Safeguarding the future of hunting is done by maintaining constant contact with lawmakers at the federal and state levels to inform and educate.  SCI is front row and center with senators and congressmen in Washington DC on a daily basis.  In addition, they are busy working with the Arkansas Chapter to assure our message is being heard in Little Rock with the governor and lawmakers.  This is hunter and hunting advocacy that is necessary to assure the anti-hunting segment are kept in check.  When it comes to conservation of wildlife and habitat, most of the real work is done at the local level in each state.  This is where we need you the most!  Let me elaborate.

SCI and the Arkansas Chapter does not just exist for the elephant hunters.  Many think the word safari means we are only a group of lion and elephant hunters.  While some in the chapter do hunt internationally, most hunt only in Arkansas!  SCI and the Arkansas Chapter serve as an organization that is “First For Hunters” – all hunters.  Our chapter is made up of great folks that love chasing ducks and deer and hunt everything from squirrels to elephants.  Our chapter is a place for you to connect with other hunters, establish new friends, perhaps find another hunting buddy, or maybe a better place to hunt.  Regardless, by joining the Arkansas Chapter and SCI you join the ranks of men and woman hunters that are dedicated to making a difference in the future of hunting is our great state.  Come check us out an see for yourself.  We are not a social club.  We are dedicated hunters that love our great state and want to make a difference.  Hunting is a hobby for some and a passion for many.  We want to assure the future of hunting for future generations.  We are most powerful when we band together for a common cause.  Some join in the journey.  You will be glad you did. 

 I look forward to serving along your side to assure hunting remains strong in “Natural State” for decades to come.

Your President,

Lavon Winkler

The aim of the Arkansas Chapter of Safari Club International is to operate as a non-profit organization in line with its charitable purposes, ensuring enjoyment and education for our members. We are dedicated to conserving the animals we cherish for today’s hunters and those who will embrace the sport in the future. Promoting camaraderie among outdoor and hunting enthusiasts is a constant priority. We actively advocate for the conservation of the world’s renewable wildlife resources, recognizing hunting as a crucial management tool. Education on wildlife and forest conservation is a key focus, acknowledging these as part of our natural heritage. Ultimately, our goal is to preserve our hunting heritage, fostering the sharing of hunting experiences and information among our members.

For over five decades, Safari Club International (SCI) has been at the forefront of protecting hunting freedoms and promoting global wildlife conservation. Our uniqueness lies in the comprehensive nature of our advocacy, boasting a Washington, D.C.-based team focused on both national and international fronts, advocating for all species. With 146 chapters worldwide and affiliated networks, representing millions of hunters, SCI is unmatched in its reach.

SCI Foundation (SCIF), our sister organization, contributes to conservation projects, research, wildlife management, and community leadership across North America, Africa, and Central Asia. The annual Hunters’ Convention, hosted by SCI, serves as the ultimate global sportsmen’s market, uniting enthusiasts with premier outfitters and hunting celebrities.

In the U.S., our robust team of professional advocates champions hunters’ voices in commissions, state legislatures, Congress, and the Administration. SCI Advocacy addresses a spectrum of issues, from predator management to ammunition use, engaging a vast network of advocates through the Hunter Advocacy Action Center (HAAC). Supported by grassroots efforts, SCI-PAC and the Hunter Action Fund work in tandem with champions in Congress and state legislatures. Over two decades, SCI has been a leading defender of hunters in courtrooms nationwide, addressing domestic and international hunting-related cases, including seven U.S. Supreme Court briefs on wildlife law.

Internationally, SCI’s staff, partner organizations, and chapters engage in advocacy on hunting issues, opposing import bans and firearms restrictions, supporting rural communities, and more. Active in Africa, Canada, and European Institutions, SCI and SCIF lead in global organizations and conferences, advocating for sustainable wildlife use.

SCI members are community leaders committed to preserving our hunting heritage for present and future generations. Whether it’s in the U.S. or globally, SCI stands as the foremost defender of hunting freedoms, standing First for Hunters.