HomeAnnual Convention

Annual Convention

Platte River SCI Chapter

Join us for the Platte River SCI Chapter's annual convention the weekend of January 30-31, 2026, at the Younes South Conference Center in Kearney, Nebraska. The annual convention is our biggest event of the year and is the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts. This gathering brings together supporters, members and outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate conservation, hunting heritage and community.

Every dollar raised helps us fulfill our mission of protecting the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation in Nebraska by funding efforts that impact ethical hunting, legislative advocacy, public education, hunter access and recruitment in Nebraska. Tickets are on sale now. Get yours before they sell out!

Nick Hoffman

Featured Guest Speaker

CMA Award-winning fiddle player, country artist, songwriter, TV host, radio personality and conservation advocate, Nick is a true Renaissance outdoorsman. From small-town Minnesota to the biggest stages in country music, Nick's journey has taken him from sharing the spotlight with Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and Brooks & Dunn to hosting the hit Outdoor Channel series, Nick's Wild Ride.

Now entering its 11th season, Nick's Wild Ride follows him around the globe as he hunts and explores the culture, food, history and music that make each place unique. The show has earned more than 20 Telly Awards and Outdoor Sportsman's Golden Moose Award for Best Conservation, making Nick one of the most recognizable voices in the industry.

As our keynote speaker, Nick will share the stories, songs and spirit that define his adventures and his belief that hunting connects us to something much bigger: the land, the people and the traditions that find us all. Expect an evening full of energy, humor and inspiration you won't want to miss.

Friday Family Night

Spend the evening having fun with the family. From our interactive game room to the wild game feed, there's something for everyone.

Browse the showroom floor and network with exhibitors and fellow hunters.
Enjoy culinary creations by the Youness team as they prepare wild game donated by our members.
Celebrate successful harvests by our youth chapter hunters.
Bid on items featured on our silent and live auctions.

Friday Schedule

4:00 - 6:00 pm

Exhibitors and Interactive Zone Open

6:00 pm

Wild Game Feed

6:30 pm

Program

7:30 pm

Live Auction

Saturday Convention

Get ready for a full day of learning, networking and celebration. From training and networking to dining and bidding, this convention is a must attend. We look forward to seeing everyone again in January.

Get your SCI Measurer Certification
Attend our annual meeting.
Checkout our three breakout sessions.
Book your next hunt in our exhibit hall.
Network with fellow hunters.
Keep the kids busy in our Interactive Zone.
Bid on exciting packages on our silent and live auctions.

Saturday Schedule

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

SCI Measurer Certification Course (registration required)

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Annual Membership Meeting

1:30 pm

Trophy IQ: Proper Field Care and Expert Scoring Tips

2:30 pm

Average Joe's Wild Game Cooking Seminar

3:30 pm

Level Up Your Wild Game Butchering and Culinary Skills

4:00 pm

Exhibitors, Interactive Zone and Registration Open

6:00 pm

Banquet and Program

8:30 pm

Live Auction

SCI Measurer Certification

Expand your skills and become a Certified SCI Measurer! Join us for this four-hour course, led by qualified SCI instructors, and gain hands-on experience in the official SCI measuring system and standards.

The program includes:

An introduction to SCI’s scoring methods and measurement standards.
Practical, hands-on training with sample trophies.
A written test to qualify for certification.
A review of SCI policies and ethical requirements.

Aaron Smith, SCI Master Measurer

Aaron Smith is an avid bow hunter, SCI Master Measurer and passionate conservationist. He serves as the SCI Record Book and World Hunting Awards Program Manager. Overseeing the operations of the Record Book department as well as training and development of SCI Measurers, he is passionate about equipping the next generation of hunters with the skills and the knowledge to preserve the right to hunt.

Michelle McAda, SCI Official Measurer

Michelle McAda is an SCI Official Measurer and a lifelong hunter, having taken her first buck at just seven years old. As a proud conservationist and international hunter, Michelle serves as the World Hunting Awards Program Coordinator - assisting members with receiving the proper accolades for their achievements.

Tuition for the course is $150 per attendee, but the Platte River SCI Chapter will cover half the cost for each participant. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your involvement with SCI and contribute to accurate, ethical record-keeping in the world of hunting and conservation.

Register today and secure your spot!

Breakout Sessions

Trophy IQ: Proper Field Care and Expert Scoring Tips

Your hunt doesn't end when the tag is filled, the real work is field dressing and proper care of your trophy. In this breakout session, two certified SCI measurers share their best practices for trophy care and field handling. Learn how to:

Properly care for and transport your trophies from the field.
Avoid the most common mistakes that can damage your mount.
Understand scoring in velvet.

Whether you're new to hunting or a seasoned veteran, Trophy IQ delivers practical field knowledge straight from the experts.

Average Joe's Cooking Seminar

Featuring Bob Meduna and Steve Quadhamer

We're thrilled to feature the Average Joe's Cooking Seminar at this year's convention. This must-attend event is for anyone who loves turning wild game into great meals. Join longtime outdoorsmen and wild game enthusiasts, Bob Meduna and Steve Quadhamer, as they share lessons learned from over 50 years of cooking wild game. Their session will cover everything from proper meat care and processing to cooking tips, favorite wild game cookbooks and where to find great recipes and resources.

Whether you're new to wild game cooking or a seasoned camp chef, you'll leave this seminar with fresh ideas, practical advice and plenty of inspiration to take your next meal from the field to the table.

Level Up: Wild Game Butchering & Culinary Skills

Featuring Chef Anthony Vargas and Professional Butcher, Le Anderson

Back by popular demand, we welcome back Chef Anthony Vargas to our breakout session stage. Take your wild game skills to the next level with our Level Up Session, featuring Chef Tony Vargas and professional butcher, Le Anderson. This dynamic duo will guide you through the complete process — from field to fine dining.

Le Anderson will kick things off with a "how to" discussion on properly field dressing deer and other big game, offering expert techniques to maximize yield and minimize waste. Then, Chef Tony Vargas will step in to elevate your culinary game, teaching how to sous vide wild game, make biltong, and master classic sauces that form the foundation of gourmet cooking.

Whether you’re an experienced hunter looking to refine your butchering technique or a passionate cook wanting to elevate your wild game dishes, this session promises hands-on insight, practical takeaways, and inspiration straight from the pros.

Vendors and Outfitters

This year's convention brings together an incredible lineup of exhibitors, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman, a first-time adventurer or simply looking for unique experiences, you'll find it on the showroom floor.

Guides & Outfitters -- connect with professional guides and outfitters from across the world to help you plan your next unforgettable hunting or fishing adventure.
Jewelers -- stunning, handcrafted pieces perfect for gifts, keepsakes or adding a touch of elegance to your collection.
Firearms & Ammunition -- explore the latest in firearms, gear and accessories from trusted names in the industry.
Outdoor Apparel -- find high-quality apparel designed for both performance in the field and comfort in everyday life.