The Fur Takers of America National get together will be June 19th to the 21st at the Mid-Way Expo Center in Columbia, Missouri. It is time to start making plans to attend this event. Their website furtakersofamerica.com has all of the necessary information. I also received some packets from the FTA and due to the rising costs they need to find some ways to raise additional funds. They have come up with a donation plan called "Circle of Friends". My plan is to explain this program at the next board meeting which will be held on Friday night before the winter meeting. I will then put more information in the next newsletter. Another thing the FTA has done is to place related trapping items on an E-Bay auction.

Dale Hayes
trappergabby@hotmail.com

 The Fur Takers National Rendezvous is rapidly approaching and all signs point to a record attendance. It will be a great time and I am looking forward to seeing everyone again. My plans are not set in concrete as of now, but I will probably be at the site sometime on Tuesday. I have two bags of attendance buttons and will try to man the front gate on Wednesday for the early arrivals. There is no one scheduled to work the gate on Wednesday but I suspect there will be many people showing up. Speaking of duties, all districts have a shift at the gate and at the MTA booth. It is suggested that at least three people work each shift. District 8 duties are as follows, the gate on Saturday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and the MTA booth from 8:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday. Remember this is a four day event with Wednesday being a set up day for the dealers and if you are in attendance help will be needed. All volunteers will receive a shirt after they complete four hours of work.

   I have covered some things before but opening ceremonies will start at 7:45 am on Thursday morning. The demos will start at 8:00 AM with yours truly attempting to do one on pocket gopher trapping. Since there are two demos going on at the same time for three days, there is sure to be one for everyone. There will also be several by people we have not seen before in Minnesota. Be sure to bring a shopping list with you, as there will also be several new dealers at this convention. Along with all the demos, there are other events to watch or participate in such as the Bare Foot bear trap setting contest and the skillet toss for the ladies. I would also like to wish Kathy good luck on throwing the skillet. I am not sure how it works but you can even wager on the outcome. There is also a class on Dutch oven cooking and a hat making class, just provide your own fur. As you can see, there is something for everyone.

   There are a couple of other events that I would like to mention and those are the cookouts or feeds. On Friday night, time and location to be announced, will be the Coyotes R Us feed or get together. This will be a free will donation and everyone is welcome.  It is my understanding that the proceeds will be split 50/50 with the FTA and MTA. If you would like to donate something for the feed you can contact them or I will pass on the info. Thanks for the support. The other feed will probably be Saturday night, again time and location will be announced, and this one is provided by Trapperman members. I do not have any details on this one but I suspect it will be handled the same. Over the years, I have attended both feeds at various conventions and they both do a good job and the food is great.

    As I mentioned in the last newsletter, the National Council Banquet and meeting will be held on Friday night. The banquet is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm at the 4-H Cloverleaf diner on the fairgrounds. Tickets are 15.00 and I will have the tickets at the convention. I have reserved a number of tickets but I need to keep some back for the council members when they arrive. If interested in attending, check with me on Friday afternoon. Tickets are limited (120 total) but anyone can attend the meeting which is held after the meal. I will keep a list and collect at the convention. This would be a good time to meet the FTA officers and other representatives.

   As you have noticed this report is mainly on the upcoming rendezvous but the FTA is still involved with the other projects like BMP's, the Upper Mississippi Refuge plan and the pending lawsuits here in Minnesota and Maine. While in Barnum, and enjoying all the festivities be sure to thank them for all their help. Be seeing all of you shortly.

Until next time.
Dale Hayes
trappergabby@hotmail.com

www.furtakersofamerica.com

FTA Rendezvous Activities
By Roy Greenfield

This next FTA National Rendezvous is like so many others going to be one grand event. Working with the Minnesota Trappers Association is as always truly an enjoyable pleasure. I realize many trappers in the area have not attended a FTA event before. Perhaps a quick review and explanation will clarify future questions.

Each FTA National Rendezvous is unique to itself. It is the feeling of the Fur Takers of America that since the host association, in this case the Minnesota Trappers Association is doing the majority of the work they well deserve the majority of the event profits. Yes, just your attendance at the event will be showing support for the MTA as well as the FTA.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007 will be grounds setup day. The huge variety of vendors will be setting up their supplies and always willing to take care of your supply needs. The Carlton County Fairgrounds offer the perfect setting for a fur harvesting gathering. Ample room, quality camping with plenty of shade. As normal it will be first come, first served so arrive early for those choice spots. One never knows what will show up in the Tail Gating area.

The event activities officially start on Thursday.  During the opening ceremonies each state being represented has the option of displaying their state flag. How many will be there? It is common to have one heck of a bunch to look at. During this time the officers and representatives of both the Fur Takers of America and Minnesota Trappers Association will be introduced. I realize the MTA summer convention is one of the largest in the country. Well be prepared to also see many new additional faces on the grounds this next June. You will have the opportunity to chat with persons
from all across the country.

The dealer buildings will open at 8:00AM and the demos will begin at the same time. What a demo schedule this will be! A major emphasis is being placed on species commonly encountered in the northern states. At the same time nearly every species encountered in the lower 48 states will be covered. Keep in mind this is a National event and trappers will be there from everywhere. Just to mention a few who have already agreed to speak would include Paul Dobbins, Newt Sterling, Mark June, Dave Plueger, Ardell Graw, Gary Jepson, Jerry Joe Barnett, Gary Armstrong, Tim Julian, Gene Purdy, Gary Isbell, Gene Dabrowski, Tad Brown, Andy Stoe, Tom Parr,  Dave Hastings, Roy Greenfield, Ed Edie, Tom Olson, Rally Hess, Todd Rogenkamp, Arnie Peterson, Kyle Kattz. Is this the full list? Hardly! It will continue to expand for the next several months.

In addition several special seminars will be conducted. Tom Parr will be giving an in-depth seminar on trap collecting. As president of the North American Trap Collectors he has the knowledge to help collectors both young and old.

Tim Julian, President of the National Wildlife Control Association has agreed speak on the finer points of being in the wildlife control business.

Tim has tremendous knowledge on all aspects of the control field and reveals information many operators would never consider. Jim and Nancy Mahoney will again be offering a class on fur hat fabrication (you make your own while attending). In addition during a separate seminar they will offer hands on Dutch oven cooking. Those attending eat the finished products at the conclusion.
Fur Taker Magazine editor Dave Hastings will join Kathy Peterson and explain what makes magazine editors smile when receiving articles. Just think of the pride your family will have after you submit an article the editor could potentially accept.

North American Fur Auctions will be giving ongoing fur finishing seminars to show how you can realize the full benefit of your effort.

This portion of the schedule continues to be expanded.  The event chair persons, Cory and Deb VanDriel are working very hard to ensure this is one of the best events recorded.

The FTA National Council Banquet and meeting will be conducted on Friday evening. One need not partake of the meal to attend the open meeting during which time a full report of all FTA activities will be presented.

On Saturday the AM hours are always popular for several activities are in full swing. Plan to enter the FTA Trap setting contest. In addition one may chose to watch the Barefoot Bear Trap Setting Contest. Is this the full list? Not even! There are several people working on the schedule and it will continue to build over the winter. Ladies activities along with those for the youth are being planned so no family member is left out.

The FTA White Elephant Auction will be conducted Saturday afternoon. This is the only portion of the event which the revenue goes to the Fur Takers of America.

I am fortunate to work with people across the country everyday on behalf of the Fur Takers of America. It is encouraging to see the upbeat mood towards the upcoming 2007 FTA National Rendezvous in Barnum.  With the superb

management being displayed, the energetic MTA crew ready to go and one great site I look forward to heading for Barnum next June. See you there.

Roy

2007 FUR TAKERS OF AMERICA NATIONAL RENDEZVOUS
CARLTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
BARNUM, MN
I-35 E, EXIT 220
JUNE 14-17, 2007

 RENDEZVOUS CHAIRPERSONS & DEALER REGISTRATION
Cory & Deb Van Driel
320-676-1722

LODGING
(Please book early as there are other events going on in the area during the weekend.)

HOST MOTEL
(Mention Fur Takers of America)
North Country Inn
   I-35E , Exit 195
   (320) 245-5284

OTHER MOTELS
AmericInn – Carlton
Carlton, MN 55718
218-384-3535
Indoor Pool – Hot Tub

AmericInn Cloquet
Cloquet, MN 55720
877-879-1522
Indoor Pool – Hot Tub

Golden Gate Motel
Cloquet, MN 55720
800-732-4241

Super 8 of Cloquet
Cloquet, MN 55720
218-879-1250

Moose Lake Motel
Moose Lake, MN 55720
888-299-8411

Grand Casino & Hotel
Hinckley, MN
800-468-3517

Days Inn Hinckley
Hinkley, MN
320-384-7751
Indoor Pool – Whirlpool – sauna

Travelodge Hinckley
Hinckley, MN
320-384-6112

Grand Hinckley Inn
Hinckley, MN
800-468-3517
Indoor Pool complex

Grand Northern Inn
Hinckley, MN
800-468-3517

Black Bear Casino
Hinckley, MN
800-553-0022

For those not familiar with the FTA, it was first chartered in
1968. The FTA was initially organized as an educational association. To this
day we place a major emphasis of educating not only the consumptive use
sports person but also the general public to the need of fur-harvesting. One
way of educating is through the Fur Taker magazine. Both the political
issues at hand and fur-harvesting articles fill the pages every month. Dave
Hastings the editor has brought the magazine to new heights
over the past 2 years.

Another way of educating is through the Fur Takers of America
Trappers College. Effective in 2003 any FTA chapter or affiliate may apply
for assistance to send one biologist from their state to the FTA trappers
college. Two biologists from the U.S. will be sent with the FTA paying 50%
of the tuition and the chapter or affiliate paying the other 50%. Does the
college need these students to survive? No! Last years enrollment was 112%f
the advertised class limit. It is but another benefit of the FTA. The FTA
has also been quite active on the political front as well. The FTA along
with several other groups played a major part in saving
Maryland trappers’ rights last spring.

The FTA has recently formed a Pro-Active committee. This
hand chosen group will assist in defending trapping as issues surface and
when the political front is quiet, research ways to restore trapping in
areas which have not been fortunate in their defense of trapping. From Jan.
1, 2003 till now the FTA has sent out over $8,000 in defense of sound
regulated fur harvesting. The FTA has only 2 salaried positions. The editor
of the magazine and the assistant treasurer.  All other officers are voluntary
positions. As the FTA continues to grow great things will be accomplished
for the benefit of all trappers. On behalf of myself and all of the FTA
officers feel free to call anytime with questions or ideas. We have been
elected by our members to serve our members!

Sincerely,
David S. Plueger
FTA Gov. Board Chairman