OUR STORY

The origins of Game Conservancy USA in 1985 arose from conversations between members of the Game Conservancy Trust (GCT) (UK) and B.Z. Lee, founding president of the organization, initially called American Friends of the Game Conservancy (AFGC). Mr. Lee met with GCT Vice-Chairman The Earl Peel, Director Richard Van Oss, and member Michael Bowman-Vaughn in both the UK and in Dallas Texas to discuss the creation of a US charitable organization that could increase donations to GCT by providing US supporters with the benefit of making their donations tax deductible in the United States.

In 1998, AFGC moved to Vero Beach, Florida, and the Board elected to change the name to Game Conservancy USA (GCUSA), to reflect the organization’s commitment to conservation in the US, as well as in the UK. While financial support continued to be directed primarily to the research efforts of the GCT, there was growing interest in the application of that research to US projects, specifically the maintenance of the Great Plains Pheasant, Southeast Quail, and Alaska Spruce Grouse.

In 1999 GCUSA moved it headquarters to Connecticut, where it remains. GCUSA continues to direct its financial support to the GCT, renamed The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), with membership and fundraising efforts focused primarily on generating interest amongst the numerous shooting clubs in the New York and New England metropolitan region. It is important to note, however, that the GCUSA membership extends across the U.S. and is open to all people sympathetic to the mission of prudent game, wildlife and habitat management, and who appreciate the relevance of the GWCT's important research to game and wildlife conditions worldwide.

Each year, in November, GCUSA hosts a major sporting auction in New York, with exciting lots from around the world and including some of the most exclusive driven grouse and partridge shooting available in the UK, along with the opportunity to stay in some very prestigious, stately, and private homes. Additionally, GCUSA hosts sporting events in the New York metropolitan region, augmented by social occasions and informational events sponsored by the Board of Trustees.