PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Hello everyone,

I hope you all are having a great trapping season, and hope the weather is cooperating with you. It seems to be the same old thing, rain, freeze, thaw cycle. Making it difficult to keep traps operating. Hope all the snow didn’t hurt you folks in the Eastern part of the state too bad.

Our 3 fur sales are just around the corner, with our first one in Crossville Tn on Jan 22nd at the Cumberland County Complex not too far off. The second fur sale is in South Pittsburgh on Jan 29th . This fur sale will be held at the Old Armory. The sale in South Pittsburgh, will be a Tri State endeavor, with Georgia and Alabama being involved. We have high hopes that this fur sale will be a big success.

The 3rd fur sale will be in Bulls Gap on Mar 5th at the VFW Building. I have been in contact with a few buyers and the date for the Bulls Gap sale coincides with the date for an out of state fur sale. I was asked to see about moving it, but timing issues with the VFW and being able to let all our members and anyone else wanting to come know of the change in due time, it was just too difficult to get done.

We will evaluate everything and keep all this in mind when we discuss and vote on the dates for next years sales. Unfortunately, with all the states surrounding TN along with the extended trapping season, it is difficult to try to line everything up so it doesn’t coincide with other state events.

Once again, in regards to your fur, you have the right to no sale your fur at our fur sales if you are not happy with the price offered. Remember the best way to maximize your fur check is to make sure your fur is properly handled and displayed. Whether it is “dry” or “green” make sure it is clean, brushed and not wet or bloody, this will definitely help you in getting top dollar for your fur.

And, speaking of top dollar, TFHA will be handing out Rocky Top Awards again this year for the Members’ best fur. For those not aware of the program, at the end of each fur sale I will examine all the fur tickets and the THFA Member with the highest price paid for each fur species will receive a Rocky Top Award certificate and the TFHA Member with the highest price paid for each species for all Fur Sales combined will receive a Rocky Top Award Hat.

This incentive program is a win win for everyone involved, you and the fur buyer. So if you have the time and resources to put your fur up, it will help in the long run. .

The trapper training camp at Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is coming up in a couple months. Be sure to let everyone know that might be interested in coming. John may have some flyers printed up to hand out if you want to help spreading the word. This event has always had a large turnout, thanks to everyone that helps out to make this possible.

Hope everyone enjoyed the Holiday season, and have a great New Year. If you need to contact me I can be reached at 731 614-2531 or jlord2003@aol.com. Also you can reach me on the web site www.tfhaonline.net.