Local Hunters Form Safari Club
New SCI Chapter To Fund Local Projects

Steve Rilenge of Mackinac Island and Jeff Bunker of St. Ignace have formed a chapter of Safari Club International. The club received its charter in October.

Safari Club International (SCI) is a worldwide hunting organization with 40,000 members.

“We’re the NRA (National Rifle Association) of the hunting industry,” Mr. Rilenge said. “We are seeking more members for our new local club, which will be the Michigan Straits Chapter of SCI.”

Mr. Rilenge is the president of an SCI chapter in Indiana, where he has a home.

The organization works toward protection of hunter rights, Mr. Rilenge said, and is known for its conservation of wildlife and for its charity drive, Sportsmen Against Hunger. Other charitable projects include sending medical supplies to Africa and establishing a disabled hunters program.

Mr. Rilenge said SCI returns 70 percent of money raised through its fundraisers to fund local projects. Projects the group will focus on in the Straits area will include working with the local Department of Natural Resources on wildlife conservation programs and supporting the Sportsmen Against Hunger wild game charity program.

Those who are interested in joining the new club, which will meet regularly in St. Ignace or on Mackinac Island, may call Kim Kolatski at (906) 847-8262.