President — Herb Sobanski Jr., 194A Abbe Road, Enfield, CT 06082; 860-741-0728; trapper43@hotmail.com
Vice President West — Fred J. Becker., 23 Riverside Dr. Apt. B2, Clinton, CT 06413; 860-669-2847; FKMBecker@comcast.net
Vice President East — Mike Cote, 50 Hopevalley Road, Hebron, CT 06231; 860-228-2404; littlemike96@hotmail.com
Treasurer — Lisa Rivkin, 1149 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032; 860-712-6874; lisarivkin@att.net
Secretary — Don Dandelski, 43 N 3rd St., Meriden, CT 06451; 203-235-1318; DDWildlife@sbcglobal.net
NTA Director — Dave Ridzon, 8 Burt Latham Road, Willington, CT 06279; 860-933-76034; kimridzon@hotmail.com
Membership Options:
• 1-year membership including subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $30
• 2-year membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $48
• 3-year membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $64
• 15-years and under — $10
• Lifetime — $350
Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:
Connecticut Trappers Association, Inc.
PO Box 485
Meriden, CT. 06451
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Hello, I would like to introduce myself and also say a bit about myself to all as the new CTA Secretary. My name is Don; I am 42 years young with 3 beautiful children. A set of twins Matt and Mallory and my son Kenny who is 12 years old.
For those that don’t know me, I started trapping in 1982 with the help of a trapper who happened to live close by me. With his guidance I was on my way of being a fur trapper. Like many of you I have a lifetime of trapline memories that only a trapper can understand.
In 1991, I became a state licensed NWCO and have been doing that pretty much full time since. Working in a factory just wasn’t for me. I also own a small trapping supply co called Eastern Wildlife Trapping Supplies. I just started doing a few conventions out of state. I did Neil Olson’s last year, I had a great time and just would like to say that Neil is one of the most nicest guys you can ever meet. I also did the Herkimer NY Convention it was a great show. At these shows I’ve meet some great people and also some of the worlds best trappers like Russ Carman, Newt Sterling, Jim and Judy Comstock, Keith Winkler, Mark June, Alan Huot of WCS, Kurt Bulrergerd of KB Brand Products, Bill Kastin, and Ernie Heb of NAFA. I think they are all getting to know me and my silly sense of humor. I get the feeling they like me
I mean to be a supply dealer in the same building as these fine people. Also my idols, it is just amazing! So if your ever at Olsons or Herkimer Convention, just listen for the guy that talks loud and is making people laugh. Stop by my booth and we will definitely chat. I even got to do a demo at the NTA Regionals here in Berlin Ct. on how to drain a skunk for it’s scent was a big hit. For me to do a demo at a NTA Convention was like, WOW! A dream come true.
Along with trapping full time year round is also a dream come true I’d say. I am also am a big deer hunter, nothing like sitting in a tree watching mother nature and also to harvest a few deer with a bow to provide my family with some meat for the winter.
I also would like to make an apology to any one who has joined the CTA and may not have received their issue of the Trapper and Predator Caller yet. I am working hard to get it done. The new PO Box, address change to the new box, etc. Trust me, I will make it happen. I got the deer bug last year, so I didn’t trap at all. Got 6 deer, it was a great year for me. I harvested a great buck with my Matthew Dreniline that should score in the 140’s. But this year I will be back on the trapline for sure! I am a trapper and that’s my passion and where I belong.
I hope to be writing more stuff for the CTA, but I got to run now. It will be my pleasure to serve as your secretary of the CTA. Till next time, take care of your self and take a kid trapping. You just might start that spark that will give that kid a life time of great memories. — TRAPPER DON (Don Dandelski)
