DSC Foundation at its core is an entity that supports wildlife conservation and community development through hunting all over the world. DSC Foundation has always, and will continue to, step forward when operators, outfitters, and communities need help.

“DSC Foundation has a history of stepping up in time of need,” said CEO Rob McCanna, “and this time is no different. When we heard about the tragic events impacting our friends, the board acted immediately to provide these emergency funds. We are establishing this new campaign moving forward to address these critical situations now and in the future. DSC Foundation stands ready to help those who need it most.”

To donate to the “A Better Tomorrow” fund, click here.

On behalf of everyone in the hunting community, the DSC Foundation refuses to let these criminal acts go unchecked and overshadow all the conservation and local community success stories we see each day. Nor will it diminish our commitment from continuing the long-standing positive impact hunting has had on wildlife and wild places.

Accordingly, DSC Foundation’s “A Better Tomorrow” campaign will raise awareness and critical funding to ensure the future of wildlife, wild habitat and the people who call these places home. To ensure these recent criminal acts will not deter, but rather motivate the hunting community. That good will prevail.

Donations to the “A Better Tomorrow” campaign will:

• Ensure global anti-poaching efforts continue
• Ensure critical community initiatives within these hunting areas continue
• Address other needs as they arise within these communities

Rest assured, 100% of these funds will directly aid the people and wildlife of critical conservation areas around the globe, vital elements that are direct benefactors of hunting. DSC Foundation and hunter-conservationists worldwide thank you for your support of this important initiative.

The post “A Better Tomorrow” Campaign Update appeared first on DSC Foundation.

One of our community, Kambako Safaris, in Northern Mozambique, has had their camp devastated by criminals. Their hunting camp was looted, razed to the ground, and everything taken, including uniforms for anti-poaching scouts, food supplies, radios, and other essentials for keeping this conservation area intact.

“We’re still in shock. It’s devastating to see 20 years of hard work and commitment to conservation and community wiped out in a single day. But this will not be the end of Kambako,” stated Jacques Hartzenburg, of Chapungo-Kambako Safaris.

This incident is going to have a tremendous effect on wildlife conservation and community development. The hunting-operator community over the last 20 years has created a ring of protection around the Niassa Special Reserve, creating an indelible conservation success story for wildlife, including incredible plains game, tremendous buffalo, and the only exportable lion population in Mozambique.

Not only has wildlife conservation been the recipient of hunters’ efforts, but the communities living in and around Niassa have benefited with significant employment, the building of schools and scholastic essentials like school desks, chairs, beds all created by local people, paid for by hunters, for their kids. All that effort could now be in jeopardy.

DSC Foundation refuses to let all the conservation and community success go by the wayside due to this incident of criminality and, as such, has decided to step into the fold to help. DSC Foundation has approved an emergency grant to Kambako Safaris to provide much needed assistance, directed specifically to helping the following efforts in their conservatory Niassa, Mozambique:

• Support to ensure anti-poaching efforts in Kambako Safaris conservatory area continue
• Support to ensure community initiatives established by Kambako Safaris including schools, medical, community gardens, food (meat), etc. continue
• Support to address other needs tied to these communities

100% of these funds will directly aid the people and wildlife of Niassa, two vital elements that are direct benefactors of hunting.

In the coming days and weeks, DSC Foundation will roll out a greater initiative in combating these terrible acts against conservation. With your support, the Foundation will remain at the ready to quickly assist and act no matter where the need arises.

If you are a hunter that has booked in Northern Mozambique, DSC Foundation and DSC advise you to reach out to your operator/outfitter to discuss the current situations in the Niassa region and how it may impact your planned hunt. DSC Foundation and DSC stands with our operators in Mozambique as well as our members and hunters that hunt there.

The post A Better Tomorrow – A Rallying Cry to Support Wildlife and Local Communities appeared first on DSC Foundation.

As some of you may know, the Dallas Safari Club Convention week in Atlanta was my first official full week on the job as the new CEO for DSC. Convention was a steep learning curve for me, meeting people, learning about the mechanics of the event, and taking in as much information as possible. This past week has allowed me, our DSC staff, and our volunteer leadership to have a short time to debrief, while also continuing to take in and process data and valuable feedback, so that DSC can collectively understand how to best move forward.

As we ended our first convention in Atlanta 9 days ago, we had a “CEO roundtable” with a representative group of about 50 exhibitor partners to receive real-time feedback on everything that could be improved for future shows regarding thoughts and concerns about everything Atlanta. Between the information that was openly shared during the roundtable, combined with the continuous flow of information over the past week via event surveys, formal letters, social media posts, and direct conversations with our valued exhibitor partners, sponsors, and members, our DSC team has quickly gained important context on the broad sentiments regarding the outcome of the convention, as well as expressed concerns regarding possible future plans.

Though the feedback we have received spans the spectrum from negative to positive, the two most common themes that are reflective of the feedback include this: there is a broad concern from our convention stakeholders regarding our ability to enjoy the degree of success for all stakeholders that we have become accustomed to over the years should our convention remain in Atlanta; and two, there is an expressed strong commitment from our convention partners to continue to support DSC but with a request for improved communication.

This update letter today is to start that process for better communication and let you all know that DSC is hearing your concerns.  We understand that without the support from our exhibitor partners, sponsors, donors, members, and others, DSC will not be able to continue to deploy our mission as successfully as in the past and to continue to be looked at as a world leader in supporting conservation and being a strong voice for our important hunting heritage.

Listening and communication are a good start but putting an actionable plan together that addresses the concerns is what matters the most.  The DSC team is currently working around the clock to put that plan in place as quickly as possible so you can see how serious we are taking the current situation.

I ask for your continued patience and support as we work through this important process. My goal and commitment to all of you is to have more details by the end of January or early February that will allow you to better plan for upcoming events based on our path forward that we are charting now.

Thank you all, again, for your candor and continued support of DSC.

Rob McCanna
CEO DSC and DSC Foundation

January 21, 2025

The post CEO Update appeared first on DSC Foundation.

Raised in South Texas, Erika embodies the region’s rich outdoor traditions. The daughter of a retired Air Force fighter pilot and a fashion buyer, she grew up immersed in activities like hunting, fishing along the Texas coast, and working cattle on her family’s ranch. After completing her education at The University of Texas, Erika built a successful career spanning over 20 years as an Accounting Director for a Whataburger Franchise. Beyond her professional life, Erika is a dedicated wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother.

Currently serving as President in her fifth year on the DSC South Texas Chapter board, Erika’s leadership is instrumental in advancing our mission. Her recent trip to Namibia provided her with invaluable insights into the effective use of funds raised by her chapter, emphasizing the significant impact of our collective efforts.

Russell Stacy, President of the DSC Foundation Board, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Erika to our Advisory Board. Her extensive experience and commitment to conservation are tremendous assets that will undoubtedly enhance our efforts.”

Please join us in warmly welcoming Erika Gonzales. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and contributions she will bring to our efforts.

The post Welcome Erika Gonzales to the DSC Foundation Advisory Board! appeared first on DSC Foundation.

Learn more about the great work being done by The Wildlife Society. 

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