Meet Ray DeWitt, a key supporter of SCI Foundation, whose dedication has greatly boosted our conservation efforts. In this “Donor Spotlight,” we explore the lives of patrons like Ray, who drive our mission to protect wildlife through conservation, education, and ethical hunting. We recently asked Ray several questions, and his answers reveal his motivations and journey as an advocate for SCIF. Discover more about Ray DeWitt and his inspiring story.
Who introduced you to hunting or was it a path of self-discovery? My Father when I was young, but I stopped hunting after I got a real job and moved to Salt Lake City. After he died I decided to pick up the torch.
Why do you hunt? I love it! I also want to see the world and do something adventurous.
Who do you like to hunt with? Good people of course! I hunt with friends, clients, and prospective clients, all of whom become friends in the end anyway!
Who have you introduced to/mentored in hunting? My youngest son is starting to take a shine to it. I have also encouraged many friends who don’t regularly hunt to join me on hunts.
What does the term hunter/conservationist mean to you? I used to think those were separate things, but now I realize that many hunters are the biggest conservationists. To answer the question, someone who gives back.
How did you get involved with SCIF? Picking up the torch for my father again here. But I got an email from the Utah chapter banquet shortly after I got back from a hunting trip. I decided to be the main sponsor for the Utah Banquet and asked to be on the board. I dove in headfirst!
What keeps you involved? Great people, connections, great mission, and lots of fun.
What do you see as SCI/SCIF’s primary roles in the community at large? Hunter rights, but also public education on conservation at a local level.
When we bring up the idea of hunters giving back, what comes to mind? It’s caring about wildlife sustainability, being willing to put your money where your passion is in a way that doesn’t really immediately or directly benefit you. Life is about giving back and paying it forward,
What do you wish other people knew or understood about SCIF? When I took my wife to South Africa for the first time, she wasn’t too thrilled about the hunting part of the trip. She spent time talking to the guides and really gained an understanding of the difference the hunting, and money spent for the hunting, made.
Tell us why you would encourage others to become involved with SCIF? If you are a hunter, it’s your duty to give back. It’s also a fun organization to be a part of. Being on the board, has really opened my eyes to the difference SCI makes in the community and beyond.
