The Dallas Safari Club (DSC) wrapped up its annual convention and expo Sunday with record attendance and many outfitters reporting brisk sales during the show’s four-day run. In fact, several safari operators booked every hunting slot for the next two years.

The Dallas Safari Club (DSC) wrapped up its annual convention and expo Sunday with record attendance and many outfitters reporting brisk sales during the show’s four-day run. In fact, several safari operators booked every hunting slot for the next two years.

Always the first major hunting show each January, the DSC event was held Jan. 3-6 at the Dallas Convention Center.

Around the world, the event is seen as the hunting industry’s first economic indicator of the year.

“If there was concern about a fiscal cliff, it had clearly subsided by the time our convention and expo opened on Thursday,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “Our preliminary counts show a new record of 44,000 attendees, which is up about 4,000 people over last year. Many came through the doors ready to book a hunt, buy art or purchase outdoor clothing or gear. The mood in the expo hall was very upbeat and positive.”

Big-ticket items moved well—one outfitter sold 10 elephant hunts. Smaller items also moved well—one purveyor of leather hunting gear reported one of his best weekends ever.

The event serves as DSC’s primary fundraiser. Exhibit fees and gate www.biggame.org.

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)
Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent nonprofit organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.