
President — Stacy J. White, U.K. Cooperative Extension Service, Bell County, 101 Courthouse Square, Pineville, KY 40977; phone: 606-337-2376; cell phone: 606-521-1705; e-mail: sjwhite@email.uky.edu
Vice President — David Kriege Jr., 3513 Cowie Ave., Erlanger, KY 41018-1608; phone: 859-342-8109
Financial Secretary — Dave Dykes, 152 Mapleview Ct., Mt. Washington, KY 40047; phone: 502-538-3290
Executive Director — Chet Hayes, 3951 Neises Rd., California, KY 41007; phone: 859-635-3102; e-mail: lhayes@fuse.net
Membership Options:
• Class A Kentucky trapper including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $25
• Family Membership including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $35
• Associate Membership including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $20
• Youth Kentucky trapper including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $15
• Lifetime Class A Kentucky trapper — $250
Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:
UTK, Financial Secretary
Dave Dykes
152 Mapleview Ct., Mt. Washington, KY 40047
502-538-3290
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
This will be a very brief report because any trapper worth his salt should be trapping rather than sitting at a computer typing. I am sure you all understand.
On November 20th I presented trapping as a wildlife management option at the Mountain Farm Conference in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. This event was sponsored by the Floyd County Extension Service, the Floyd County Conservation District, and the Floyd County Farm Bureau. Livestock farmers and fruit and vegetable growers are well aware of the need to manage populations of wildlife that can negatively impact their bottom line. Trappers who need more territory to trap might consider contacting their local extension offices, conservation districts, or farm bureaus to locate farmers who are experiencing wildlife problems. Many times a win-win situation may present itself.
As the number of licensed trappers in Kentucky continues to grow we need to always be mindful of the animal rights advocates that may be encountered. We should be careful of conversations and pictures that are posted on the internet. Many times we are our own worst enemy. If there is a need for a frank discussion with someone, let’s do it by PM or phone. I know it seems old fashioned these days, but a face to face conversation is never out of order. With the political situation we are currently experiencing, I don’t think we need any negative clouds hanging over us.
I am currently preparing to do our trapping program at 3 local high schools. This is always an enjoyable time of the year for me. Many of the students know very little about trapping but their enthusiasm is contagious. Every experienced trapper should devote some time each year to introduce young folks to the experience of trapping. I challenge each of you to find someone new to take along on the line with you this season. You might be pleasantly surprised at the lasting friendships that you will cultivate. A very wise man once wrote “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.” Proverbs 18:24.
Until next time, enjoy your trapping and take time to show yourself friendly to the young trappers and trapper “want-to-be”s that you encounter. Where would you be if someone had not taken time with you?
— Stacy J. White
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
I hope each of you is enjoying a safe and productive season on the trapline. Despite 4 months of drought leading up to opening day, and all the creeks in many areas “bone-dry”, trappers are reporting good catches on bigger water such as lakes, reservoirs and rivers. Now that deer season is ending, many of us can get busy on the fox, coyote, cats, and dry land coon. Hopefully, too, the market will continue to improve.
Our Nov. 6-7 “Introductions to Trapping” weekend was another good success here in Northern Kentucky, despite some problems. Our problems were the large class coupled with a shortage of instructors, and the aforementioned dry creeks. Several of our key instructors were unable to attend for various reasons which made for large groups assigned to the instructors who could attend. Our students numbered about 60.
But the event was a success. We caught plenty of fur, the students/parents had a great time, and we had some new trappers entering the pursuit of furbearers in Kentucky, as well as some new United Trappers of Kentucky. Thanks to the Bobwhite Club for hosting the event. Thanks to Mick Craig, above all, for covering so many bases to ensure our success. Thanks to everyone who helped instruct on either or both days – Mike Dougherty, Rodney Mattingly, Oral Jones, Adam Wilson, Greg Bickel, Officer James Beckett, Barth Johnson, Charley Hornbeck, and special thanks to Kevin Hughes who came all the way from Winchester to help.
We also want to thank the following supply dealers who supplied catalogs for the students and lure/materials for the class: Funke Trap Tags & Supplies, Minnesota Trapline Products, Sterling Fur, The Snare Shop, and Grawe’s Lures.
On December 4-5, KDFWR and United Trappers will jointly sponsor the first trapping workshop to be held in the 8th Wildlife District at the Minor Clark Fish Hatchery near Cave Run.
Kevin Hughes of UTK and Officer Barry McCoy of KDFWR are heading this one up and we will have reports for this in the next issue. At this time we have about 21 to 25 students.
I hope the UTK directors, officers, and members will pick up the pace on training efforts elsewhere in the state, particularly west of I-75 where some folks just don’t seem to “get the message” yet. This is important work and critical to the future of trapping in Kentucky.
Good luck on the trapline.
Until next month.
— Chet Hayes