March 2013

I was just checking the extended weather predictions on the computer. It looks as though it will be improving and it will not be long before spring beaver trapping will be in full force. This article in the MTA newsletter will be mainly on the 2013 FTA Rendezvous being held in Marshfield, Wisconsin from June 27th to the 29th. While checking out the FTA web site, the list of dealers is quite lengthy and should be well attended. One thing that needs to be mentioned is the top trapper trap auction. This will be a chance to acquire a trap that was used by different trappers. Some are well known top trappers and some may not be, I personally sent a MB750 with my tag. I was very undecided because it was both lucky and unlucky. I was asked to trap some problem beavers and the only trap that would work was a foot hold. The very first time it was checked - no trap, no slide-cable just a stake on the bank. With an assist from the landowner and a paddleboat we retrieved it. The trap held a beaver each time it was checked, except for the last time and I left it for four days before pulling it. There will be other fun things like the skillet toss, the barefoot bear trap setting contest and the regular auction.

It is that time of the year when some of the states are seeing ballot issues, trap ban proposals and others. I am sure that the United States Sportsman Alliance, the FTA and the NTA is staying informed. Let's all do our part to be safe and protect our sport.

On a side note, the Bluffland Deer and Turkey expo just ended here in Rochester and it was a successful event. I was asked to have a booth and we sold tanned fur, raffle tickets and MTA hats. We also handed out a lot of brochures, did a lot of talking (no wise cracks, please), and demonstrated dog proof traps and body grippers. Special thanks to Carl Ernst and James Book for helping out at the event.

If anything new comes up, I will get it in the June newsletter which will be just a couple - three weeks from the rendezvous. Until then, be safe on the trap line.

Dale Hayes