Minnesota Trappers Association

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Minnesota Trappers Association News

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Judge rules in trappers favor in MN

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.

All snares 5/64” and above but not to exceed 1/8” diameter and loops of 8-10 inches side to side. Water sets excluded.
160 and 220 body grippers must meet the requirements of being set at least 3 feet off the ground or surface of the snow, and be on a leaning pole or tree no larger than 6” in diameter. 160 and 220 body grippers may also be used on the ground provided they are inside a cubby or box and inserted a minimum of 7” from the front. Body grippers smaller than 160 and body grippers used as water sets have no restrictions.
There are no restrictions on foothold trap sizes however they must be staked with no drags allowed. Also the chain or cable securing the foothold trap must be no more than 18” long and have at least 2 swivels.
No hare or rabbit may be used as bait
No flagging may be used within 20 feet of the trap.

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

M.T.A. Convention

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.

Convention Coordinators Report (.doc)
Kids Games (.doc)
2008 Fergus Falls MTA Booth & Gate Schedule (.doc)
MTA Convention Demos List (.doc)

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.