A Night of Conservation and Community: Highlights from the Garden State SCI After Hours 2026
Last Thursday, the Griffin & Howe event center transformed into a hub for conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts as we proudly hosted the annual summer meet and greet for the Garden State Chapter of Safari Club International (GSSCI). It was an honor to welcome the GSSCI community for an evening that perfectly encapsulated our shared commitment to the future of hunting, shooting sports, and wildlife conservation. Bob Newland, head of the Garden State Chapter, curated an evening that balanced insightful industry updates with the camaraderie that makes our community so special.
The event featured a powerful lineup of speakers, starting with an address from NRA President Bill Bachenberg. His presence set the tone for an evening focused on advocacy and the strength of our collective voice.
We were particularly moved by the GSSCI’s commitment to the next generation of shooters; the chapter presented a Beretta A300 to the Hunterdon Deadeyes, a dedicated youth 4H shooting program. Seeing the investment in young hunters and marksmen serves as a reminder of why our work remains so vital.
Other highlights of the night included a thoughtful presentation from Spencer Buche of Jim Kelly Taxidermy, who gifted Griffin & Howe CEO Steve Polanish a stunning bronze replica of the Dall sheep he harvested last year. The evening also featured keynote remarks from SCI CEO Laird Hamberlin, who provided a compelling look at the current landscape of SCI and the importance of active membership in today’s legislative environment. Following his address, SCI State and Local Liaison Christian Ragosta offered an essential, transparent update on the pressing political challenges facing the hunting community here in New Jersey.
The festivities included a silent auction and bucket raffle, and culminated in a grand finale for Tom Williams, who took home the raffle prize of a three-day Texas exotic hunt. We extend our sincere thanks to Bob Newland and the entire Garden State Chapter for choosing Griffin & Howe as their home for this fantastic event.