“We’re happy with Nashville,” Safari Club International’s CEO confided to me on Friday,” we are having a terrific show.”

If I hadn’t totally agreed, I probably would have asked him to give me some facts and figures to substantiate that remark. But by Friday afternoon, I was pretty well convinced, too.

SCI’s Convention fit into the personality of Nashville like the bespoke jewelry, luxurious clothing, and custom furniture would fit in many the homes of many who call “Music City” home.

Despite the problems that accompany rampant growth after a city becomes a hot address, Nashville is alive, vibrant and enthusiastic. And looking over the SCI crowds over the three days of the Convention exhibitions, I’d say that excitement was contagious.

Honestly, it wasn’t what I expected.

Despite having spent twenty-plus years attending SHOT, NRA and other outdoor activity-focused events, I’d never been convinced I “needed” to go to SCI. I only went the first day this year for two reasons: it was only minutes from my house, and I had promised Hamberlin and his staff I would.

And I’m glad I did.

Because three full days later, I’m thoroughly convinced that SCI is on to something that will help keep hunting relevant and wildlife conservation going. SCI appears to have generated generational interest - as in generations last (mine), today and the ever-important generation next.

Under Hamberlin’s guidance (insistence?), SCI has at least for the foreseeable future, broken with Nevada, their longtime home. It’s part of a major campaign to reach more people with SCI’s conservation mission and message.

If Nashville’s first year is any indication, it’s a very positive move. SCI will be back at Music City Center two more times before moving to New Orleans for a year, then Indianapolis. Indy might seem counter-intuitive, but turnout from other events -like the National Rifle Association’s Annual Meetings & Exhibits - have all been particularly strong there.

SCI’s movement is the practical application of old fishing wisdom: “fish where the fish are.”

Draw a theoretical four-hour travel circle around Nashville, a staffer explained, and you have the potential to reach millions of hunters and anglers.

Many of them are also younger, especially when compared to the populations of Las Vegas and Reno, and it’s crucial for the futures of hunting -and conservation- that the next generations “get” SCI’s conservation message.

Watching the crowds attending the educational sessions and perusing the aisles of the exhibitions, I’d say they crowds were a pretty good reflection of the region itself: young(er), successful and enthusiastic.

A good sign for the future: youngsters sharing in the SCI experience with their parents. And they weren’t disinterested observers, they were willing participants.

Nashville’s Music City Center is, literally, in the heart of the city. That could be a drawback in some cities, but it’s an attraction for visitors here. A short walk in any direction will lead you to many of the “hot” restaurants, trendy hotels and raucous night spots that have made the city so popular with young professionals, bachelor and bachelorette parties and country music enthusiasts.

It’s not a reach to say the crowds in attendance for SCI were as excited at meeting Jim Shockey as designers have been when listening to designer Bunny Williams speaking in the same halls. And the custom furniture makers, lighting designers, jewelers and furriers showing their wares spoke volumes to the net worth of many in attendance.

At SCI, firearms with six digit price tags aren’t unusual. Despite that, this “1 of…” Mauser (top) still drew crowds. The amount art and artisans (center), jewelers (bottom) and furriers speak to the success of SCI members. Many told me their sales results made Nashville as a success for them.

Yes, many in attendance were wealthy. But the shared values were far more obvious than disparities in income.

Whether attendees were tire kicking and dreaming of their “one day” safari or planning their next one, everyone was enjoying the camaraderie shared by all outdoor enthusiasts.

Watching an older gentleman wearing bespoke boots and a tailored jacket talk hunting strategies with a young dad wearing a worn Ariat jacket with a construction company logo while wrangling a three-year old determined to pet a piece of taxidermy spoke to one of the primary goals of moving SCI’s gatherings: involving younger generations in hunting and conservation.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll take some hard looks and deep dives into the outcomes -and implications- of SCI’s coming to Nashville.

Until then, it’s sufficient to say I’m planning on being here in January when SCI comes back to town.

Displays like these would have been at home in many other events held in the Music City Center. Bunny Williams, Christopher Lowell or many of the HGTV hosts would have had a field day with the furnishings.

Actually, I’m looking forward to it…I had my eye on a small bronze and a couple of chairs…and there was a photo safari that sounded intriguing, too….

…we’ll keep you posted.

— Jim Shepherd