SCI South Florida
SCI
President.............Keith Almeida
Vice President..Rich Gotshall
Secretary.............Bob Salisbury
Treasurer.............Sean McCann
From The President Keith Almeida
Dear Members,
I hope this letter nds you all in good health and high spirits. As we approach the end of the year, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on various projects and activities undertaken by our club.
Over the past few months, we have been actively involved in several projects in the hunting community, both governmental and local.Our board has been involved with State Level events geared toward improving and safeguarding our hunting rights in our beautiful state. Additionally, we continue to supply game meat as part of our "Sportsman Against Hunger" campaign which is aimed at bene ting those in need.
From organizing food drives to participating in environmental clean-up (in conjunction with the Broward Airboat Club), SCI SFC has made significant contributions towards making a positive impact in our community
.In addition to our community service initiatives, we have also been focusing on enhancing our club's resources and capabilities. We are constantly working on new ways to improve our annual fundraiser in order to achieve greater attendance, a larger donation yield, more and better items, as well as an overall increased fun factor for the evening.
As we look towards the future, it is important for us to continue to work together towards our common goals. Membership is more important than ever to ensure the sustainability of our passion and to enable us to continue making a difference in the hunting community. I encourage all of you to consider renewing your vigor and to actively participate in our upcoming projects and activities
Additionally, we also rely on your generous donations to the club which help us earn money. Every contribution, no matter how small, plays a vital role in allowing us to provide quality items for our live auction, silent auction, and raffle.
I would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support and dedication to our club. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for all.
Very Truly Yours,
Keith Almeida President South Florida Chapter - SCI
Fundraiser Report
2024
Well another fundraiser has come and gone for your SCI South Florida Chapter and again it was a great success. We did a bit better then last year and had about 180 people in attendance. Hugh's is still a great place to have the event but if we grow larger then 200 we may need to find a new venue or limit ticket sales. So far we are good to go. Our proceeds go to fund the youth hunts we put on, the local action groups we support who fight tirelessly to keep our local lands accessible and to a hand full of other youth organizations such as The Boy Scouts and The Young Guns Sporting Clays Team at Quail Creek Plantation. As always 30% of our profit always goes to National SCI to support home base in their efforts to keep us hunting and on the lands we deserve to be on! A list of our support and goings on can be found in this news letter.
Our next Fundraiser will be February 15th, 2025 at Hugh's Culinary again. It is never too late to help by donating items new or used. We happily accept any gun you are willing to support the club with and if you want to sell and guns please contact me directly. The club needs all the help it can get. If you would like to contact us or donate to the silent auction and would like it picked up reach out to Diane Clutter at 954-854-1107.
Rich Gotshall – Co-Fundraiser Chair I can be reached at Rich@Paulbangeroofing.com
Member Dove shoot- Your invited
October 5th, Okeechobee FL
SCI South Florida has put together our second annual dove hunt at Little Lake Lodge on October 5th, 2024. Last year we went with them and after a short rain storm the doves turned the skies black. The outfitter has multiple fields so exact location is not available. We generally try to meet for lunch at a restaurant in Okeechobee FL then the outfitter will give us the address to meet at. Cost is $250.00 and includes an amazing home made dinner onsite.
If you are interested in going contact myself at 954-410-5622, text messages are fine also. If I cannot be reached call Diane at 954-8541107. We can fill 15 spots so please RSVP early so you do not lose your spot! These are always great kid shoots.
The outfitters website is www floridadovehunting.com if you want to see their operation. (Above link clickable)
Empowering the Next Generation of Archers
“Archery is like a journey, it begins with a love for shooting a bow and a passion for watching our arrows y.”
— Ron Laclair
Summer Adventure camp attracts kids to something new
Dear SCI Members,
We hope this newsletter nds you well, and this season’s hunts have been as successful as ever. Today, we want to share a heartwarming story of how our club’s support for John A Ferguson’s Archery/Outdoor program has made a signi cant difference in the lives of young aspiring archers.
This past summer, we embarked on a mission that exempli es the core values of our organizationfostering a love for the outdoors and the responsible use of hunting equipment Our initiative involved training elementary aged children with the archery equipment that our club helped purchase for Ferguson High School. Little did we know the profound impact this would have on a group of 75 enthusiastic young students ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade.
Marcela Del Rosario, one of our dedicated instructors and organization members, took the lead in introducing these students to the world of archery With three groups categorized by age (k-2, 3-4, and 5-6), she began the journey by teaching them the essential steps and safety protocols of NASP archery. It was imperative that safety remained a top priority, and our young
archers eagerly absorbed every aspect of responsible archery
For the youngest participants in grades K-2, Marcela thoughtfully provided safety arrows equipped with suction cups and simple bows. Understanding the physical limitations of these little ones, she ensured their archery experience was both enjoyable and accessible. The joy on their faces as they released their rst arrows, even with smaller bows, was truly heartwarming. They may not have had the strength to pull on compound bows, but they learned the art of archery with enthusiasm and determination.
The older children in grades 3-6 reveled in the chance to explore something entirely different from their typical summer camp activities. Archery provided them with an opportunity to develop focus, coordination, and teamwork, all while having fun
As a testament to their dedication, Picture 1 shows several of boys and girls standing con dently next to the archery targets. Their arrows nd their mark near the bullseye, and Marcela Del Rosario, our instructor, proudly points to her shot, setting an example of skill and sportsmanship.
Our commitment to fostering a love for the outdoors goes beyond just equipment. The picture below shows the vivid scene of the basketball court transformed into a temporary archery range. Students stand at the ready on the shooting line, eager to take their shots. It's a powerful reminder that the great outdoors can be enjoyed in various ways, thanks to the support of our organization
In conclusion, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who make our initiatives possible. Your contributions are making a lasting impact on the lives of young archers, instilling in them the values of discipline, respect, and a love for nature. As we continue our journey to promote responsible hunting practices and nurture the next generation of hunters, we invite you to share in the joy of our success stories. Together, we're creating a brighter future for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts. Thank you for your unwavering support.
Warm regards,
Marcela Del Rosario/ Shawn Beightol, John A Ferguson Sr High School Outdoors Club and members of SCI First For Hunters South Florida Chapter
The picture below showcases two elementary school-aged girls standing next to the target, beaming with pride as their shots rest precisely on the bullseye. It's a visual representation of the con dence and precision that archery can instill in our youth.
What’s on the ballot this November 5, 2024?
RIGHT TO FISH AND HUNT. Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife Specifies that the amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV of the State Constitution.
This is a crucial issue for Florida's sportsmen, women, and children. We need every vote in support of Amendment 2, so please encourage your friends and family to get out and vote YES. To add this to Florida's State Constitution, we need 60% of the vote, which will secure our right to fish and hunt for generations to come.
This effort requires more than just the active fishing and hunting community; it needs everyone who believes in the right to enjoy these outdoor traditions in Florida!
SCISFC LOCAL PROJECTS REPORT
Our Chapter has accomplished a lot in the past year, from creating, planning, and executing new events to continuing the work we have been doing for many years. The below summary is a project by project synopsis with highlights. Complete details can be found in the individual event chair reports.
Youth Hunts:
Our chapter members participated in many Youth Hunts in FY 2023-2024. We sponsored the Istokpoga Youth Deer & Hog Hunt in January 2024.
Projects
There are literally dozens of projects within the above and the more public comment and involvement the better. For more information please contact Tom Van Note 954-6464252 or email: Tom@STATpromo.com
Istokpoga Hunt Site Workdays:
During the course of the year there are several Work Days needed to prepare the site for the Youth Hunts. Installation and removal of tree stands, Scouting, preparing the camp site as well as maintenance of stands and trails. Approximately 144 Volunteer Hours not including planning and travel time.
Conservation Community Involvement:
Our Chapter coordinates with other SCI Chapters on a regular basis as well as other local Sportsman and Conservation Organizations. We do this by attending meetings, working on projects together, donation of time, talent and treasure to support programs that align with our Mission Statement. Some of these groups are: Everglades Coordinating Council, Florida Sportsmen Conservation Association, Florida Airboat Association, Boy Scouts of America, Broward County Airboat & Halftrack Conservation Club and many others. Other involvement included attending meeting, Zoom Meetings as well as financial support equals approximately $10,000.00 or more annually and Approximately 600 Volunteer Hours.
September Dinner Meeting Invite Below
Upcoming Events. Mark your calendars!
September 14, 2024
SCI Dinner Wild Game DInner Meeting
Tequila Sunrise
4711 N. Dixie Highway
Oakland Park, FL 33334
(See Invitation)
October 5th, 2024
Member Dove Shoot
Little Lake Lodge Okeechobee FL
15-20 members spots available
$250.00 per person
See invitation
Vote Yes on 2 Fundraiser
Bimini Boatyard
1555 SE 17th Street
Ft. Lauderdale 6-8 pm
November 7-8, 2024
BSA Sporting Clays Quail Creek Plantation
December 7th, 2024
Annual Holiday Party
Rich Gotshall's Home Davie, FL
January 10-12, 2025
Istokpoga Youth Deer & Hog Hunt
Volunteers welcome.
February 15 , 2025
Chapter members are emailed invitations prior to dinner meetings. Please RSVP to club secretarty Diane Clutter prior event.
If you would like information on any other event please do not hesitate to email or call for information.
Diane Clutter SCISFC@aol.com 954-854-1107
Has your membership lapsed?
If you need to rejoin, we need you! Go to www.scisfc.com and you can easily get it done. You can also pay for club events there!
Have you been to SCI National's website. It is fresh and new and the best place to find out what is going on in the hunting and conservation world. Visit www.scifirstforhunters.org then login into your membership page to really see why being a member is imperative to all outdoorsmen, women and kids!
SCI-SFC Annual Banquet and Fundraiser
Hugh's Culinary
4351 NE 12th Terrace
Oakland Park, FL 33334 th
If you have an article or hunting report you'd like to add to the newsletter please contact Rich Gotshall. We will also be adding sponsors and advertising to the newsletter as we move forward.
Rich@Paulbangeroofing.com I can also be reached at 954-410-5622
