President — Rick Tischaefer, P.O. Box 334, Butte, ND 58723-0334; phone: 701-626-7150; e-mail: tischrc@ndak.net
Vice President — Marty Beard, 9101 119th St. SE, Bismarck, ND 58504; phone: 701-224-0878
Secretary — Jeremy Duckwitz, P.O. Box 465, Hazelton, ND 58544; phone: 701-674-3535;
e-mail: yodelyote@hotmail.com
Treasurer — Linda Penry, 3235 Crested Drive N., Mandan, ND 58554; phone: 701-667-9380;
e-mail: lpenry@wildblue.net
Fur Harvester Education Program Coordinator — Rick Tischaefer, P.O. Box 334,Butte, ND 58723-0334; phone: 701-626-7150; e-mail: tischrc@ndak.net
Membership Options:
• Junior (14 and under) membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $12
• Adult membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $20
• Family membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $20
• Lifetime with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $250
• Lifetime (62 and over) with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $150
Complete membership application on first page of the association news section and send dues to:
NDFHTA, Treasurer
Linda Penry
3235 Crested Dr. N., Mandan, ND 58554
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
I hope this report finds everyone in good shape and enjoying their December. Just a little bit of business this month:
1. Thanks to each of you who donated deer hides and pelts for the wild fur program so far. These donations are important and know that your help allows the association to move forward. The deer hide portion of the program will end about the middle of January (with the close of the archery season), but the wild fur will continue through spring. The drawing for the deer hide program will occur at the winter meeting. Again, thanks to each of you for your help!
2. The winter meet is just around the corner! Phil Mastrangelo plans to have the winter issue of the “Dakota Skinner” out in late January or early February, and that will have more details about the event. If you’d like to advertise or list something for sale in this issue, get a hold of Phil and let him know. It’s not expensive at all and will help make the issue a better read. It looks as though the facility in Bismarck is reserved for the 20th of February. Mark your calendars! If you have some demonstration ideas or suggestions for the event, let me know.
3. Planning ahead – Instructors should be thinking and talking about fur harvester education classes for this coming year. Dates, locations, soliciting help and passing the information up the chain should occur in the next couple of months. I’ll be looking for the information from the district coordinators in April – that’ll get it out to the public so everyone can plan accordingly. Hunter education classes are the best resource for potential students. Keep an eye out in your local area and make arrangements for a short presentation at a hunter education class. If you need help doing that, contact your district director.
4. District 3 will be holding the summer event for ’10. Dates, location and planning for the event will need to start soon. Let’s work at making this another successful rendezvous. If you have ideas or would like to see something this year, pass the information along to Chris Flann (District 3 Director).
5. For the folks working the bobcat season, pay attention to the sign and avoid the lions. There are a few things you can do to make your sets more selective if you are working the same area where there’s lion sign: Footholds – snuggle your footholds so a coyote or bobcat will feel comfortable placing their foot there, but the larger pawed lion won’t; Cables – use the 8” x 8” rule (loop size and height) for your cable loops and make sure your break-a-way devices are what they’re supposed to be. Anchor both your footholds and cable devices to hold a battleship – toe catches can leave the foothold behind and the cables will open as they need to do. In regards to visiting your sets, do it often and be regular about it. That way if you do catch a lion and hold one, it can be taken care of in a timely manner. It’s important to do things right out there this year as our future depends on it.
As always, remember to keep your membership current so you stay informed. As we go about our business calling or trapping, consider sharing your travels and experiences with someone who has yet to know these activities. Until next time, take care, be safe and responsible, and enjoy what Mother Nature and North Dakota have to offer. Chris and I extend to you and your families the hopes for a safe and happy holiday season!
Catch ‘ya.
— Rick Tischaefer
