests and benefits to conservation worldwide.

The 2012 DSC convention and expo is on pace to set more records with 800 exhibitors and a 425,000-square foot exhibit hall.

Exhibits will include outfitters and professional hunters from around the world. Gun makers, optics and gear companies, artists, jewelers, clothiers, furriers and many others from across the outdoor industry also will be there. Daily agendas include seminars on various hunting topics by authorities considered best in their field. Additionally, the many wildlife taxidermy displays throughout the expo hall are always a hit.

A highly anticipated new attraction for 2012 is an expo section called “Upland Country” sponsored by Quail Coalition, a Texas-based organization focused on upland bird conservation.

Planned highlights include exhibits, dog-training demonstrations, seminars by Dr. Dale Rollins, even special appearances by noted quail enthusiast and 2011 National Hunting and Fishing Day honorary chairman T. Boone Pickens.

In 2013, the American Custom Gunmakers Guild will relocate its annual exhibition to be held in conjunction with the DSC convention and expo.

The public is welcome to attend and a crowd of some 32,000 is expected.

Daily admission is $20 per person. Multi-day discount packages are available.

In the evenings, convention registrants can enjoy gala banquets featuring celebrity speakers, awards, entertainment and auctions for world-class hunts, firearms and more. Most evening events will be held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Dallas, near the convention center. For registration information, visit www.biggame.org.

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