Editor’s Call
By Paul Wait
Minnesota Trappers Need Our Assistance
In the September issue, I reported that the Humane Society of the United States filed a lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources alleging the state’s fur-trapping regulations violate the federal Endangered Species Act by not adequately protecting Canada lynx.
The Minnesota Trappers Association petitioned to become an intervening party in the lawsuit so it would be able to represent the interests of Minnesota’s trappers. The petition was granted, so trappers across North America will have a voice — through the MTA — in the battle to save trapping.
Although the lawsuit is filed in Minnesota and seeks to halt trapping only there, a loss of trapping rights would be devastating to trappers everywhere. Animal rights groups are attempting to use the Endangered Species Act to strongarm states to curb or eliminate trapping.
If it succeeds in Minnesota, similar lawsuits will be filed in every state that has animals listed under the ESA. That means trapping in every state — all 50 — will be under attack.
Minnesota has set up a legal defense fund to fight the lawsuit. Send whatever you can afford, even if that’s only the price you receive for an opossum pelt. Send to: MTA Legal Defense Fund, 69555 One Mile Road, Bruno, MN 55712.
Winter Predator Hunting Issue On Newsstands Now
The publishers of The Trapper & Predator Caller have just released the Winter 2006 issue of Predator Hunting, a special newsstand-only magazine devoted entirely to calling coyotes, bobcats, foxes and raccoons.
The striking, full-color magazine is loaded with advice from North America’s top predator callers. Gerry Blair discusses calling over carrion, Lance Homman delves into coyotes’ motivation, Dave Hastings explores howling, Ted Stotler shares strategies to deal with wind and Randy Buker details red fox calling on the prairies. And that’s just a fraction of the feature lineup.
Long-time predator hunters offer advice to help you choose the best gear so you enjoy successful hunts, whether you are calling bobcats in Texas or coyotes in Maine.
The Winter 2006 issue of Predator Hunting is available now on newsstands across the country, but you can also order direct from F+W Publications by calling (800) 942-0673 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday.
If you missed the Fall 2006 issue of Predator Hunting, a limited number of copies are still available direct from F+W.
Last Chance to Enter Our Best Calling Sweepstakes
The Trapper & Predator Caller has teamed up with Predator Hunting magazine to offer the most exciting predator calling sweepstakes ever assembled. But time to enter is running out! The deadline is Nov. 30.
One person will be treated to an all-expenses-paid, four-day predator calling trip with FoxPro pro staff predator hunter Byron South in predator-rich Texas.
The winner of the Screamin’ Texas Sweepstakes will hunt the Lone Star State for coyotes, bobcats and foxes on Jan. 18 to 21, 2007.
South said the hunt will be a combination of daylight and night calling, and the chances of luring a bobcat into range are good.
In addition to this amazing predator calling experience, the grand prize winner will receive a predator hunting prize package that will make any caller jealous.
Check out this gear: A FoxPro FX3 digital predator call, FoxPro Jack-in-the-Box decoy, Bushmaster Predator .223 rifle, Nikon scope, Black Hills ammunition, a Lightforce Walkabout Pack light system, Realtree Max-1 camouflage outfit and Predator Sniper Styx shooting supports.
It’s a prize package worth more than $4,000. See Page 52 in this issue for more details. And be sure to enter. It’s free!
