FEBRUARY

2025 NEWSLETTER

Sacramento Safari Club at International Sportsmen’s Expo

By Sean Bechta, SSC Officer

On January 17 – 19 Sacramento Safari Club (SSC) again set up our Sensory Safari at the International Sportsmen’s Expo (ISE) at Cal Expo. SSC is the only Safari Club International chapter that partners with the Sportsmen’s Expo in this way. The Expo is kind enough to donate booth space to us in the Youth Fair area and the Sensory Safari is a popular addition to that part of the Expo. Mounts, skins, and skulls from across the globe, donated by SSC members, are put on display, with kids and adults able to not only view the specimens, but also gently touch them. Touching a mounted animal is often thought akin to a capital offense. However, that is the magic of the Sensory Safari. It is accepted that the specimens will suffer from wear and tear and occasionally be damaged. However, the reward is providing kids (and adults as well) the opportunity to feel the fur of a brown bear or the hair of a bison, and experience animals in a way they would not be able to anywhere else. It is the experience of walking up to the specimens and touching them, rather than simply “walking through a museum,” that makes the Sensory Safari so special and sparks the imagination of so many children. One star of the show is the Duck-billed Platypus mount. This is an animal that almost everyone knows, but few have ever seen, much less touched. Having this rare mount prominently displayed brought a lot of people to the booth. Another big star is the Polar Bear. This Sensory Safari member probably the most photographed personality at the ISE. 

Big thanks to Cal Ryan, who again took the lead on organizing the Sensory Safari at the Sacramento ISE, setting up and taking down the whole booth, organizing the volunteers, and completing a 5-hour shift at the booth on the 17^th. Other volunteers in addition to myself who took shifts at the booth deserving of thanks are Robert Deitz, Phil Ford, Jon Zang, and Pat Sullivan (all SSC Board members). It would be great to have more SSC members involved with this outreach work. Keep an eye on your e-mail in-box this upcoming December and January for the opportunity to volunteer at the Sensory Safari. Free admission to the ISE and parking pass are provided to each volunteer.

Also, as might be expected, even with the great deal of care taken with the Sensory Safari mounts, they have a limited lifespan. If you have any bird or animal mounts you would be willing to donate to the Sensory Safari, please contact Cal Ryan at cal2032@sbcglobal.net. Live mounts, shoulder mounts, horn and antler mounts, skins, rugs, skulls, birds, mammals, and exotics can all be put to good use. 

The Hunter's Corner

By Wayne Wickham, SSC Officer

The Evolution of Hunting: Major Changes Over the Last 20 Years

Over the past two decades, the world of hunting has undergone significant transformations. From technological advancements to shifts in conservation efforts and hunting regulations, these changes have shaped the way hunters approach their craft. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the field, understanding these changes will provide valuable insights into the evolution of hunting and its future.



1. Technological Advancements

The past two decades have seen significant technological advances in hunting gear and equipment. From high-tech trail cameras and GPS devices to advanced compound bows and rifles, technology has revolutionized the way hunters track and hunt game. Modern hunters now have access to real-time weather updates, topographic maps, and even apps that predict animal movement patterns.

2. Conservation Efforts and Wildlife Management

Conservation efforts have greatly improved wildlife populations and habitats. Organizations and government agencies have implemented various programs to protect endangered species, restore habitats, and manage hunting seasons more effectively. These efforts have led to healthier and more abundant game populations.

3. Changes in Hunting Regulations

Hunting regulations have evolved to ensure sustainable hunting practices. There have been changes in bag limits, hunting seasons, and the introduction of special permits for certain species. These regulations are designed to balance the needs of hunters with the conservation of wildlife.

4. Increased Focus on Ethical Hunting

There has been a growing emphasis on ethical hunting practices. Hunters are now more aware of the importance of fair chase, proper shot placement, and minimizing animal suffering. This shift towards ethical hunting is reflected in hunter education programs and the promotion of responsible hunting behavior.

5. Impact of Social Media

Social media has transformed the hunting community by providing a platform for hunters to share their experiences, tips, and successes. It has also played a role in promoting hunting as a conservation tool and educating the public about the benefits of hunting.

6. Rise of Female Hunters

The number of female hunters has increased significantly over the past 20 years. Women are now more involved in hunting, and this has led to a more inclusive and diverse hunting community. Hunting gear and apparel companies have also started catering to the needs of female hunters.

7. Advances in Wildlife Research

Wildlife biology and ecology research has provided valuable insights into animal behavior, habitat use, and population dynamics. This research has informed better management practices and helped hunters understand their quarry more deeply.

February: A Month for Planning Future Hunts



February is the perfect time to plan a late season goose hunt, engage in Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Weekend, and reconnect with fellow hunters. Make 2025 the year you bring someone new into hunting and share the thrill of the outdoors!

Legislation

While it is still only mid-February, the combined houses of the California Legislature have already introduced over 1200 separate bills, and they have until February 21 to introduce more. Once the deadline for introducing bills have passed, we will begin reporting on those bills that would impact hunting, fishing, and your right to bear arms.

California Fish and Game Commission

The first meeting of 2025 was held February 12^th and 13^th. During this

meeting a variety of administrative issues were delt with, but numerous issues potentially impacting fishing and hunting regulations were also introduced.  These included:

                       Central Valley Sport Fishing        

                       Klamath River Sport Fishing

                       White Sturgeon Sport Fishing    

                       Waterfowl Hunting Season & Bag Limits

                       Big Game Hunting

       Chronic Wasting Disease Testing

Issues We Are Monitoring

          Soda Mountain Solor Project

                  The California Energy Commission has received a request to

                  construct a large solar project within and adjacent to critical

                  Desert Big Horn Sheep (DBS) and other wildlife habitat and

                  essential wildlife corridors.

          Wildlife Resources Committee (WRC)

                  This is a committee of the California Fish and Game

                  Commission. The WRC has recommended removing

                  Coyotes from the non-game regulations and establishing

                  a season and bag limits.

Due to limitations of space, anyone seeking further information, please

contact Ken Akins, kena@sacramentosafariclub.org or 916 812 8132

The Hunter's Code of Ethics

Recognizing my responsibilities to wildlife, habitat and future generations, I pledge:



• To conduct myself in the field so as to make a positive contribution to wildlife and ecosystems.
• To improve my skills as a woodsmen and marksman to ensure humane harvesting of wildlife.
• To comply with all game laws, the concept of fair chase, and to influence my companions accordingly. 
• To accept my responsibility to provide all possible assistance to game law enforcement officers.
• To waste no opportunity to teach young people the full meaning of this code of ethics.
• To reflect in word and behavior only credit upon the fraternity of sportsmen, and to demonstrate abiding respect for the game, habitat and property where I am privileged to hunt.