President — Otis Latham, P.O. Box 61, Mesa, CO 81643; phone: 970-268-5554;
e-mail: latham@gvii.net
Vice President — Penny Hardrick, 652 Aldrea Vista Court, Palisade, CO 81526; phone: 970-464-5059
Secretary/Treasurer — Cheryl Oleyar, 1362 Hillcrest Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909; phone: 719-471-0739; e-mail: c.oleyar@comcast.net
Fur Auction Manager — Greg Ashmore, 38967 Country Road 24, Hugo, CO 80821; phone: 719-743-2552; e-mail: ashmore@esrta.com
Public Relations Director — Opal Watts, PO Box 29, Dumont, CO 80436; phone: 303-569-2953
NTA Representative — Otis Latham, PO Box 61, Mesa, CO 81645; phone: 970-268-5554;
e-mail: latham@gvii.net
Membership Options:
Membership dues including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller – $25
Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:
CTA Secretary/Treasurer
Cheryl Oleyar
1362 Hillcrest Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
www.coloradotrapper.com
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
It has been somewhat of a busy spring for me. Myself and Marv Miller traveled to Las Vegas to attend the N.T.A. Western Leadership Conference. It was my first opportunity to be thrown to the wolves. I learned a lot and hope that I can do half of what Marv has done throughout his years as an NTA Director. It was interesting to see how the national level operates, and to meet new people and old friends.
On the homefront. The Herrmann Family is preparing for our fall rendezvous in New Castle, CO. The Division of Wildlife has approved our permit to use the Garfield Creek State Wildlife Area. The site has not been picked of this writing, but soon will be. Girl Scouts of America have sought interest in doing our chuckwagon for us. And Kevin is working diligently on finding someone to do the BBQ to where it is priced right.
I was asked to attend a meeting by the Colorado Division of Wildlife which brought all the leaders of sportsman groups throughout the state. The D.O.W. was interested in getting all these groups together to see what major issues were of these groups. And the consensus was almost unanimously three items: recruitment and retention, habitat, and access.
I voiced my opinion that recruitment was a priority of the CTA, and that the D.O.W. could help us with that, beginning with Hunter Education. The C.T.A. missed out on a huge opportunity because of short notice on a chance to have a booth at the D.O.W. Youth Outreach Program in Palisade, CO. Between 600-1,000 youth will be attending this program. We will not miss out on this opportunity next year.
I met with the new GM of Cabelas in Grand Junction that same evening and he showed interest in CTA participating in some of the events Cabelas has annually. I honestly believe that the tide has shifted as how the D.O.W. perceives the C.T.A. now. A lot of that is from Opal Watts attending so many meetings, and us working with staff on the Citizens Petitions that we have had in the past. There seems to be some willingness to help us now. What has happened in the past with our relationship is water under the bridge now, and we should continue maintaining a strong relationship with the D.O.W.
Just a reminder, the Western Regional NTA Convention is in Rock Springs, WY this year. Pretty close to home for most of you. If you have never attended one, they are well worth the trip. Dates are June 18-20. Also, if anyone is interested in cages for this upcoming season, be sure to pre-order from Schroeder Fur Company. John and Colleen can be reached at 308-381-2077, or at trap4fun@msn.com. These people have always supported our organization and it’s in our best interest to support someone willing to make the drive from NE for us. Anyone wanting stretchers from myself, I would ask you pre-order so I don’t have to carry so many extras to the rendezvous.
Enjoy the summer, shoot straight!!! — Otis Latham
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
The Labor Day Rendezvous is in full planning stages and it promises to be a hoot. The directions are as follows: Interstate 70 to the New Castle Exit 105. Head south, turn right (west) at the first stop sign onto River Road (County Road 335) continue west for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left (south) onto Garfield Creek Road (County Road 312).
The Rendezvous will be held 2 to 5 miles up Garfield Creek Road, the exact location has not been selected at this time due to grazing leases. DOW is not sure where the cattle will be. We will have CTA signs out to follow. The Boy Scouts have graciously offered to provide a Concession Chuck Wagon for us so please plan to support them while you are at the Rendezvous. The Bar B Que is going to be delicious so plan on that meal too.
Anyone wanting to present an educational workshop or a demonstration for the general membership, women or children please contact me so I can get you on the agenda. I will be teaching the basic pistol class required to apply for your concealed carry permit. I need a minimum of six people and will hold the class right after lunch on Saturday. If you are interested, you must let me know by Aug. 10 so I have time to get the materials here. This is open to anyone over age 21. The cost is $50.
Thanks to all who have worked on the Rendezvous and who will work on it. Happy Trails. — Penny Hardrick
