By Chris Avena
There are moments that remind us why the outdoor community is unlike any other.
The Boots, Buckles & Backstraps American Outdoor News Sportsman Banquet, held to benefit Safari Club International, was one of those moments.
With more than 150 sportsmen and women gathered under one roof, the evening was far more than a fundraising banquet. It was a celebration of our shared passion for hunting, fishing, conservation, and the traditions that unite us as outdoorsmen and women.
While everyone came from different backgrounds, hunted different game, or fished different waters, there was one unmistakable message that filled the room throughout the evening:
That sentiment could be felt from the moment guests arrived. Friends reunited, new friendships were formed, stories from past seasons were exchanged, and conversations centered around the experiences that connect all of us through the outdoors.
The banquet was filled with excitement from start to finish. Guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner, an open bar, outstanding raffle prizes, and the camaraderie that has always defined our outdoor community.
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the extensive lineup of raffles featuring firearms, hunting equipment, fishing gear, optics, knives, outdoor accessories, and countless prizes donated by many of the industry's leading manufacturers. Throughout the night, winners proudly walked away with incredible gear while the anticipation of the next drawing kept the energy high.
Beyond the raffles, the evening also recognized individuals whose dedication continues to strengthen the future of the outdoor lifestyle.
The American Outdoor News Spirit of the Outdoors Award was presented to Jackie Molina and Julia Romanchuk in recognition of their outstanding leadership and commitment to promoting the outdoor lifestyle through their work with Long Island Babes & Bucks.
Their passion for introducing more women to hunting, fishing, and conservation has inspired countless individuals to become involved in the outdoors while helping build a stronger and more inclusive sporting community. Their enthusiasm and leadership embody exactly what the Spirit of the Outdoors Award represents.
The evening's highest honor, the American Outdoor News Outdoor Legacy Award, was presented to Kevin Underwood, founder of Underwood Ammo.
This award recognizes an individual whose lifelong dedication has made a lasting impact on the future of our outdoor heritage.
Kevin's unwavering support of hunters, competitive shooters, conservation organizations, and the Second Amendment community has earned him tremendous respect throughout the outdoor industry. His commitment extends well beyond manufacturing premium ammunition, it reflects a genuine passion for preserving the traditions and freedoms that define our outdoor lifestyle.
His contributions continue to make a meaningful difference for sportsmen and women across the country.
No outdoor gathering would be complete without exceptional food and fellowship.
Guests enjoyed an outstanding dinner while spending the evening with fellow hunters, anglers, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Adding to the experience, Delicato Family Wines hosted wine tastings throughout the evening, giving guests the opportunity to sample a selection of award-winning wines while enjoying the festivities.
One of the evening's most talked-about attractions was the incredible selection of Wild Fork Foods wild game sampler platters that was set on every table. Featuring a variety of premium game meats it perfectly reflected the event's celebration of hunting and the outdoor lifestyle.
Events of this magnitude are only possible because of the generosity of companies that believe in supporting conservation and the outdoor community.
American Outdoor News extends its sincere appreciation to our major sponsors:
Universal Coin & Bullion
Underwood Ammo
Ammunition Depot
Timney Triggers
Their commitment to conservation and their continued support of the hunting community helped make this event a tremendous success.
We would also like to thank the many manufacturers and industry partners who generously donated products for our raffles and auctions. Their support created an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.
Special thanks go to companies including:
GSM Outdoors
Trijicon
Tract Optics
Riton Optics
CRKT
Plano
CVA
Montana Silversmiths & More!
...along with many other generous companies whose contributions helped make the evening such a success. Every donated product helped raise funds that will directly support the mission of Safari Club International and future conservation efforts.
Perhaps the most significant moment of the evening came with the official announcement of the SCI Long Island Chapter.
The launch of this new chapter represents an exciting opportunity for sportsmen and women across Long Island to become more involved in conservation, advocacy, hunter education, and protecting our outdoor heritage.
The chapter will focus on promoting ethical hunting, supporting wildlife conservation, introducing new generations to the outdoors, and creating opportunities for hunters, anglers, and conservationists to come together in support of common goals.
This is only the beginning.
The enthusiasm shown throughout the evening demonstrated that Long Island has a passionate outdoor community ready to make a difference.
As the evening came to a close, guests left with raffle prizes, memories, new friendships, and excitement for what lies ahead.
But perhaps the greatest takeaway wasn't what anyone won.
It was the reminder of why we gather in the first place.
Hunting and fishing are more than hobbies. They teach responsibility, respect, conservation, and a deep appreciation for God's creation. They bring families together, create lifelong friendships, and preserve traditions that are passed from one generation to the next.
That spirit was evident throughout the Boots, Buckles & Backstraps Banquet.
More than 150 people came together with a common purpose, not simply to attend a banquet, but to celebrate a way of life and invest in its future.
Together, we celebrated our heritage, recognized those who lead by example, raised important funds for conservation, and officially launched a new chapter that will serve sportsmen and women across Long Island for years to come.
Because at the end of the day, we are all outdoorsmen. This is not just something that we do, it is a part of who we are.
