Director: Ray Sogard
 Co-Directors: Arnie Peterson and Russ Sikkila

Director Report

I would personally like to thank the members of District One for their unanimous support during the election at the District One meeting in December. Having Arnie Peterson as Co-Director will make my job that much easier since he brings so much history and experience to the MTA. Since our last meeting I have appointed another Co-Director by the name of Russell Sikkila from Chisholm. You may recognize his name as the expert witness in MTA/DNR Lynx case that has consumed most of our time during the past two years. Russ brings with him a long history of trapping experience and knowledge that is needed during this time of uncertainty. Please join me in welcoming Russ to his new position. I would also like to thank Shawn Johnson for his years of dedication as our District Director and for mentoring me the past two years during the numerous State MTA meetings we attended. Thanks again everyone!

Ray

Another trapping season is about over, except for a few beaver sets, and I mean a few. It is getting harder and harder to find a big active colony. I have walked countless drains, with dam after dam all dried up, some with two dead beaver houses. The ones that have beaver have only one or two. The drought in combination with too many predators, namely wolves, has taken the toll on the beaver. I think the beaver count should be looked at closely. In the middle of March we have a board meeting in Fergus Falls, which is the home of our summer convention. Watch for a postcard regarding our district meeting on March 8th.

Kathy and I are again helping with the raffle. If you need extra tickets, write or give us a call. I am more than happy to send out additional tickets. This is our only fund raiser, and all the proceeds go towards education, which in the long run is probably our first defense.

That’s all from this old trapper. Stay safe and God Bless.

Arnie