The Great Buffalo Giveaway

by Thomas on December 5, 2011

Midwest Iowa Outdoors® & Outside Iowa®

With Thomas Allen

(November 7th, 2011)

A few weeks ago, I ran into a good friend of mine, Mr. Dave Funk who is deeply immersed in Iowa politics, and especially Iowa’s Chapter of Safari Club International.  We caught up and after I asked about what was new with Iowa SCI, he reminded me of a very cool humanitarian project they have implemented and been working on for nearly a decade; The Great Buffalo Giveaway.

“We initiated The Great Buffalo Giveaway in 2003,” says Iowa SCI President Nels Spevak.  “While Iowa SCI shares a passion for the great outdoors and maintaining our rights as individuals, we are also passionate about giving back to the community in any way possible.  Since the project’s inception through current, we have provided over 25,000 meals to Central Iowa’s needy.  We are proud of that!”

“There have been many groups in which we have worked closely with over the years to make this possible, and quite frankly, it would not be possible without their generosity and support,” continues Spevak.  “Not only do local charities and shelters benefit, but we also get to enjoy the hunting side of the event.  Contrary to many opinions, the buffalo is not near extinction and there are abundant numbers out in western Nebraska and South Dakota.  We typically hunt a few days in late October and the Giveaway takes place the day before Thanksgiving.”

“After understanding our objective, many of the western landowners and outfitters provide us with free access,” he says.  “The work doesn’t stop out west as there are those here at home who help see it to fruition such as Randy Ruth, owner of the Fredrika Locker, which is just north of Waterloo.  Randy processes the entire animal for free of charge!  Tom Eddy, president of Specialty Leather Processers, Inc out of Boone, Iowa donates his time and effort to transform the buffalo capes into gorgeous leather products.”

“Renown wildlife artist and Iowa resident, Larry Zach also a longtime member of Iowa SCI has painted two buffalo skulls as a part of the trophy display aspect,” Spevak explains.  “The entire Iowa SCI Organization has played a major role in this event and has taken the Iowa Chapter into national recognition.  It is a group effort that would not take place without the work of many passionate outdoorsmen and women.”

The Bethel Mission is the primary beneficiary to The Great Buffalo Giveaway, along with Central Iowa Shelters and Freedom for Youth Ministries.  These organizations are privately funded, and greatly appreciate the meat and time donated by Iowa SCI chapter members as they use it to serve their members.  Not to mention, buffalo is exquisite meat!  For more information, please visit www.iowasci.com.

This year’s efforts were rewarded with two animals providing a total of over 800 lbs. of meat to be delivered the day prior to Thanksgiving.  The lucky hunter was Sam Folkman, accompanied by his father Brian and uncle Dan.

I hope this story reminds you that with the pain and suffering that exists here at home in Iowa (and abroad) there are those using their resources and passions to better other’s lives.  I have always believed that outdoorsmen and women are the ones that care the most about the environment, the animals in which they hunt, the next generation, and most of all – their fellow man.

Iowans are the best of those and I am proud to stand up with all of you and share the passion I have for Iowa’s game and fish.  With the holidays quickly approaching, remember those less fortunate and lift up a prayer to the one who makes all of our outdoor pursuits possible.  I for one am thankful for all of your continued support for Iowa’s outdoors and of course Outside Iowa.

Live it Up!

(Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center, Iowa.  He is a professional outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and outdoor talk radio show host; for more information visit www.outdoorpursuitsradio.com.  If you have questions or comments feel free to email Thomas at tha481@gmail.com)

Tagged as: great buffalo giveaway, iowa sci, Midwest Iowa Outdoors, Outside Iowa, safari club international, Thomas Allen

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