Trappers Turn Out for NTA Convention

Trappers and animal-damage-control professionals from throughout North America descended on Goshen, Ind., on Aug. 2 to 5 to attend the National Trappers Association’s 48th annual convention.

NTA07crop.jpgAlthough temperatures and the humidity were high, convention-goers could not complain about the lineup of top-notch trapping demonstrations. Noted trappers Gerald Schmitt of Minnesota and Jim Spencer of Arkansas shared mink-trapping tips, while Paul Dobbins of North Carolina talked about trapping beavers. Dozens of outstanding trappers presented tactics for everything from coyotes to muskrats.

Trapping supply dealers reported that business was brisk. Lure, trapping tools and videos being popular choices of customers. Tailgaters traded and sold traps, whether it was a special antique foothold or working traps that would see fur this fall.

Strong attendance certainly helped the NTA sign up new members to help defend the right to trap. The annual benefit auction, fueled by dozens of items donated by supply dealers, raised more than $15,000.

Kraig Kaatz, of Oak Forest, Ill., who previously was the NTA’s general organizer, was elected president of the NTA. Todd Roggenkamp, formerly the NTA director for the Minnesota Trappers Association, was elected general organizer. Alfred Bradford of Maryland, who was appointed as vice president May 16, was introduced at the awards banquet.

In addition, the board chose the location for the NTA’s 50th anniversary rendezvous in 2009. Lima, Ohio, will host the milestone convention, beating out competitive bids from Michigan and Wisconsin.

Of course, Mason City, Iowa, will be the site for the industry’s largest gathering in 2008.

But before that, we have some trapping to do.

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