President — Mike Seelman, PO Box 141, Prudenville, MI 48651; seelmanm@frontier.com
Vice President — Lloyd White, 2739 W M-28, Dafter, MI 49724; 906-632-6071
Secretary — Jim Neitling, PO Box 171, Kinross, MI 49752; 906-495-5233
Treasurer — Mark A. Spencer, N4552 Spencer Lane, Moran, MI 49760; 906-292-4779; spenfurs@lighthouse.net
Membership Options:
• Individual membership including subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $22
• Junior (16 & under) with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $17
Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:
NGLFH Secretary
Jim Neitling
P.O. Box 171
Kinross, MI 49752
SECRETARY’S REPORT
I was a few minutes late for the last meeting (my first as newly elected secretary), and wouldn’t you know it, I wasn’t fired or even reprimanded. In fact, everyone else seemed quite relieved to see me. Somehow I get the impression that this job is similar to the one I retired from last spring — no one wanted that job either. All kidding aside, I kind of look forward to the challenges ahead.
It was reported at our last meeting that the attendance at our convention in September was a little down from last year. However, the bottom line on the balance sheet was almost equal to last year. If anyone has any ideas, (other than burlesque girls), to generate a larger turnout, please share them. We need to get, not only new faces, but also those of you who are hiding in the shadows. Get involved—your life will be better because of it.
As for conventions, I for one, truly enjoy the experience. Last summer, my first year of retirement, my son and I were able to attend four different conventions. It is always an adventure to see old faces, meet new ones, tell stories, (new as well as old with more colorful adjectives than last year) and enjoy the comradery of real friends and fellow B.S.ers. Speaking of B.S., I’ll forever miss the “Old Man”, his stories, his wit and his incredibly “honest” satire of those he didn’t agree with. It was a pleasure to have known Mark Spencer Senior.
Next year we need to have more people step forward and give a demo on how to trap some sort of critter. You don’t have to have a doctorate in animal behavior to explain trapping. If you have caught an animal, you can show someone else what to do. If it works for you, it might just work for others also. Please step out of your comfort zone and help educate the next generation.
From what I hear from the fur reports, the only glimmer of hope lies in muskrats. It sure is strange how the bottom of the food chain offers our only ray of sunshine. Even with lower gas prices, it appears that this year we’ll have to spend $150 (up from $100 last year), in order to make $50. Thank God we truly enjoy the experience of the woods and water.
Christmas is almost upon us already. It is going to be a pleasure to witness the joy of the grandchildren. Little do they know of the real joy they give to us grandparents. This year take time for the little things and remember the real reason for the season — the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. May you all have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 21 at the Sportsman Club in Gaylord at 7:30 P.M. On February 28 we will have our annual dinner at the Rudyard Township Hall. We’ll have more on the details later.
As always, God bless you and your families, and be safe in the woods and on the water. — Dan Johnson
