March 2019 • Nebraskaland 55
Safari Club International held its annual convention in
Reno, Nevada Jan. 9-12, 2019. This is the largest hunting
convention in the world. International exhibitors, furriers,
jewelers and more took part in four days of celebrating the
sport we hold so dear: hunting.
Nebraska was well represented on many levels. Hunt
Nebraska, Pheasant Bonanza, Gunderson's Jewelers and
Zeller Trunks/Chuck's Wood Barn were exhibitors.
Greg Middleton served as exhibitor services manager, a
title he has held for well over 20 years. Cal Campbell served as
regional representative for Nebraska, Iowa and the Dakotas.
Mary Middleton served not only as the national secretary
for Safari Club Foundation Sables, but also as the Nebraska
chapter president, thus representing Nebraska on the Safari
Club International Board of Directors.
Congratulations to 2003 Mrs. Nebraska Olivia Nalos
Opre, who was presented the C.J. McElroy Award. Olivia is
not a stranger to the hunting awards stage. In 2014, Olivia
received the Diana Award, the most prestigious female
hunting award. It is a diffi cult award to achieve and an honor
once accomplished. This year, Olivia's eff orts to advocate for
hunting and her achievements in the fi eld crossed paths with
the C.J. McElroy Award.
This award is named after the founder of Safari Club
International. The award honors members of the worldwide
hunting industry who have made tremendous contributions
to the sport of hunting, achieved worldwide hunting
excellence, demonstrated dedication to wildlife conservation
and have a history of service to the global hunting community
and to SCI goals.
Opre's cohorts with this award include Jeff Rann, Jim
Shockey, Craig Boddington, and Dick Cabela to name a few.
Opre is the fi rst female to achieve this pinnacle award.
STEALING THE SHOW
Paid Advertisement from the Nebraska Safari Club
OLIVIA
NALOS
OPRE
(LEFT)