We held our 16th annual Legal Defense Fund banquet January 17th at the American Legion in Brainerd and the event was a huge success. We sold out all the available seating for only the second time in the history of the event!! The only other sellout was in 2020. Attendees feasted on delicious prime rib and breaded walleye and had a great time playing a variety of fun games- all to raise monies for the defense of our way of life. Last year’s legislative session was pretty much a nonevent as far as trapping issues were concerned, but we’re already seeing signs that 2026 will NOT be so benign! We are destined to face hurdles that these monies will allow us to combat head on. Thanks to the generosity of our members and the generous support of each and every donor, we have the ability to work together to ensure that trapping will continue to be legal as we know it.
The numbers are impressive!! We raised a record amount of $34,117.66 net this year. We had also set a new record in 2025 and we bested that by $8,190.32 this year!!!
Looking forward to 2027, the date for the LDF banquet will be January 16th. This date is set to coincide with the close of bobcat so folks can register fur at the winter meeting. Tickets will again be available starting at the summer convention. Note that we sold out this year and I have no doubt that the same zealous crowd will be anxious to purchase tickets again so make sure you get your tickets early to insure being able to get in on the fun!
Also regarding 2027, I will be getting another block of motel rooms for the winter meeting/LDF banquet again. I will have all the information available in the summer edition of our MTA magazine.
I would like to thank everyone who attended and every donor who donated prizes (or made them affordable). I would also like to thank the LDF committee for all their time and hard work!! Without any of the above, we would NOT have an event! I’m so grateful to all of you!!
Thank you and we’re looking forward to another great time in 2027!!
Don McGaffey, LDF chair
Ann Kreidermacher won the coffee table made by Dewey Schmitz and Leon Windschitl
Steve Finn won the hunting blind that was LOADED with hidden treasures!!
Kim Thompson walked away with the wolf pelt
Janette Zieroth won the jewelry in the mystery gift box.
Dave Peterson won the bear trap!
We had a full house for the event and a great time was had by all!!
