www.mntrappers.org
President — Shawn Johnson, 6122 McQuade Road, Duluth, Mn 55804; 218-525-4970;
mcquaderoadfur@msn.com
Vice President — Dave D’Aigle, 29765 Holly St NW, Isanti, MN 55040; 612-366-2748
Secretary — Linda Johnson, 6122 McQuade Rd, Duluth, MN 55804; 218-525-4970
Treasurer — Tricia Coons, 8747 Tranquility Ln. NW, Bemidji, MN 56601; 218-444-8244;
MTATrish@paulbunyan.net
Membership Coordinator — Mitzi Heavirland, 31301 County Road 67, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Director of Trapper Education — Shawn Johnson, 6122 McQuade Road, Duluth, MN 55804; 218-525-4970; mcquaderoadfur@msn.com
NTA Director —
Education Coordinator — Shawn Johnson, 6122 McQuade Road, Duluth, MN 55804; 218-525-4970; mcquaderoadfur@msn.com
Membership Options:
• Individual membership including subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $25
• Junior (under 16) with subscription — $15
• Lifetime membership with subscription — $400
Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:
MTA, Membership Coordinator
Mitzi Heavirland
31301 County Road 67
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
DISTRICT 1 REPORT
Hi Trappers,
I’m finishing this report on the morning of the north zone water trapping opener. It’s 34 F out this morning, better than the below freezing temps. We’ve been having the last week or so. 9:00 a.m. is our opening time and I’ve got one of our grandson’s with me chomping at the bit to get his mink/’rat sets out. I’ll gladly take the couple hours this morning to help him get his line set up. It’s nice to see a kid all pumped to get out trapping, I hope his enthusiasm continues and I’ll do all I can to keep this fire burning!
The anti crowd will again be coming after us trying to severely restrict our use of body grip traps, as I’ve said many times before if you think there is any chance of catching someones pet DON’T SET and find a better location. District 8 member Brian C. zip-tie body grip release kits complete with instructions are going over real good with the dog groups. I have 500 of the kits in my garage waiting for the zip ties to arrive so I can complete them. I should have them done so I can give some out at our spring meeting and the various sport shows we attend. Thank you Brian– a great idea.
On a sad note district 1 has lost another member. Tim Peterson passed away Oct. 19 after battling cancer the past several months. Tim was a big help to us at the 2012 NTA/MTA convention in Owatonna. Always willing to do what he could with a smile on his face. He will be missed by many. Your in a better place now my friend and may your traps always be full.
That’s all for now. Good luck out there and I look forward to seeing you at the winter meeting in Askov. Take care and be safe. — Bert
DISTRICT 4 REPORT
Greetings District 4,
Trapping season is upon us. I hope you all have a safe season.
We had our district meeting on Oct. 16. Elections were held. I was re-elected as director. Thank you for your support. Your new co-director is Tom Boser from Pierz. He has worked with me on several events and is very dedicated. I know he will do a fine job.
I want to thank Tim Bauer for all his work and the knowledge he has brought to our district as co-director. He decided to step down. Thanks again, Tim.
From my family to yours, have a happy holiday season. — Buzz
DISTRICT 7 REPORT
Hello fellow trappers! Trapping Season is here. I hope that everyone has had a good trapping season so far.
Don’t forget about the Minnesota Winter Meeting on January 4 in Askov. There will be the general membership meeting, dealers on hand, and contest taking place. Check your MN newsletter or the MTA website for more information. I will again be overseeing the Pelt Handling Contest and there will be some changes this year. One big change will be a Junior Trappers Division. So anyone, under 17 that put up their pelts, make sure that you look for the information on how to enter.
Also, going on that Saturday evening after the meeting will be the Legal Defense Banquet. It will be a good tim with a fantastic meal, nice conversations, fun games, and good friends. District 7 was able to donate $220 to the banquet from the donation of the special raffle at the fall meeting.
The MTA has been working on a new method for dogs accidentally caught in 220 traps. Every year in the DNR regulations handbook, we have had an add showing how to use a rope to release a dog. But this new zip tie system is simpler and we had an initial start up of 2000 kits. We have got those out to dog hunting groups and have gotten really good reviews on this kit. Everyone seems to like this. We have decided to go ahead and produce another 8000 kits.
Just a reminder that when you are setting your 220’s make sure you are doing it in a smart way.
Until next time. — Leon Windschitl
