SCI recognizes the popularity of airguns among sportsmen and women, as well as the hunting tool’s capability to ethically harvest large game. In the past, hunters could submit airgun entries to SCI under the rifle category only. With the legalization of airguns for hunting in many states, their predominant use in Europe, and the interest expressed by SCI members and non-members alike, the SCI Record Book Committee unanimously voted to approve the creation of a separate category for airguns.
Entries will be accepted under the single category of "Airgun.” Hunters should additionally indicate on their entry form "bullet" or "shaft." With some airguns capable of shooting arrows, the SCI Record Book Committee might split this category by the type of ammunition they fire. Forms and resources for accepting airgun entries will be completed by March 1, 2021. Hunters can submit these entries now, online or by completing a printed form, notating the airgun bullet or airgun shaft category until an updated version is available.
"The use of airguns for big game is not new, and over the past decade the cost and capability improvements of these products have led to their popularity, as well as their low noise and little-to-no recoil," said Chip Hunnicutt, director of marketing and communications for SCI. "Giving airgunners their own category in the SCI Record Book has been a long time coming, and I'm proud to see this segment of hunters have an opportunity to score and record their achievements."
Since 1997, the SCI Record Book has helped document the hunting heritage. All entries are submitted by hunters and verified by SCI Master Measurers to ensure accuracy. SCI contributes 100 percent of the net proceeds from the Record Book and its World Hunting Awards, which recognizes hunters who have achieved exceptional levels of big-game success, to conservation and anti-poaching efforts.
SCI members can submit entries for the Record Book for a small fee. To learn how to become a member of SCI, and submit entries for the SCI Record Book, visit safariclub.org.
