TUCSON, Ariz. – Safari Club International, which protects the freedom to hunt and promotes wildlife conservation worldwide, has announced that Joe Hosmer of Durham was elected by SCI’s 300-person board of directors to serve a fifth term as SCI Region 30 representative. His term begins July 1.

“SCI continues to make great strides for the future of hunting and wild species. Joe’s experience and leadership have been his major contribution to SCI. Joe’s efforts have been invaluable to SCI’s leadership as well as the 45,000 members of SCI worldwide,” said Gary Bogner, SCI president.

“Thanks to Joe and the dedicated Maine delegation, millions of Northeastern families and tens of millions hunters across the globe will continue to enjoy their outdoor hunting heritage.”

As one of 38 regional representatives worldwide, Hosmer will focus his energies on helping SCI grow its activities and membership in Maine and New Hampshire. He also will act as a liaison between SCI and the SCI Foundation, and the chapters in his region.

Hosmer’s previous terms were one year in length. Due to a change in bylaws his new term is two years.

Hosmer, who joined SCI in 1995, has been on its board of directors for five years. For the past year he reprised his membership on SCI’s Long Range Planning Committee, which he held during the 2001-2002 term. In 2003 he also served on SCI’s ad hoc search committee, which spearheaded efforts to locate and evaluate potential applicants to the then-vacant SCI executive director and SCI Foundation development director positions.

From 2000 to 2003, he served on the SCI Foundation Humanitarian Services Committee, where he helps develop, promote and maintain the foundation’s many outstanding efforts focused on those in need. From 2000-2002 he also served on the SCI Foundation Conservation Committee.

For more information, call SCI Maine Chapter President David Sporcic at 603-447-3888. For information about the New Hampshire Chapter, in which upcoming SCI President John Monson of Manchester, N.H., is member, call Chapter President Peter Laughlin at 603-635-1633.

For more information on SCI, call 520-620-1220 or visit www.scifirstforhunters.org and on the foundation, all 877-877-3265 or visit www.sci-foundation.org.

The SCI 32nd annual Hunters’ Convention hosted more than 17,000 sportsmen from 50 countries. The convention raised more than $10 million for SCI, the foundation and SCI-PAC, the political action committee. To register to attend the 33rd convention in Reno Jan. 26 to 29, 2005, call 888-746-9724 toll-free or visit www.scifirstforhunters.org.