Greetings! I hope this report finds all of you doing well. Our spring started out a little on the cold side putting a crimp in the spring beaver trapper’s plans. I know it set me back but, did not keep me down. I managed to get out and take a few and I had fun doing it.

Things on the NTA front have been somewhat quiet from an international perspective. However, on the state level it has been a different matter. We are now seeing first hand how the animal rights people are directing their attention in a new direction. Many states are facing challenges that will or have the future potential to impact trapping. Animal cruelty bills have become big for the animal rights people. In many states bills relating to animal cruelty have been introduced. On the service they seem harmless enough but, underneath the language crafted has the ability to cripple trapping as we know it now. Along with animal cruelty bills other types of bills have been introduced that have been skillfully written and crafted to appear on the surface as innocent enough but, when more closely scrutinized are designed to do one thing and that is to outlaw sustainable use of our natural resources. This includes hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Make no mistake about it the enemy has continued to evolve and get smarter with their approach. This means us as trappers and outdoor enthusiasts need to be more aware and cognizant than ever of bills introduced into our legislatures meant to limit us in the pursuit of trapping, hunting and other activities. While this is happening on a state level, Minnesota and Maine continue to fight their legal battles each in their respective states. The NTA continues to monitor these and is involved still with the Minnesota lawsuit.

The NTA has also been busy dealing with filling different positions of staff. Currently, the Convention Coordinator’s position is still vacant and the Executive Council is reviewing the Executive Administrator’s position. Along with this the Vice President’s position is currently vacant due to a resignation. All of these items put together has made it a busy time for the Executive Council who is hoping to have some of these items taken care of before the convention this year.

I would like to take the time to thank all members who have renewed or recently joined the NTA. Your support at the national level is truly appreciated and shows your true dedication to traps, trappers, and trapping. If you still do not belong I encourage you to join today. Support, now more than ever, is needed to help combat the issues the NTA and all of trapping face on many different levels. If you have questions or concerns regarding belonging to the NTA please do not hesitate to contact me.

In ending I would once again like to ask all of you for your support and vote in the upcoming NTA elections. If you are not aware, I am running for the General Organizer’s position in the NTA. If I am elected I will no longer be able to retain my NTA Director’s position with the state. Even though I will no longer serve in this capacity, I am still open to fielding any questions or concern you may have over the NTA.

I hope to see you all at a convention somewhere this summer.

Until then, take care -
Todd