Greetings All,

I will not be attending this weekend’s BOD meeting as Linda and I will be traveling to Northome/Blackduck for Arnie Peterson’s funeral.

Districts are beginning to schedule Trapper Education and Field Training Sessions in anticipation of spring breakup and open water beaver trapping opportunities. District leadership is encouraged to provide and promote a minimum of two sessions across their districts annually. In some areas of the State, spring classes have greater attendance than those offered in September. Fur prices being what they currently are, it is important to continue providing these opportunities on a consistent annual basis. Thanks to those that take the initiative to do so.

I’m looking for volunteers willing to serve on the Scholarship Committee. Considering the additional effort the Association has invested over the past year in getting the word out to encourage a larger applicant pool to choose from, I anticipate a larger volume of applications than what we have sadly become accustomed to in recent years.

At this time the only remaining members currently serving on this Committee are Brian Fischer, Steve Phalen and myself. Two more individuals serving on this committee would be ideal. The commitment is minimal and a protocol for scoring the applications and accompanying narratives has been in place for many years and will be provided to committee members via email. In fact, all of the “work” required to serve can easily be accomplished electronically without face to face meetings. Please keep in mind that a Board position is not a requirement to serve and that any MTA member in good standing is welcome to join us.

Scholarship applications and directions are provided to all interested parties on our website mntrappers.org

Any additional questions applicants may feel free to contact me directly.