President — Ken Mills, 13004 W H-40 Hwy,
Rudyard, MI 49780; phone: 906-478-6631
Vice President — Lloyd White, 2739 W M-28,
Dafter, MI 49724; phone: 906-632-6071
Secretary — Cory Carter, P.O. Box 292, Wells, MI 49894; phone: 906-233-9976; e-mail: cory.carter@charter.net
Treasurer — Mark A. Spencer, N4552 Spencer Lane, Moran, MI 49760; phone: 906-292-4779;
e-mail: spenfurs@lighthouse.net
Membership Options:
• Individual membership including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $20.50
• Junior (16 & under) with subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $15.50
Complete membership application on first page of
association section and send dues to:
NGLFH Treasurer
Mark A. Spencer,
N4552 Spencer Lane, Moran, MI 49760
SECRETARY’S REPORT
September was a very busy month and we cannot complain about the weather. I feel the warmer summer weather has shifted from traditionally June-July to August-September. This has been one of the nicest months I can remember.
The Fur Takers meeting with the DNR in St. Ignace was held on Sept. 6. Adam Bump Furbearer/Bear Specialist attended the meeting in his newly appointed position. There was an update on the Trapper’s Education Program. The student manuals are completed (available online), but not printed. Monies have been donated by the four Michigan trapping organizations for printing costs. The consultation team is working on the instructors manual to complete for 2009 training. The DNR has added a frequently asked question section to the Web site.
Changes for trapping regulations were discussed and they are: 1. Public land, a trap cannot be placed within 50 feet of the day-use areas. 2. Pere Marquette River and White River areas are open to beaver trapping in 2008. I do suggest trappers read the new hunting and trapping guide to be specific on all trapping regulations.
The existing issues were listed and the DNR were requesting further discussion or more information from trappers, biologists, etc. 1) Daily trap check. 2) Extended beaver/otter season. 3) Cable restraints and loop size. 4) Coursing pens – eight pens in MI. 5) Changes to fisher/martin season and bag limits. The September meeting is the platform for changes in the 2009-2010 seasons. A follow up meeting will be held in February/March for changes that will be presented to the NRC by the DNR.
Bobcat harvest was discussed and some alternatives to reduce the U.P. harvest. It was presented by the DNR to limit the take from two to one bobcat or reduce the season length from December to February for both trapping and hunting.
Dry land body gripping traps was the last item discussed. There is considerable concern from the hunting and non-hunting public. The potential conflict is with the 6×6 or greater body gripping traps. The term “inaccessible to dogs” has caused confusion in terms of definition. The DNR wanted to clarify and Jim Neitling demonstrated a vertical box set with a body gripping trap. The DNR was appreciative of the demonstration. There will be changes in 2009-2010, but what type of changes on equipment, sets, private or public is still being looked at by the DNR.
Northern Great Lakes Fur Harvester’s Convention was held on September 19-21. I would like to start off by thanking Gene and Vera Harrison for another excellent meal on Thursday night. This has been a great start off for our convention for the last five or six or more years. We are very grateful and appreciate the time and effort it takes to catch and prepare this meal. I will have a list of donors, officers and more information on the convention in the next issue of T&PC. — Cory
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