The Acadiana Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) is a volunteer-run nonprofit that works to protect our hunting heritage, support wildlife conservation, and give back through education and community efforts.

We stay connected through newsletters, member meetings with great programs, conservation and hunter education efforts, public events, and our amazing annual fundraising banquet.

Our members are made up of hunters like you and others who understand the importance of conservation, education and protecting the right to hunt; keeping our chapter strong.

Scholarship Program

To support the next generation of conservation-minded leaders, the Acadiana Chapter awards a one-time $1,500.00 scholarship to a graduating senior from any accredited public or private high school within the Acadiana area.

The recipient will be recognized at the Chapter’s annual Sporting Clays Shoot in May and featured at the annual banquet.

Mike Gaar Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mike Gaar was more than just a compassionate doctor—he was a trusted colleague, and to many of us, a true friend. His care for others extended far beyond the walls of his practice. He had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and valued—and that left a lasting impact on our community. It’s a legacy that won’t be forgotten.

Dr. Gaar was also someone who knew how to enjoy life. A proud and loyal LSU fan, he brought that same passion into everything he did. He found real joy in the simple things—whether it was a quiet morning in the woods, a round of golf, or time spent at the camp surrounded by the people he loved most.

He lived fully, he loved deeply, and he gave generously of himself. And while we feel the weight of his absence, we also carry forward the example he set—the way he cared, the way he laughed, and the way he lived.

  • This is awarded to high school seniors planning to major in a variety of conservation-related fields in one of the following areas: natural resources management, forestry, conservation education, biological science, marine science, environmental science, wildlife or fisheries management, or animal science from an accredited university.
  • Must be accepted at an accredited college, university, trade school or vocational program and enroll for a minimum of 12 semester hours or full-time equivalent.
  • Must have a 3.0 grade point average or better.
  • Must demonstrate a positive advocacy viewpoint of hunting as a conservation tool regarding wildlife management and land management.
  • Must be a permanent resident of Acadiana
  • Must be a member of the SCI Acadiana Chapter
  • Must demonstrate good leadership abilities.
  • Provide a copy of your hunter safety certificate.
  • No scholarship shall be awarded to a son/daughter, grandson/granddaughter, or nephew/niece of a member of the Safari Club International – Acadiana Chapter Board of Directors during the term of such member.
  • Completed signed application.

Payment will be made directly to the institution of higher education for credit toward the tuition obligation of the successful candidates. Any funds not used by the recipient will revert to the Dr. William Michael “Mike” Gaar Memorial Scholarship fund.

All applications are to be submitted no later than March 15th of each calendar year and accompanied by the following:

  • Evidence of the aforementioned requirements.
  • At least two (2) letters of recommendation by non-family members, one of which must be from school personnel.
  • Personal essay including your answer to the question “What does wildlife conservation mean to you?” (Essay should be no more than 800 words)

For questions about the application please email us at acadianalasci@gmail.com.

Grants

SCI Acadiana’s mission is to participate in legislative, judicial, regulatory, public relations or other advocacy activities, including humanitarian activities that demonstrate the constructive role of hunters in society, in order to protect the freedom to hunt and to advocate hunting and hunters.

We will engage and participate in projects that educate the public, and particularly youth, about the constructive role of hunting and hunters in society.

  • A club awarded funding is required to submit copies of the purchase receipts for all items acquired with such funding.

  • An agreement to predominately display our logo on the club’s competition apparel (display needs pre-approval and logo must not be altered), preferably the shirt/vest.

  • Recipients of the club must give a presentation at one of the SCI Member Meetings.

  • An agreement for representative of the receiving club to volunteer at both fundraising events for SCI which include but not limited to the Sporting Clays Shoot and annual banquet.

  • Pictures and updates must be provided to the point of contact throughout the shooting year.

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