I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year. This year’s21stAnnual Banquet / Fundraiseris just 2 months away. We have moved to new location. This year’s Banquet/Fundraiser will be held at Orlando’s Event Center, 2050 Dorsett Village, Maryland Heights, MO 63403. This year’s Event will include a sit-down dinner, 5-hour Open Bar, Coffee, and Dessert.
Each month we have been sending you a sample of the items we are going to have at our Banquet. Last year we had several items for the ladies, and this year we are going to have an even larger selection to choose from.
I hope you have signed up for our Upland Bird Hunt at Blackhawk on Saturday January 10, 2026. Don’t forget we will be conducting another Upland Bird Hunt on Saturday February 7th, 2026. Please contact Jeremy at 559-905-9002 or Nick at 314-650-7877 for details.
During the month of December, the Board and Directors voted to switch to a new web platform. The cutover will take place in April. This new software will make it easier for you to register for Hunts, Events, our Banquet and much more. You will receive more information as we progress through the initial kickoff stage.
Don’t forget to send us pictures of your hunts from last year so we can display your Trophies on the big screen during the Banquet.
Please be sure to check out our 2026/2027 Calendar for our upcoming events. Until next time, be safe and happy hunting wherever you are!
Gateway Area Chapter SCI 21stAnnual Banquet/Fundraiser
You will not want to miss our Annual Banquet/Fundraiser coming up in March. It will surely be our best one yet, with something for everybody! Bring your family and friends to the event of the year!
Doors open at 5pm
5-hour open bar
Sit down dinner/program starts at 7pm
Live Auction at 8pm
Get your tickets in advance! We have already sold 3 platinum level sponsor tables, 8 silver level sponsor tables, and several gold and bronze level tickets:
Platinum Level: Sponsor Table (8 Tickets)Sponsor will be entered into a drawing for a gun. $1,000.
Gold Level: 2-person ticket. Each Sponsor will be entered into a drawing for a gun. $350.
Silver Level: Table of 8. If purchased before January 7th, 2026, each person will be entered into a drawing to win $250 cash. $600
Bronze Level: Individual ticket. If purchased before January 7th, 2026, each person entered into a drawing to win $150 cash. $75.
Youth level:Each Child (age 12 and under) will be entered into a drawing to win $100 cash. $37.50.
Exhibitors
Sponsors
GAC Events Calendar
Saturday January 10, 2026, Blackhawk Valley Hunt Club, Old Monroe, MO, Upland Bird Hunt.
February 18-21, 2026, SCI Convention, Nashville, TN.
Saturday March 7, 2026, GAC Annual Banquet/Fundraiser - Orlando’s Catering.
Saturday, September 26, 2026, “Shoot for The Vets” at NILO Farms.
Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026, Annual Holiday Party Syberg’s Maryland Heights.
SCI National Convention Nashville TN February 17-20, 2027.
Saturday March 6, 2027, GAC Annual Banquet/Fundraiser - Orlando’s Catering.
Bragging Post
Hunter Alver, Pheasant Hunt, Kansas
Field Tips
Now is the time to trap as many canines (Racoons, Opossum, Fox, Bobcats and Coyotes) as possible on your property or leased land. They will have a negative impact on your Turkey, Quail, as well as Fawns.
Meet and Greet Opportunity
Gateway SCI Member Dale Roethemeyer has extended a unique Meet & Greet opportunity to personally meet his PH Craig Maartens from South Africa at his home in Paradise Valley East in High Ridge on Wednesday February 11 2026. Dale has hunted with Craig on three of his past four Safaris. Laurie and Dale will be joining Craig again this June for a Cape Buffalo adventure. If an African Photo Safari or a Hunting Safari is on your bucket list, this maybe an opportunity to gain first line information from a superb professional hunter and outfitter.
Maartens Safaris was founded in 1959 by Basie Maartens as the first ever registered Hunting Outfitter in Namibia (then South West Africa) before expanding all across Southern Africa. The vision was to allow discerning international hunters to travel the across Africa in search of the most iconic species and experience all the adventures that go along with hunting them.
Craig, son of Basie, continues the legacy as both Outfitter and Professional Hunter of Maartens Safaris. The result is a legacy of excellence; some of Craigs clients are third-generation hunters, with their grandfathers having hunted with Basie and now hunting with Craig. Through the seasons and decades of safaris, the vision has remained the same.
Craig is now recognized as one of the most experienced Professional Hunters in Southern Africa, having guided professionally for over 15 years across a wide diversity of habitats and species. In addition, Craig serves as Chairman of the Custodians of Professional Hunting and Conservation – South Africa, giving back to the industry that has provided a career for him and his family, and ensuring that the legacy of hunting in Africa is preserved and upheld to a high standard.
If interested, please RSVP to David Stokes 314-882-6199. Directions will be provided.
