Great news fellow trappers. I just got off the phone with MN legal council and MTA life member Gary Leistico. The judge has handed down his ruling in the lynx lawsuit brought upon us by several animal rights activist groups. The judge has accepted IN ITS ENTIRETY the proposal submitted by the MN DNR. In short we won. Trappers in MN will continue to trap as they trapped before with the following rule changes.
These restrictions are only in effect in the lynx range from Duluth following hwy 53 east to the border. This is not a 100% victory but certainly a 90% victory. Consider the animal rights groups responded to the MN DNR’s program that they wanted no snares, no body grippers, no flagging or bait and only foothold traps with a 4” opening. As the MTA president I wish to thank the DNR for standing by us, and also our spectacular legal council of Gary Leistico and his firm of Rinke-Noonan, the NTA, FTA, USSA, SCI and the interveners, Cory Van Driel and Todd Roggenkamp. When I established this team two years ago I never dreamt it would entail the grueling hours and sleepless nights it did but all is worth it. Now the different court hearings and countless meetings attended are a small drop in the bucket. This ruling by the judge will go a long way in our favor with the ITP also. I think I will sleep well tonight.
Gary Meis, President
Minnesota Trappers Association
August 1 - 3, 2008
Otter Tail County Fair Grounds
Fergus Falls, MN
Details coming soon
Dealer inquiries contact Tim Bauer - 320.355.2748
More Convention Highlights
There will also be a band both Friday and Saturday as well as a Auction both nights. Kids games on Saturday and a trappers obstacle course race on Saturday evening. There is plenty of camping.
Gate is $2 for Members and $5 for non-members. Camping is $5 for primitive and $10 a night with electric.
Fur Hat Construction Clinic
Karen Anderson has been gracious enough to accept the challenge and volunteered to help 6 individual kids construct a Coon Skin Hat. Class size will be limited to 6 individuals between the ages of 12 to 16. Because of class size limit you will need to pre register. Students will need to provide a large tanned raccoon and a short essay on how you can use your new hat to promote the fur industry. This is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to be introduced to fur hat construction by one of Minnesota's most talented furriers. We certainly thank Karen for volunteering to share her talent with the MTA youth. To pre-register and to purchase a tanned fur if you don't have one call Karen at 320.693.6269.
By: Kathy and Arnie - Betty and Gary - Deb and Cory, Minnesota Trappers Association
It is time to do it again. This raffle is the only fund raiser that the Minnesota Trappers Association has, and ALL of the profits are used for education.
By: Deb Offerdahl, Education Director, Minnesota Trappers Association
As our MTA presence increases in the Sportsman's World, we are continually being asked to participate in different events. These are NOT scary or intimidating events to participate in, and generally fall into two categories.
Do you realize how many children have never had the opportunity to even touch a tanned Minnesota fur???