The Montana Trappers Association held a very well attended annual Fall Rendezvous at the Fergus County Fairgrounds in Lewistown this past weekend. Dealer booths opened on Friday, followed by a few demonstrations and a chicken dinner before the annual membership meeting Friday evening.
Roy Brown, state senator and candidate for governor, attended the dinner and gave a short speech partially explaining how, if elected, his administration would be friendly to consumptive users of wildlife. Roy’s daughter Katie and his running mate, Steve Daines, were at the dinner as well, and you can see the entry on Katie’s blog about the visit with the trappers association here.
There was much discussion at the MTA membership meeting about retaining trapping rights amidst the changing political environment in the state. As can be expected when dealing with tough issues, the membership was somewhat split on how to approach the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks on certain issues, and how to best ensure that traditional trapping practices remain legal.
Saturday morning started off with a packed crowd amidst the dealer booths and outside watching various trapping demonstrations.
Inside, dealers sold new and used traps, and all the various trapping-related gear and hardware a trapper could imagine! James Halseth (Halseth Lures) and John Graham (Fur Country Lures) sold their popular lines of bobcat and coyote lures, along with various other lures and supplies. North American Fur Auctions had an informational booth set up along with an informative fur grading contest. Various small dealers also sold miscellaneous items.
Outside, experienced trappers gave educational demonstrations on different aspects of trapping.
John Graham gave a demo on bobcat trapping, where he focused on snaring techniques, but also explained his patented walk-through foothold set.
Chad Esche gave a demo on different trap anchoring systems he uses on his trapline.
Other demo topics included marten trapping, coyote trapping, grading fur, and snare making.
In the afternoon, the kids and adults both took part in the trap setting contest, where trappers competed to see who could set a series of traps in the shortest amount of time. Meanwhile, the ladies competed in the popular skillet toss.
With Saturday evening came the banquet, where over 100 people gathered to eat a spectacular meal. Then came the annual scholarship and awards presentations, and a fur fashion show put on by Paparazzi Fur of Big Sky, MT. Miss Rodeo Montana and Miss Teen Rodeo Montana helped present the awards and model fur coats. The evening’s events were capped off by the annual auction, where donated items were sold to help benefit the association and the various funds it supports.
All in all, the annual MTA Rendezvous was a great event, and I look forward to attending again next year. Thanks to all of those who are active in supporting the association and its goals. The MTA truly is ‘working today for a tomorrow in trapping’.
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