President — Randy Barrows, 88 North Road, Milton, VT 05468; phone: 802-893-4258; e-mail: critrgitr@msn.com
Co-Vice Presidents— Joe and Deb Epler, P.O. Box 12, Chester, VT 05143; phone: 802-875-4511; e-mail: jdepler@vermontel.net
Secretary — Deb Epler, P.O. Box 12, Chester, VT 05143; phone: 802-875-451; e-mail: jdepler@vermontel.net
Treasurer — Jim Calchera, 233 McCaffrey Rdg., Putney, VT 05346
NTA Director — Dave Perrin, 2600 Vt. Rt. 12A, Randolph, VT 05060; phone: 802-728-5935
Membership Director — Paul Ainsworth, P.O. Box 118, Eden, VT 05652; phone: 802-635-7343
Membership Options:
• Individual adult membership with subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $20
• Family membership with subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $25
• Oldtimer (65 & up) with subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $10
• Lifetime membership with subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $300
Complete membership application on first page of
association section and send dues to:
VTA, Membership Director
Paul Ainsworth
P.O. Box 118, Eden, VT 05652
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Hi Vermont trappers.
I hope everyone is enjoying the first days of spring. It sure seems like it has been a long drawn out winter.
The VTA just had its spring auction last week. There was certainly some nice looking fur at this event, but prices were still down. I sure will be glad when things turn around economy wise. It is surely effecting the fur market, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Last night, the VTA had its 16th Annual Banquet and it was a success again. The folks who attended had their usual good time, with good food, drinks and camaraderie. This is our largest event of the year and most sought after banquet in Vermont. I do not think the folks who put this show on let anyone down this year.
Speaking of these folks, they need to be thanked. Banquet Co-chairs Joe and Deb Epler, M.C.s Larry and Bruce Martin, committee members Brent Teillon, Bill Pickens, Paul Ainsworth, Bruce Baroffio, Jim Calchera, Dave Pike, Walt Ackerman, Dave Perrin and Jim Stewart should be proud of the banquet they provided. Thanks also to the directors and their spouses who either solicited items or provided homemade items that were most welcome. I could go on for pages here to list everyone who pitched in. Instead I will say “THANK-YOU,” you know who you are, and I appreciate all you did.
Also a very special thanks to all of the businesses who donated goods for the event. Without your donations, this event would crumble. Even in tough economic times, you came through and should be saluted. To all trappers, please patronize these donors to show our thanks for all they do for the VTA.
As part of my speech at the banquet, I got to introduce some special young folks who were in attendance. The first was Katherine Hill from Thetford, Vermont. I first met Katherine last spring when she told me about how she had just harvested her first deer with a rifle her dad had won at a previous banquet. Being a freelance writer for Vermont Sporting Journal, I asked her to send me the story so I could get it in the paper, which she did. Further, she advised she won a statewide essay for kids with her story and had received that award from Governor Douglas. Pretty darn impressive for a 13-year-old lady.
Next was Dan Laggis, another 13 year old. Dan is into the outdoors and heard about our banquet and wanted to attend and be a sponsor. Dan was told if he wanted to do this, he needed to get a job and pay his own way. Well, this young fella did just that and we are very proud of him. Dan kind of shrugged off the applause, but got pretty red when 300+ people sang happy birthday to him.
Next was Joe Epler, another fine young man and son of Joe and Deb. Joe runs a trapline each fall, and has had his story published in the Trapper & Predator Caller School Days section. I had a chance to sit and chat with Joe about last year’s trapline and this kid is good. I wished he lived closer than he does. I, an old man, could use a trapping partner such as Joe.
Finally, Niss Lapell, another young lady from Milton, who has not caught the trapping bug yet, but can shoot with the best of them and already has whitetails under her belt. Ms. Lapell has spent a lot of time on my range and it shows. She will not settle for anything but perfection when it comes to hunting.
My hat is off to all of these youngsters for their accomplishments. You are certainly role models that all kids should follow. Obviously their upbringing had something to do with who they are today, and their parents should be very proud also. I preach daily on how important it is to get kids away from the TV, computer and cell phones and it is real refreshing to see these four young folks doing just that.
I would also like to thank Governor Jim Douglas and his wife Dorothy for attending. Whether you like him or dislike him, he is a great ally and very supportive of trapping, hunting and fishing in Vermont. I cannot remember him missing a VTA banquet since he has been in office. Due to scheduling, he could not stay for the dinner, but making the time to stop by and say hi was most appreciated.
And last but not least, I would like to thank Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Larouche and Representative Steve Adams for attending also. It is good to know we have friends and supporters in high places.
I think the thanking is done. I am sure I missed someone and I did not do it intentionally. As I said before, you know who you are and you should stand proud.
Please join us at a board meeting. They are the second Wednesday of each month at the Hilltop Inn located in Barre, Vermont. Start time is 7 p.m. and we are usually done by 9 p.m. We have had three new directors step up to the plate and we welcome them.
See you on the trapline and be sure to take a kid outdoors. Katherine, Dan, Joe and Niss did it and they are better because of it!
— Randy Barrows
