Story by Craig Nyhus, Lone Star Outdoor News
Photo from DSC
A spike in coronavirus infections in the state has taken a toll on summer conventions and hunting shows. Gov. Abbott’s new orders increasing restrictions on public gatherings brought plans for some events to a halt.
Texas Trophy Hunters Association
The Texas Trophy Hunters Association had been planning for its three extravaganzas set in Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth. According to TTHA President and Chief Executive Officer, Dave Keith, plans had been made to create room for guests at the shows, including spacing exhibitor booths six feet apart and eliminating some of the attractions that gather people in one area.
However, the changes were too much to continue with the extravaganzas this year and, on July 3, each event was canceled for the first time in 44 years.
“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and various public health regulations, and out of concern for the well-being of attendees and exhibitors, the Texas Trophy Hunters Association has made the unprecedented decision to cancel its Hunters Extravaganza shows for 2020,” TTHA announced.
Keith said ongoing communication with the host venues revealed that the scheduled 2020 shows would not be feasible under the current conditions.
Texas Deer Association
TDA’s annual convention, originally set for Aug. 14-15 at the JW Marriott Hill Country and Spa in San Antonio, will not be held in person. The group, after an emergency board meeting on July 2, made the decision not to hold the event that typically brings up to 700 people to evening banquets and auctions.
“We have a full plan for a virtual convention and a virtual auction,” said Executive Director Patrick Tarlton. “We still want to have the show, but unfortunately, circumstances dictate we have to do it virtually this year.”
Tarlton said planning has begun for the virtual events, and the new dates are expected to be in late September.
Texas Wildlife Association
TWA switched its plans to a virtual convention a few months ago, and the events are took place last week.
The group’s Private Lands Summit was offered online, and seminars were made available for viewing July 7. Auctions which began July 6 and ended July 11, all conducted through a computer app we successful for the group in these unprecedented times.
Texas Hunters & Sportsmen’s Expo
The popular Rio Grande Valley event was originally set for July 24-26, and organizers still plan to hold the expo, just at a later date.
The Expo is now set for Aug. 21-23 at the McAllen Convention Center.
Deer Breeders Corp
DBC’s annual convention is set Aug. 28-29 at they Hyatt Regency Hill Country in San Antonio. Executive Director Tim Condict said the convention is on as scheduled.
Dallas Safari Club
The 2021 Dallas Safari Club convention has moved from January to February. The new dates, Feb. 11-14, come after concerns regarding travel, especially international travel, to and from the event that brings in exhibitors and attendees from around the world.
