ASSOCIATION CONTACT — Arkansas Fur Trappers Association, P.O. Box 1681, Greenwood, AR 72936; 479-651-3597; arkansasfurtrappers@gmail.com
President — Brad McDaniel; 479-651-3597
Vice President — Greg Griffith; 479-774-1434
Secretary/Treasurer — Mark Alexander; 479-310-0692; arkansasfurtrappers@gmail.com
General Organizer — Donald Wilcox; 479-997-8559
Membership Options:
• Individual membership without subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $10
• Individual membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $22
• Family membership without subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $13
• Family membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $25
• Lifetime membership with plaque (without subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller) — $100
• Commercial membership/sponsorship — Please contact an AFTA officer for pricing and information.
Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:
Arkansas Fur Trappers Association
P.O. Box 1681
Greenwood, AR 72936
SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT
Back in the hot summer it seemed like forever but trapping season is finally here and in full swing in Arkansas. The season is 112 days, which is down to about 80 if you wait until December when fur is definitely prime, and extends another 30 days thru March if going after beaver and rats.
And not to forget the holidays and family, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! May you enjoy the tasty turkey and pumpkin pie, and your life be stuffed with good cheer and joy.
There was good attendance and a good time at two AFTA events in October. The convention on Oct 4th at J. Perry Mikles Blue Mountain Special Use Area near Booneville had an estimated attendance of 50 adults and children. There were trapping demo’s all day, a potluck lunch at noon, and events for kids like laser hunting simulator and tomahawk throw. Lunch also included dishes cooked during the dutch oven cooking demonstrations. The silent auction raised $460 for the association. The AGFC special use area is a hidden gem for people in the area with great camping and overall facilities. A youth deer hunt and preparations for dog trials were going on at the same time as the convention. Thanks go out to AGFC, Garner Meats, Tankersley Food and all the businesses and individuals that donated to the silent auction.
The trapper workshop was held on Oct 25th at the Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith. We had an estimated attendance of 35 trappers for the free demonstrations and education on trapping equipment and regulations, and species specific demonstrations for coyote, fox, beaver, bobcat and snaring. Good to see new adults and kids getting into the sport and the enthusiasm that goes with it.
Good luck to everyone this season, be safe and take a kid trapping. — Mark Alexander
