History – MN Trappers Association

Minnesota Trappers Association History

MTA 50th Anniversary Publication (2009)

Northern Minnesota’s Iron Range in 1959 was economically depressed with the average living wage being about $5,000. This was before the passage of the Taconite Amendment which helped to bring jobs to the iron range area of Northern Minnesota. People did what they could to support their familes. They hunted fished and trapper to make money.

The trappers in the area trapped on public and private land. There were logging areas and roads that allowed access, but getting back in the woods was accomplished by walking, sometimes on snowshoes. The snowmobiles were just being manufactured, but not too many people owned one. Trap thieves were all over, so trappers kept their trap line locations a secret.

The early and most experienced trappers of the time were of Scandinavian descent. Names like Buck Snyder, Ruben Peterson, Al Erickson and George Hirvela were known throughout the northern half of the state for their ability as all-around woodsmen as well as trappers. This time period was before the existence of Rescue Squads and when anyone became lost in the woods, the wardens would be calling trappers to assist in any searches. This only helped the reputation of the trapper and elevated in the eyes of his neighbors. These men made their living in the forest and knew as much about wilderness as the animals they pursued. So in 1959 when you spoke of a trapper, you spoke with respect.

Most of the trappers subscribed to the popular magazine Fur Fish and Game, and that magazine noted that Pennsylvania had a well-organized trappers’ organization. They published their activities in the Fur, Fish and Game, and they tried to get all trappers to become better organized or take a chance on losing their trapping heritage. This started talk between trapping partners, as everyone had a partner then. Gene Sandberg and Mel Smith trapped together and did Harry Chase and Del Sogard. A well-known father and son team was George Hirvela and his son Willie. Talk led to informal meetings. Pressure began from the anti-trapper faction, and Minnesota threatened to eliminate the bounty system, and the livelihood of trappers was in danger of going away. Mel Smith started to push harder and harder for trappers to organize.

In February of 1959, Mel Smith organized a meeting in Ray and trappers from International Falls, Hibbing and Grand Rapids meet for one specific purpose – to organize. Bob Himes was elected as the first president and Gene Sandberg became the first vice-president, and the group officially adopted the name “Minnesota Trappers Association”. The MTA was born. One of the most immediate tasks for this small organization was to get other trappers to see the need for organization and to join them. The other was to convince the general public of the humaneness of trapping.

As trappers began to trust each other and to work toward a common goal, secrecy and mistrust began to disappear allowing the MTA to prosper.

A logo contest was held and a youngster from Plummer won with a design that has remained the MTA logo for the past 50 years.

MTA Conventions Past to Present

1981 – Banning State Park

1982 – Pierz

1983 – Pierz

1984 – Brainerd (25th Anniversary)

1985 – Duluth (NTA/MTA)

1986 – Fairbault

1987 – Wadena

1988 – Grand Rapids

1989 – Wadena

1990 – Litchfield

1991 – Mora

1992 – Lake Elmo

1993 – Emily

1994 – Bemidji

1995 – Wadena

1996 – Cambridge

1997 – Rochester (NTA/MTA)

1998 – Cambridge

1999 – Mora

2000 – Bemidji

2001 – Wadena

2002 – Sauk Center

2003 – Wadena

2004 – Mora

2005 – Barnum

2006 – Barnum

2007 – Bemidji

2008 – Fergus Falls

2009 – Chisholm (50th Anniversary)

2010 – Barnum

2011 – Redwood Falls

2012 – Owatonna (NTA/MTA)

2013 – Litchfield

2014 – Barnum

2015 – Bemidji

2016 – Fergus Falls

2017 – Litchfield

2018 – Barnum

2019 – Redwood Falls

2020 – (COVID)

2021 – Barnum

2022 – Wadena

2023 – Litchfield

2024 – Little Falls

2025 – Wadena

2026 – Little Falls

MTA Awards Historical Information

"Who's Who" Award History

The Who’s Who Award is the prerogative of the president and voting members of the BOD exclusively and seeks to recognize someone who has worked diligently for trappers (particularly within the Association) generally behind the scenes. Hosting district leadership of convention, DNR liaisons, legislature, trapping supply businesses, news media, elected officials in the State legislature, MTA members/directors/chairs, etc. have all received this award at one time or another over the years.

1982 Leo Reding
1982 Senator Bob Lessard
1982 Kenneth D. McLellan
1983 Ed Boggess
1983 Senator Bob Lessard
1984 N/A
1985 Ted Olds
1985 Rob “Timber” Dahlberg
1985 Al Dobie
1986 Joe Bambenek
1986 Johnnie Epley
1987 Roger Hoelscher
1987 Butch Dykhoff
1987 Don Dykhoff
1988 Melvin Smith
1988 Mike Chalich
1988 Darrell Hook
1989 Sid Berg
1989 Loren Spinler
1989 Leo Jewett (posthumously)
1990 Jim Thompson
1990 Tim Caven
1991 Rick Siepel
1992 Dick Doll
1993 Sid Berg
1994 Richard Raeker
1995 Roger Degner
1996 Darrell Knish
1997 George Fortier
1998 Dennis McNally
1999 Joe Bambenek
2000 Charlie Schaefer
2001 Deb Offerdahl
2002 Bill Silverberg
2003 Kathy Peterson
2004 Tim Bauer
2006 Gary Meis
2007 Gary Leistico
2008 Mark Melby
2009 N/A
2010 Senator Patricia Pariseau
2011 Dave D’Aigle
— 2012 Hosting NTA Convention
2013 Pete Jonas
2014 Dale “Gabby” Hayes
2015 N/A
2016 TJ Johnson
2017 N/A
2018 Mark Melby
2019 N/A
— 2020 COVID Convention Cancelled
2021 N/A
2022 Leon and Denise Windschitl
2023 Randy Goldenman
2024 Shawn Johnson

2025 Buzz Neprud

2026 Don McGaffey

Male Trapper of the Year

1982 Herman Snow
1983 Ray Flesch
1984 Dan Croke
1985 Scott Evans
1986 Steve Sipe
1987 Pete Stupar
1988 Gary Rutherford
1989 Darrell Knish
1990 Dick Lorrette
1991 Sid Berg
1992 Ron Hook
1993 Merlin Ladd
1994 George Fortier
1995 Jerome Blazevic
1996 Gary Meis
1997 Todd Roggenkamp
1998 Butch Dykhoff
1999 Marty Kessler
2000 Rich Raeker
2001 Arnie Peterson
2002 Bob Newcomb
2003 Dave Graham
2004 Tim Bauer
2005 Wayne Thom
2006 Carl Ernst
2007 Todd Imdieke
2007 Darrel Oberloh
2008 Tom Marks
2008 Gene Anderson
2009 Leon Windschitl
2010 Shawn Johnson
2011 Dave D’Aigle
— 2012 N/A Hosting NTA Convention
2013 Gary Leistico
2013 Albert Dietz
2013 Frank Brula
2014 Buzz Neprud
2014 Jerry Madsen
2014 Jim Zimmerman (posthumously)
2015 Bert Highland
2015 Lyle Roseen
2015 Dan Swedberg
2016 Roland “Rollie” Aho
2017 Andy Shoemaker
2017 Lloyd Baakkonen
2018 N/A
2019 N/A
— 2020 N/A COVID Convention Cancelled
2021 N/A
2022 Shannon Cohrs
2023 Shaun Uselman
2024 Keith Friedsam
2025 Dewey Schmitz
2026 Matt Akerson

MTA President's Awards History

1984 Dan and Kathy Croke
1984 Pete Stupar
(1985 NTA Convention work recognition)
1995 Ray Rau
1995 Ken Carver
1995 Joe Vaida
1998 Mark Melby
1998 AJ Niedorf
1999 Gary Botczek
1999 Gary Strand
1999 Rod Scott
2000 Todd Imdieke
2000 Dave Graham
2000 Tom Marks
2003 Mark Palas
2003 Terry McElmury
2003 Butch Dykhoff
2005 Vance Walgrave
2005 Roy Oldfield
2005 Greg Flor
2006 Todd Roggenkamp
2006 Dale “Gabby” Hayes
2006 Ken Olson
2007 Pete Jonas
2007 Shawn and Linda Johnson Family
2007 Dallas Erickson
2007 Cory VanDriel
2008 TJ Johnson
2008 Roland “Rollie” Aho
2008 Kathy Peterson
2009 Pete and Tina Jonas Family
2009 Rob Caven
2009 Dave D’Aigle
2009 Gerald Schmitt

2010 Dean Anderson Honorary Recognition
(award accepted by son Al Anderson)
2010 Gary Meis Family
2010 Arnie and Kathy Peterson Family
2011 Dale “Gabby” Hayes
2011 Leon and Denise Windschitl
— 2012 Host NTA Convention
2013 Merlin and Patti Ladd Family
2013 Gary Leistico
2014 Peggy Callahan Wildlife Science Center
2014 Rob and Mitzi Heavirland
2015 Jerry and Judy Rusert
2015 Trish Coons
2016 Denise Windschitl
2017 Gary Nelson
2018 Trish Coons
2018 Brian Fischer
2018 Mark Melby
2018 Dale and Brenda Jindra Family
2019 Chris Holm
2019 Randy Goldenman
2019 Tim Spreck
— 2020 COVID Convention Cancelled
2021 Buzz Neprud
2021 Shawn Johnson
2021 Kaitlyn Jindra
2021 Duane “Dewey” Schmitz
2022 Eric Maijala
2022 Scott Staples
Tanned fur Project: Tim Caven & Gang
2023 Cumberland Trapping Supply
2023 Gary Leistico
2023 Tom Bozer
2024 Jo McElmury
2024 Schmitt Enterprise Inc.
2025 Gary Jorgensen
2025 Iron Trail Trapping Supply
2025 Dunlap Lures & She Traps
2026 Johnson Fur Co.
2026 Gene Tshida
2026 Jim & Marilyn Anderson

Lady Trapper of the Year

1982 Jonelle Kallio
1983 Jackie Wilken
1984 N/A
1985 Kathy Croke
1986 Ellie Dahlberg
1987 Lorna Morrow
1988 Chris Orbird
1989 Dorothy Knish
1990 Karen Andersen
1991 Judy Andersen
1992 Thelen Schultz
1993 Patti Ladd
1994 Gale Hanson
1995 Kathy Peterson
1996 Debbie Burnt
1997 Audrey Fortier
1998 Peggy Zgonc
1999 Jackie Strand
2000 Josie McElmury
2001 Karen Oakquist
2002 Karen Panchot
2003 Liz Thom
2004 Betty Meis
2005 Linda Johnson
2005 Mary Bauer
2006 Pam Marsolek
2007 Barb Edminster
2007 Deb VanDriel
2008 Lois Pauly
2009 LaRae Roseen
2010 Betty Erickson
2011 Mitzi Heavirland
2011 Denise Windschitl
— 2012 N/A Hosting NTA Convention
2013 Linda Johnson
2014 Yvonne “Tweety” Highland
2015 N/A
2016 Amanda Larsen
2016 Brianna Jonas
2017 Cindy Nelson
2017 Trish Coons
2018 N/A
2019 N/A
— 2020 N/A COVID Convention Cancelled
2021 Brenda Jindra
2024 none nominated

2025 none nominated

2026 none nominated

Junior Trapper of the Year

1982 Shawn Johnson
1983 Joe Jewett
1984 N/A
1985 Rob Mathais
1986 Wayne Dykhoff
1987 Jason Holmes
1988 Chad Rutherford
1989 Doug Pensaw
1990 Tim Rippie
1991 Ryan Blazvic
1992 Julie Meis
1993 Randy Herrett
1994 Jessica Kleinschmidt
1995 Chris Essig
1996 Robbie Ladd
1997 Colt Sell
1998 Ben Meyer
1999 Daniel Knish
2000 Kyle Mayers
2001 David Bauer
2001 Kayla Kleinschmidt
2002 Jake Neprud
2002 Kami Imdieke
2002 Carmen Imdieke
2003 Jeff Beard
2003 Karina Olson
2003 Randane Olson
2004 Kaycie Melby
2005 Mac Hilburn
2006 Katie Bauer
2007 Eli Gindele
2007 Dawson Sample
2008 Toby Armstrong
2008 Evan Sipnvieri
2009 Remington Moran
2010 N/A
2011 Robert John Nelson
2011 Lexi Winscher
— 2012 Hosting NTA Convention
2013 Blake Moran
2013 Joseph Cocherell
2014 Aaron Padden
2014 Marc Lisic
2014 Caden Hammer
2015 Logan Nelson
2016 Jacob Miller
2016 Leah Schmitt
2016 Dakota Olson
2017 Leah Remer
2018 N/A
2019 N/A
— 2020 COVID -Convention Cancelled
2021 Evan Rollofson
2021 Caleb Englund
2022 Amber McElmury
2024 Daniel Kreidermacher
2025 Cooper Boser
2026 Layton Meyer and Gavin Olson

Hall of Fame Honorees

1996 Melvin Smith

1996 Ted Lee Olds

1996 Arnold Rudolph Haak

1996 Rob “Timber” Dahlberg

1996 Robert “Bob” Himes

1996 Sidney L. Berg

1996 Ron Hook

1996 Leo Jewett

1996 John Elavsk

1996 Gary Meis

1997 Bob Gessner

1998 Russ “The Jackal” Johannsen

1998 Alvin Ladd

1999 Jim Thompson

2000 N/A

2001 Gale Halverson

2001 Joe Bambenek

2002 Dan Croke

2003 Dick Wilken

2004 Jerome Blazevic

2005 Tim Caven

2005 Loren Spinler

2006 Richard Raeker

2006 George Fortier

2007 Arnold “Arnie” Peterson

2007 Al Kasper

2008 N/A

2009 Tom Marks

2009 Dennis Strand

2009 Butch Dykhoff

2009 Russ “Rusty” Cumberland SR

2010 Gene Anderson

2011 Gary Strand

2013 Curt Carter

2014 Russ “Rusty” Cumberland JR

2014 Tim Bauer

2015 N/A

2016 Terry McElmury

2016 Tim Sawatzky

2017 N/A

2018 Bert Highland

2019 Frank Brula

2021 Dale “Gabby” Hayes

2022 Erwin Neprud “Buzz”
2023 Greg Flor
2024 Dan Nalezny

2025 Todd Roggenkamp
2026 Gerald Schmitt

MTA Education Award

2010 Wayne Thom
2011 Mark Palas on behalf of District 6 Trapper Ed Dream Team
Will Elliott, Mike Tucker, Drake Jackson, Tim Donnay, Dan Nalezny, and Company
— 2012 Hosting NTA Convention
2013 Dallas Erickson
2014 Dana Klos
2015 James Tonkin
2016 Brad Wobbrock
2017 Dana Klos
2018 N/A
2019 N/A
— 2020 COVID-Convention Cancelled
2021 N/A
2022 Pete Jacobson
2023 Craig Hilburn
2024 Bill Ruhlund
2025 Mac Hilburn
2026 Don McGaffey

Legislative Award

2022 Senator Thomas Bakk
2022 Senator Davis Tomassini
2023 Tim Spreck
2024 Randy Goldenman
2025 Dennis Udovich
2026 Bruce Lotti

Conservation Officer of the Year

2026 Nate Benkofske

Minnesota Trappers Association and the
National Trappers Association

The first fur auction in Minnesota was held in 1961 at the fairgrounds in Hibbing. Local buyers, as well as buyers from Canada, attended. The local buyers felt betrayed and seemed to resent the Canadian buyers and therefore outbid them, much to the delight of the trappers. Unfortunately, the local fur buyers’ practice of “grubstaking” soon ended after the auction. This practice was a way to be “Paid in Advance” for many trappers since the fur buyer would advance the trapper $500 or more, and the future catch became the buyer’s property. Anything above the dollar amount would be paid at the going rate.

1963 the MTA helped to host a National Trappers Association meeting at Itasca State Park. Minnesota Trappers made up a good share of the first 100 members of the National Trappers Association. They were:

#18 W. H. Bingelen
#19 L.R. Dickenson
#36 Buck Snyder
#56 Mel Smith
#57 Mart Kerr
#58 Phil Christianson
#59 Albert Erickson
#60 Ruben Peterson
#61 Eugene Sandberg
#62 William K. O’Connor
#71 Dick Marinucci
#72 Del Sogard
#73 Archie Harder
#74 Del Fairbanks
#75 Russel Bartz
#76 William Vicari
#94 Chet Christianson

The MTA has also hosted two other NTA conventions.
In 1985 the 26th NTA Convention was held at Duluth, and in 1997 the 38th NTA Convention was held at Rochester, MN.
In 2012 the 65th NTA Convention was held in Owatonna, MN, on August 2 – 5, 2012; our third NTA convention.

Trap Setting Contest Winners Past to Present

1993 Emily, MN
Kids 11& U	Robbie Ladd	Jessie Kleinschmidt	Daniel Essig
Juniors 12-15	Damion Karich	Mike Huffman	Chenoa Karich
Womens 16+	Jackie Wilken	Diane Kleinschmidt	Judy Anderson
Mens 16+	Dick Wilken	Ron Kleinschmidt	Don Kosloski

1994 Bemidji, MN
Kids 11& U	CJ Rindahl	Eric Johnson	Robbie Ladd
Juniors 12-15	Bruce Swanson	Jessica Kleinschmidt	Jamie Harris
Womens 16+	Diane Kleinschmidt	Amy Jacobson	Jackie Wilken
Mens 16+	Dick Wilken	George Jukish	Steve Pratt

1995 Wadena, MN
Kids 11& U	Mike Kleinschmidt	Foster Lysdahl	Robbie Ladd
Juniors 12-15	Nick Block	Jessica Kleinschmidt	Chris Essig
Womens 16+	June Vernier	Diane Kleinschmidt
Mens 16+	Dick Wilken	John Essig	Allen Lysdahl

1996 Cambridge, MN
Kids 11& U	Mike Kleinschmidt	Jessie Klous	Darin Thompson
Juniors 12-15	Nick Block	JP Zimmerman	Dan Gerten
Womens 16+	Diane Rieck	Diane Kleinschmidt	Marge Kent
Mens 16+	Dick Wilken	Dan Reich	John Essig

1997 NTA Rochester, MN
Youngest	Beau Johnson
Kids 11& U	Joe Karls	Cody Barringer	Trevor Paulus
Jr Girls 12-15	Amber Briski	Jackie Beathart	Jennifer Johnson
Jr Boys 12-15	JJ Gough	Chris Essig	BJ Johnson
Womens 16+	Diane Rieck	Jackie Wilken	Miriam Malone
Mens 16+	Richard Sellhein	Dan Reich	Dave Rieck
330s	Nigel Beirnes	Dan Reich	Harry Peyton
Scent Post	Paul Poole	Mike Mazur	Jason Kaatz
Dirt Hole	Mike Mazur	Corky Klausing	Paul Poole

1998 Cambridge, MN
Kids 11& U	Jeff Beard	Jessie Klaus	Darren Thompson
Jrs 12-15	Matthew Digiovanni	Mike Kleinschmidt	Brent Carry
Womens 16+	Jessica Kleinschmidt	Diane Kleinschmidt	Marge Kent
Mens 16+	Dick Wilken	Richard Sellheim	Ron Kleinschmidt

1999 Mora, MN
Kids 11& U	Billy Nicholson	Jeremiah Adrian	Kayla Kleinschmidt
Jrs 12-15	Matthew Digiovanni	Brent Carry	Jeff Beard
Womens 16+	Jessica Kleinschmidt	Marge Kent	Melissa Kleinschmidt
Mens 16+	Dick Wilken	Ron Kleinschmidt	Aaron Fore

2000 Bemidji, MN
Kids 11& U	Robert Caven	Kayla Kleinschmidt	Forest Petty
Jrs 12-15	Matthew Digiovanni	Brent Carry	Jeff Beard
Womens 16+	Diane Kleinschmidt	Jessica Kleinschmidt	Gail Kleinschmidt
Mens 16+	John Essig	Nathan Digiovanni	Dick Wilkens

2001 Wadena, MN
Kids 11& U	Tony Degroote	Darek Wiese	Aaron Perish
Jrs 12-15	Matthew Digiovanni	Jeff Beard	Darren Thompson
Womens 16+	Diane Kleinschmidt	Peggy Chalich	Jessica Kleinschmidt
Mens 16+	Rick Hemseth	John Essig	Dick Wilken
Open 330	Nathan Digiovanni	Rick Hemseth	Harry Peyton

2002 Sauk Center, MN
Kids 11& U	Doug Dickson	Quentin Baert	Valorie Tolifson
Jrs 12-15	Jeff Beard	Darren Thompson	Josh Baert
Womens 16+	Diane Kleinschmidt	Melissa Kleinschmidt	Jessica Kleinschmidt
Mens 16+	Rick Hemseth	John Essig	Dick Wilken
Open 330	Dick Wilken	John Essig	Dan Wilken

2003 Wadena, MN
Kids 11& U	Tim Swedberg	Quentin Baert	Cody Kenyon
Jrs 12-15	Jeff Beard	Jordan Spychalla	Kent Ojanen
Womens 16+	Bonnie Hendrickx	Gail Kleinschmidt	Nancy Johnson
Mens 16+	Rick Hemseth	Dick Wilken	Brent Carry
Open 330	Rick Hemseth	Dick Wilken	Matt O’Brien

2004 Mora, MN
Kids 11& U	Tim Swedberg	Ian Hellickson	Ryan Espelding
Jrs 12-15	Jordan Spychalla	Billy Nicholson	Kent Ojanen
Womens 16+	Jessica Reith	Diane Kleinschmidt	Melany Greenwood
Mens 16+	John Essig	Rick Hemseth	Brent Carry
Open 330	Dan Reich	Rick Hemseth	John Essig

2005 Barnum, MN
Kids 11& U	Ian Hellickson	Tim Swedberg	Amber Huse
Jrs 12-15	Tyler Spychalla	Cody Huse	Kent Ojanen
Womens 16+	Sharon Huse	Jackie Wilken	Kim Thompson
Mens 16+	Dan Reich	Rick Hemseth	John Essig
Open 330	Dan Reich	John Essig	Rick Hemseth

2006 Barnum, MN
Kids 11& U	Emily Caretti	Jacob Kickes	Ana Laura
Jrs 12-15	Cody Huse	Tyler Spychalla	Amber Huse
Womens 16+	Sharon Huse	Ashley Haas	Linda Johnson
Mens 16+	Brent Carry	John Essig	Rick Hemseth
Open 330	John Essig	Dan Reich	Brent Carry

2007 Bemidji, MN
Kids 11& U	Tucker Rockis	Tony Baratta	Jacob Kicker
Jrs 12-15	Tim Swedberg	Seth Bercier	Brandon Schmid
Womens 16+	Melany Wilken	Nicole Strand	Tweety Highland
Mens 16+	John Essig	Dan Reich	Brent Carry
Open 330	John Essig	Jeff Beard	Brent Carry

2008 Fergus Falls, MN
Kids 11& U	Jacob Kicker	Hunter Larson	Victor Bachmann
Jrs 12-15	Jake Guzend	Jonathan Geisenhof	Tim Swedberg
Womens 16+	Melany Wilson	Tweety Highland	Nicole Strand
Mens 16+	Brent Carry	Jeff Beard	Rick Hemseth
Open 330	Jeff Beard	Dan Reich	Rick Hemseth
Srs 55+	Dick Wilken	Bill Schmidtke

2009 Chisolm, MN
Kids 11& U	Jake Eischens	Ian Johnson	Karl Just
Jrs 12-15	Nathan Johnson	Ryan Erpelding	Brandon Haas
Womens 16+	Amy Benedetti	Nicole Strand	Tweety Highland
Mens 16+	Rick Hemseth	Brent Carry	John Essig
Open 330	Jeff Beard	John Essig	Rick Hemseth
Srs 55+	Rick Hemseth	John Essig	Dick Wilken

2010 Barnum, MN
Kids 11& U	Keenan Wind	Dawson Sample	Cayson Hill
Jrs 12-15	Tim Swedberg	Jacob Kicker	Ian Johnson
Womens 16+	Amy Strand	Colleen Pearson	Tweety Highland
Mens 16+	Rick Hemseth	John Essig	Brent Carry
Open 330	Jeff Beard	John Essig	Rick Hemseth
Srs 55+	Dick Wilken

2011 Redwood Falls, MN
Kids 11& U	Cayson Hill	Karl Just	Keenan Wind
Jrs 12-15	Riley Miller	Tristen Wenisch	Caleb Thompson
Womens 16+	Diane Rieck	Amy Benedetti	LaRae Roseen
Mens 16+	Brent Carry	Dean Bartz	Rick Hemseth
Open 330	Dean Bartz	Brent Carry	Rick Hemseth
Srs 55+	Rick Hemseth	Dave Rieck	Dick Wilken

2012 NTA Owatonna, MN
Girls 11& U	Brianna Crum	Bridget	Jenny Tyo
Boys 11& U	Jacob Miller	John Hamilton	Cayden Ross
Jr Girls 12-16	Courtney Hopkins	Anna McSparen	Kendra Honts
Jr Boys 12-16	Brendon Bohnenstiehl	Abe Ingli	Riley Miller
Womens 17+	Cynthia Oxford	Paula Hamilton	Hannah Mitchell
Mens 17+	Jeff Eilers	Craig Sweet	Dean Bartz
Open 330	Jeff Parks	Craig Sweet	Roger Hutton

2013 Litchfield, MN
Girls 11& U	McKenzie Monnet	Jill Thompson	Ambrie Thompson
Boys 11& U	Isaac Harreld	Jeremiah Johnson	Luke Trebil
Jr Girls 12-16	Jada Hill	Lydia Olson	Naccona Olson
Jr Boys 12-16	Cayson Hill	Caleb Thompson	Hunter Johnson
Womens 17+	Pam Marsolek	Alexis Tanner	Stephany Thomson
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Dean Bartz	John Essig
Open 330	Brent Carry	Dean Bartz	John Essig
Youngest	Colton Block

2014 Barnum, MN
Girls 11& U
Boys 11& U	Gabe Geiser	Tanner McElmury	Phillip Thoms
Jr Girls 12-16	Jenny Tyo
Jr Boys 12-16	Caleb Thompson	Cale Moritz	Jake Schramer
Womens 17+	Jada Hill	Pam Marsolek	Maria Jensen
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Rick Hemseth	Dan Reich
Open 330	Brent Carry	Dan Reich	Rick Hemseth

2015 Barnum, MN
Girls 11& U	Ellie George
Boys 11& U	Cole Miller	Jeremiah Bocinsky	Tanner McElmury
Jr Girls 12-16	Emilie Dufauet	Amber McElmury	Jillian Thompson
Jr Boys 12-16	Cayson Hill	Colten Helmatl	Jacob Miller
Womens 17+	Amy Benedetti	LaRae Roseen	Jada Hill
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	John Essig	Mike Kleinschmidt
Open 330	Brent Carry	Aaron Dayscher	John Essig

2016 Fergus Falls, MN
Girls 11& U	Hannah Dahl	Leah Remer	Makaela Thompson
Boys 11& U	Cole Miller	Tanner McElmury	Seth Dahl
Jr Girls 12-16	Amber McElmury	Jill Thompson	Nacconna Olson
Jr Boys 12-16	Cayson Hill	Jacob Miller	Isac Brown
Womens 17+	LaRae Roseen	Kim Thompson	Dena Olson
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Rick Hemseth	John Essig
Open 330	Brent Carry	Darren Thompson	Behrant Miller
Oldest	Dick Wilken 80

2017 Litchfield, MN
Girls 11& U	Makaela Thompson
Boys 11& U	Abraham Reich	Corbon Schiller	Bradon Hahn
Jr Girls 12-16	Jill Thompson
Jr Boys 12-16	Daniel Reich	Hunter Melby	Jonah Reich
Womens 17+	LaRae Roseen	Kim Thompson	Lydia Olson
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Rick Hemseth	Wayne Thompson
Open 330	Brent Carry	Rick Hemseth	Dan Reich
Youngest	Bradon Hahn 8
Oldest	Dick Wilken 82

2018 Barnum, MN
Girls 11& U	Makaela Thompson	Brooklyn Hist	Mckinze Thompson
Boys 11& U	Lathan Remer	Braydon Flertead	Corbin Schiler
Jr Girls 12-16	Jill Thompson	Leah Remer	Harmoni Martinez
Jr Boys 12-16	Tanner McElmury	Tanner Hauger	Nathon Jackson
Womens 17+	LaRae Roseen	Amber McElmury	Colleen Pearson
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Dean Bartz	Rick Hemseth
Open 330	Brent Carry	Dean Bartz	Rick Hemseth
Youngest	Cameron Meseberg
Oldest	Dick Wilken

2019 Redwood Falls, MN
Girls 11& U	Brooklyn Gist	Makaela Thompson	Mckinze Thompson
Boys 11& U	Corbin Schiler	Lathan Remer	Cameron Meseberg
Jr Girls 12-16	Leah Remer	Harmoni Martinez
Jr Boys 12-16	Tanner Sietsema	Cole McAllister	Tanner Hauger
Womens 17+	Kim Thompson	Jillian Thompson	Emina Martinez
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Dean Bartz	Wayne Thompson
Open 330	Dean Bartz	Brenk Carry	Cayson Hill
Youngest	Cameron Meseberg
Oldest	Dick Wilken

2021 Barnum, MN
Girls 11& U	Mckinze Thompson	Andrea Brady	Olivia Altmann
Boys 11&U	Chayse Smith	Jacob Pierzinski	Chase Ladd
Jr Girls 12-16	Leah Remer	Makaela Thompson
Jr Boys 12-16	Tanner Sietsema	Wyatt Hemp	Ben Kasa
Womens 17+	Amber McElmury	Colleen Pearson	Kim Thompson
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Cayson Hill	Caleb Thompson
Open 330	Brent Carry	Rick Hemseth	Cayson Hill
Youngest	Chase Ladd
Oldest	Rick Hemseth

2022 Wadena, MN
Girls 11& U	Andrea Brady	Mckinze Thompson	Lily Connell
Boys 11& U	Waylan Hemp	Brody Buntjer	Wyatt Johnson
Jr Girls 12-16	Olivia Altmann	Lyndsie Altmann	Marrissa Mills
Jr Boys 12-16	Wyatt Hemp	Xander Merkle	Braydon Kierstead
Womens 17+	Colleen Pearson	LaRae Roseen	Kim Thompson
Mens 17+	Rick Hemseth	Cayson Hill	Brent Carry
Open 330	Brent Carry	Rick Hemseth	John Essig
Youngest	Charlie Altmann
Oldest	Dick Wilken

2023 Litchfield, MN
Girls 11& U	Morgan Sonsalla	McKinze Thompson	Grace Brady
Boys 11& U	Chase Ladd	Blake Sietsema	Cameron Meseberg
Jr Girls 12-16	Andrea Brady	Olivia Altmann	Makaela Thompson
Jr Boys 12-16	Tanner Sietsema	Jake Siltela
Womens 17+	Kim Thompson	Jackie Thompson	Shaelynn Predmore
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Cayson Hill	Rick Hemseth
Open 330	Brent Carry	Rick Hemseth	Daniel Kreidermacher
Youngest	Grace Brady
Oldest	Dick Wilken

2024 Little Falls, MN
Girls 11& U	Laura Altmann
Boys 11& U	Chase Ladd	Charlie Altmann	Caleb Kreidermacher
Jr Girls 12-16	Lyndsie Altmann	Mckinze Thompson	Makaela Thompson
Jr Boys 12-16	Brody Buntjer	Jacob Pierzinski	Cooper Boser
Womens 17+	Kim Thompson
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Rick Hemseth	Cayson Hill
Open 330	Brent Carry	Caleb Thompson	Rick Hemseth
Youngest	Laura Altmann
Oldest	Dick Wilken

2025 Wadena, MN
Girls 11& U	Grace Brady	Laura Altmann
Boys 11& U	Charlie Altmann	Chase Ladd	Harris Weerts
Jr Girls 12-16	Lyndsie Altmann	Andrea Brady
Jr Boys 12-16	Jacob Pierzinski	Brody Buntjer	Cooper Boser
Womens 17+	Kim Thompson	Harmoni Martinez	Emina Martinez
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Rick Hemseth	Caleb Thompson
Open 330	Brent Carry	Caleb Thompson	John Essig
Youngest	Laura Altmann
Oldest	Dick Wilken
2026 Little Falls, MN
Boys 12 & U	Chase Ladd	Gage Ladd	Clayton Sundberg
Jr Girls 13-16	Levi Lewis	Anne Jacobs	Kinze Thompson
Jr Boys 13-16	Cooper Boser	Brody Buntjer	Cameron Meseberg
Womens 17+	Kimmy Thompson	Makaela Thompson
Mens 17+	Brent Carry	Caleb Thompson	Rick Hemseth
Open 330	Brent Carry	Caleb Thompson	Rick Hemseth
Youngest	Asher Brevik
Oldest	Dick Wilken

Minnesota Trappers Association Hall of Fame

The History of the Fur Trade in Minnesota

We all should acknowledge the long heritage and prominent role the fur trade has played in the history of the Great State of Minnesota. From the initial exploration by The French fur trader Rene Cavelier (Sieur de La Salle), who traveled down the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico and helped to establish a chain of fur trading posts all along the Mississippi from New Orleans to the Great Lakes to the first expedition of Lewis and Clark from August 1805-April 1806 commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the lands of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 to its essential modern-day role in wildlife management and economics, trappers and trapping have long been a part of the State’s foundational fabric that continues to have an impact on our collective futures as well.

The MTA Trapper Hall of Fame was established in 1996 to recognize members for their exemplary leadership in promoting and advocating for the sport of fur trapping at all levels, local, state, and national. These individuals stand in the presence of those pioneers and trappers today and owe a debt of gratitude to all they have accomplished on our behalf.

Being inducted into the MTA Trapper Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a member of the MTA and, as such, is not taken lightly. Many trappers trap huge numbers each year, but that is not the main focus of this esteemed award. Hall of Fame members are not only accomplished trappers but also have contributed to the trapping world in various other ways. In their bios to the right, you will read about some of Minnesota’s most noteworthy trappers and their contributions to the trapping community.