Hello all,

 

As you read this, trapping season will be well underway and I hope everyone is doing well. Back in September, we held our annual Trapper Ed. Field Day in Mountain Iron. Attendance was down this year but like I always say I don’t care if it’s one or thirty students it doesn’t matter we’ll instruct them. I’d like to again thank my fellow instructors CO Matt F., Frank B., Gary J., and Dan C., you guys are the best! We gave each student a starter package consisting of traps, lures, stretchers, etc. to help them out. I also had our 2023 MTA Antique Trap Calendars on hand to sell. I won’t use names, but I’d like to formally thank the mother of one of the students who purchased a calendar and also gave a very generous donation to the MTA, thank you so much! I have extra calendars on hand for $20. if anyone in my area would like one just give me a call. Our Winter General Membership Meeting will be held at Forestview Middle School in Baxter on Jan. 14, 2023. Dealers, fur buyers, trapping demonstrations, pelt, and big furbearer contests are just a few of the upcoming events to be held there followed by our Legal Defense Fund Banquet at the American Legion Club in Brainerd. It’s a fun-filled evening out with trapper friends for a chance to win many great prizes and more importantly to generate much-needed monies for the Legal Defense Fund. To purchase tickets, contact Kaitlyn Jindra @ (218) 820-5797. At some point this winter the DNR will be mailing trapping surveys to 2000 randomly selected license purchasers. Please participate and return promptly. Both the MTA and MFZTA provided input and guidance in compiling the question. On a sad note, I recently learned former MTA president Don Bolen passed away at age 94. Don bought fur through the 70s and early 80s and was a great inspiration for me during my early years as a trapper. I remember a few years ago when we had three past presidents from District 1 at a meeting in Cotton. Don Bolen, Dan Croke, and Shawn Johnson, I wish I would have taken a picture. Don will be missed by his family and many others. Rest in peace, my friend.

 

Everyone enjoy your trapping season and from my family to yours here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Take care and be safe.

Bert