SDTA News

Hello Trappers,

   I hope everyone is doing well, had a good spring season and is making plans to attend the NTA Convention in Sioux Falls July 25-27.  Before I get into the NTA convention I wanted to update you on some items. First the SDTA has had an exceptional outreach program this year. Our booths at the Stock Show, gun shows and Pheasant Fest were extremely successful and some important contacts were made. I wanted to highlight again why we are at these places. It is not to recruit members, sell raffle tickets or items. They are merely by products. We are there to educate the public, show them BMPs, and just let folks know who we are, what we do and how we do it. This year I had the opportunity to meet the Director for the Rapid City Golf courses who stopped by our booth and just happened to be having a beaver problem. I got her in touch with Les Weaver (Hancock Trap Co. Owner) from Custer and he was able to help her a bit. Her problem was worse than they realized. Soon a meeting between city officials, myself (SDTA rep), SDGFP and two local trappers resulted in those two now trapping in Rapid City to help with their issue. First time this has been allowed as far back as anyone can remember. So yes, our presence at these non-trapping events is huge and important so I am looking forward to seeing new faces volunteering to help man booths next year!

   Second item I was able to attend the Idaho Trappers Association fur sale. Rusty and his folks put on a heck of a show, and I encourage you to attend in the future if possible. It was good to meet new friends and catch up with old ones I only see at conventions. It also was GREAT to see trappers SELLING furs and multiple buyers BUYING furs. I believe we have turned a corner, fingers crossed! I look forward to heading back there in June for the NTA Western Convention.

  Now some NTA Convention updates. I cannot stress this enough, we need help. I had a feeling this was going to be big, but I am getting calls, texts, emails and indications this is going to be HUGE. We need as many volunteers as possible to help set up, assist with vendor move in, work the STDA booth, clean up, BUILD a first-class demo area, work the gates and provide/maintain a “problem solving team” for whatever pops up whenever. We are not asking you to be there for the three-day set up, three-day event and clean up. A few hours at the gate on Friday or on Monday to help Pete Peterson and I set up 100s of tables and Frank Moser building a demo area or be there Wend to meet 100s of vendors and assist them moving their items to their booths. ANYTHING you volunteer for and as little or as much as you can helps pull it all together. Bring family, co-workers-friends-neighbors, anyone is welcome to help. This is a GREAT opportunity for a club or association (little league team, bowling team etc.) to come together and help as a unit. No matter what, this is going to be a GREAT event that will be talked about for a long time. Just easier with many hands helping. Contact Nancy Bennet and she will get you (or your crew!) on the volunteer listing where you/when you want to be. I look forward to seeing you soon (with as many as you can bring!).

John Hopple

SDTA President

============================================================

.