I want to thank you for trusting Jim Wilson, Mark Nie and myself to serve another term in District Six. In Mark’s words…”all three of us make up one great leader!” We have an impressive team in our District, which also includes Nick Hickman & Willy Elliot both Volunteer Trapping Instructors, Dan Stout, Social Media Coordinator and Andy Shoemaker for staying as active as he can, especially with youth education.

Year two of the “South of the River” Trappers Education Course took place in early September where we certified 13 students. Jim Wilson conducted a Youth Day event at the Anoka Chapter of Pheasants Forever where over 100 young outdoors enthusiasts, made our booth a big hit. Nick and I were asked to attend the Carver County Pheasants Forever chapter meeting to discuss trapping and the presence of hunting dogs. Two special events took place since my last update…the Anoka Gun & Knife Show and the GAME FAIR in Ramsey County (MTA’s biggest yearly event) collectively over $10,000 of tanned fur was sold to benefit our Youth Education Fund. District two and six are on board to coordinate next year’s Summer Convention in Little Falls, MN. We are also coordinating the Pelt Day’s coming up in February next year. If you are on Facebook, please join the private Pelt Day page (created by Craig and Mac Hilburn in 2019) to stay up to date on details. We need carcass fur to make Pelt Day a success, please consider donating a portion of your fur.

2026 events…we have secured a booth at the Pheasants Forever – Pheasants Fest & Quail Classic at the Mpls Convention Center, February 20 – 22. Four Gun & Knife shows, plus four outside our district we are coordinating. We are back at the Outdoor Expo & Game Feed in January in Forest Lake. Year three at the Antique Power Show in Hastings next summer, and the GAME FAIR in August. Throwing in a couple of Pelt Days and the Summer Convention…once again, Lot’s to Do!! Please consider volunteering.

By the numbers…D6 membership is up just over 10% from roughly a year ago. YTD revenue is $19,115 so far, $15,195 in Tanned Fur and $3,920 in the MTA yearly raffle (sold at events), no doubt our members brought in much more in individual sales. $2,245 in Vendor Expense, $1,445 in General Fund and $800 in Education (Pelt Day). Currently our District has sold 6 2026 calendars.

I hope everyone has a great Trapping season. Sounds like Skunks are in the crosshairs. Be safe and enjoy!

Ken