President — Craig Sweet, 1825 Kirkwood St., Saint Charles, IA 50240; phone: 641-764-2758
Vice President — Randy Mitchell, Iowa Fall, IA; phone: 641-648-6787
Secretary — Patty Kempf, 3371 130th St., Jamaica, IA 50128; e-mail: itasecretary@iowatelecom.net
Treasurer — Chris Grillot, 2769 110th Ave., Wheatland, IA 52777; phone: 563-374-1074; e-mail: itatreasurer@fbcom.net
FTA Director — Gene Purdy, 521 Edwin Place, Fontanelle, IA 50846; phone: 641-745-8841
NTA Director — George Scalf, 123 N. Madison Ave., Ottumwa, IA 52501; phone: 641-682-3937; e-mail: iantadtr@mchsi.com
Membership Options:
• Individual membership including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $15
• Lifetime membership with subscription — $250
Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:
ITA Secretary
Patty Kempf
3371-130th St.
Jamaica, IA 50129
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Greetings to all. At the Feb 6th Winter Directors meeting, another vacant district director position was filled. Steve Kenney Sr. was accepted as the District 8 Director. District 8 includes Cedar, Johnson, Jones & Muscatine counties. Steve and is family live near Martelle and will be a welcomed addition to the ITA Board. Thanks to Steve for stepping up and filling the directorship for this district. At this time, Iowa only has three districts that are in need of directors.
The open districts and counties within that district are as follows – District 19 includes Clayton, Delaware & Dubuque, District 20 includes Allamakee, Chickasaw, Howard & Winneshiek, District 24 which includes Lyon, O’Brien, Osceloa & Sioux. If you live within the open district, in one of the counties for that district, are a member of the ITA and interested in becoming the director let me know & I can get the info to you about the position.
Also, as most of you know, George Scalf who was the longtime NTA Director for Iowa suddenly passed away on November 1st. With George’s passing, the position for NTA Director for Iowa has become open. The ITA is seeking a person interested in the position as Iowa NTA Director. Anyone who would be willing to accept the position should be a member of the NTA and ITA and present themselves before the ITA Board of Directors.
At the meeting it was decided to continue with an ITA Fur Auction as was held this past January in Boone. A Fur Auction Committee was formed with the following people, Scott Nibe, Dave Phipps, Cody Hutton and myself. With that being said, another date has been set. Due to building availability and neighboring states dates, Dave has reserved next years building and auction date for January 7th 2012 in Boone at the same location as this past auction. At this time there has been discussion as to some minor changes from this past auction, but overall guidelines/operation will remain about the same. The first auction had 36 sellers with a total of 280 lots of fur and got over about 1:30 P.M. At this time we feel that it should not run any later than late afternoon for everyone involved. Will keep everyone up-dated as we go along.
Also at the meeting, there was talk about the possibility of both the bobcat & river otter quotas being raised from the current quota numbers. We will have to wait and see if that will be a fact or not. At this time the “over the quota” numbers warrant the need for raising those numbers.
On Feb. 19th the ITA had a small booth set up at the Merle Hay mall along with other organizations. A different atmosphere and diversity of people were involved during the afternoon affair, but we were well received. The Destroying the Myth video was shown along with the different pelts and information were displayed. Thanks to Tracy, Cody, Remington, Bridger, Gunner, Roger & Victoria Hutton, Judy & John Newlin for helping in the booth.
By the time you read this, beaver trapping season will be just a couple weeks from closing. Hope everyone had a good season to this point. Ice out was a lot earlier than normal this year for a change and I hope to get a few weeks in before seasons close. Most rivers & creeks were open by just after the 15th of February here in the South Central part of the state which will make it nice if spring beaver is what you are after. Prices may not be the best, but the castor prices could possibly make up for part of what you don’t receive in pelt prices.
On March 11-13th the ITA booth will be at the Eastern Iowa Sportshow held at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. On March 12 will be the 9th Annual FBU/ITA banquet in Des Moines. On March 24th will be the ITA Legislative Breakfast at the State House starting at 7:30 A.M. This event is a chance to meet and greet the different representatives at the State House. This and the Legislative Reception has built and gained a positive influence for us trappers by personally meeting with representatives and exchanging information.
While speaking of the State House, to different bills have been introduced pertaining to trapping – HF 145 & HF 257. From the letters/e-mails that have been written and the responses back at this time both appear to be dead in committee which means it will not reach the House or Senate floor for vote. The ITA is keeping close watch on both of these bills.
The next ITA meeting will be April 10th at the Quality Inn & Suites in Ames starting at 10 A.M. – I-35 exit 113 and just west. Better go for now – Til next time, Have a good Spring.
— Craig Sweet
