Colorado Trappers Association June-July 2014 Report

www.coloradotrapper.com

 

President — Otis Latham, P.O. Box 61, Mesa, CO 81643; 970-268-5554; latham@centurylink.net

Vice President — Dan Gates, P.O. Box 128, Canon City, CO 81215; 719-275-4077

Secretary/Treasurer — Cheryl Oleyar, 1362 Hillcrest Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909; 719-471-0739; c.oleyar@comcast.net

Fur Auction Manager — Greg Ashmore, 38967 Country Road 24, Hugo, CO 80821; 719-743-2552; ashmore@esrta.com

Public Relations Director — Opal Watts, PO Box 29, Dumont, CO 80436; 303-569-2953

NTA Representative — Otis Latham, PO Box 61, Mesa, CO 81645; 970-268-5554; latham@centurylink.net

Historian — Dick Hane, 1971 Frontage Road, Fruita, CO 81521

Raffle Manager — Dan Schirer, 531 County Road 326, Silt, CO 81652

 

Membership Options:

Membership dues including subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller – $30

 

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

 

VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

What a busy Spring it has been after a full Winter and a busier than normal March and April, one has to wonder what the Summer and Fall will bring. A couple of weeks ago we attended the CPW Commission Meeting in Salida which ignited several issues regarding Sportsmen and we have been working with the Colorado Outfitters, Colorado Bow Hunters and the Colorado Mule Deer Association regarding several Sportsmen rights issues that have been discussed. The focus on Mule Deer in the State is a big topic that has been ongoing and the Trappers Association has recently been asked to participate in such discussions.

We were invited and attended the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Caucus at the Capitol earlier this month and while there, we set up a booth along side dozens of other associations and handed out literature while meeting with legislators and attending several forums whereas the discussion once again lead back to Sportsmens issues and rights. Not only was it very informative it was an opportunity for us to participate on a level that has not been done for awhile. Numerous phone calls and emails have since been received and we will be continuing to participate in an ongoing process.

Three days after the Capitol we attended and worked the Furbearers Unlimited Banquet in Grand Junction, that Kandy Herrman and family worked so hard at putting together. What a great event and turn out. Tons of Auction and Silent Auction items along with numerous raffles highlighted the evening in which 170 attendees enjoyed a fine dinner. Ms. Rodeo Colorado Rhiana Russell attended and helped out the entire evening as well as her sister Dannielle. Colorado Parks & Wildlife purchased a table of 10 and a special thanks goes out to Encana Gas, RLB Consulting and Bookcliffs Fur. Glen Younger was the Auctioneer and a special thanks goes to Kandy, Kevin, Joey, Kasey, Cindy Seff and George, Shelly and Sara Schirer as well as Dan Urich, Ethan Gates and Karen Gates who did the background checks for the guns and Bruce Bartow. Also President Otis Latham and his wife Joy. I emceed the event and a ton of money was raised for the association. Kandy has already said she will do another next year. GOOD JOB!!! Thanks to all the donors who helped pull this off .

I also attended a Regional Mule Deer meeting last night sponsored by CPW and I encourage anyone to jump on board and participate in the process. Some might wonder what comes of all of this but I truly believe that if you don’t engage then you can not succeed in maintaining the direction of your goals. Some might disagree and be naysayers but I don’t see any sense on dwelling on the negative .

With extensive input, the trap tag issue never made it out of reg review and was shot down. Also discussion has been initiated regarding the River Otter and while some might not appreciate the intent it remains a slippery slope because of the threatened and endangered species side. There is some protocol as far as management guidelines that need to be addressed but we are working on it.

All of this and more coupled with 60 to 80 hour work weeks finds little extra time but we continue to work forward while also addressing the upcoming convention in New Castle over Labor Day Weekend. Once again we are obtaining Sponsors and Colorado Parks and Wildlife will supply enter- active displays like they did last year. The Herrman Family is working hard on that as well and kudos need to go to them for putting up with my direction as to how to keep up with what we started for the convention. If anybody is interested in being a Vendor or Sponsoring contact me and we can get you set up. Additional information will be provided in this column, on our website and through the mail with fliers. Some of the things will remain the same and some might change. This is a work in progress for the benefit of the association while continuing to educate and protect the tradition and heritage of our trapping background. We will once again have a Trappers Obstacle Course and on Friday Night at the big tents a Coyote Calling Competition will be the highlight during the social gathering. We are looking for a few demo guys to help fill Saturday’s schedule so don’t be shy. Just as with the FBU Banquet one person can’t pull this off, so don’t be shy step up and belly up to the bar.

If you have any questions or concerns or input contact me at 719 275-4077 and we will find something for you to do. Fees will once again be imposed for admission, camping and so forth as it costs money to put this on. Insurance is going up, portapots, tents, advertising, etc are all part of the equation.

We will attend the upcoming Commission meeting in Grand Junction next week which will be history by the time you read this and I will update you on all the happenings as we move forward.

Until next time don’t let your waders get holes. — Dan Gates

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Our next event is the Rendezvous on Labor Day Weekend. It will be held at Garfield Creek Campground near New Castle. Be sure to put it on your calendar and come for a few hours or the whole weekend!

Members, remember to send your raffle ticket stubs to Dan Schirer. A few lucky people are going to win some neat prizes: a gun safe, several firearms, a fur bear by Don Clifford, a grill or some cash. You won’t be one of them if you don’t buy some tickets! If you need more, you may obtain additional tickets from Dan or me.

We have a bunch of new members we would like to welcome: Brian Ackerman of Monte Vista; Jason Alstatt from Parachute; Jason Baker of Pueblo; Michael Bernhardt from Loveland; Britni Branson and Kenny Sauter of Montrose; Jim Davis from Olathe, CO; Tim Elder, Charlyn Mackey and Jim Searcy of Debeque; Doug George ,Garret Gillespie and Trevor Woolley from Grand Junction; Dan Hendricks and David Riley of Hugo; Tracy Kizer from Julesburg; Charlie Marshall from Lake George; David Piper of Meeker; Randy Smith from Greeley; Cole Stumpf of Cedaredge; Amy Symonds from Walden; Mark Valder of Rye and Sean Zele from Trinidad. Your support of our association and activities is greatly appreciated! — Cheryl Oleyar

 

RAFFLE MANAGER’S REPORT

Colorado Trappers Association Annual Raffle tickets are now available. The drawing will be held August 31, 2014 at 6:00 pm at the CTA Rendezvous, Garfield Creek Campground in New Castle, Colorado. The prizes are 1st place a Cannon Challenger Gun Safe, 2nd place a Savage Axis 22-250 w/scope, 3rd place a Weatherby 12 GA pump action shotgun, 4th place an authentic fur bear, 5th place a Coleman All-in-One grill, 6th & 7th place are $100 cash and 8th-10th are $50 cash. The tickets are $2.00 per ticket or 6 for $10.00. Need not be present to win. Please contact the CTA Raffle Manager, Dan Schirer, at schirer@sopris.net or send check for ticket purchase to Dan Schirer, CTA Raffle Manager, 531 County Road 326, Silt, CO 81652. — Dan Schirer

 

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