SDTA Programs

SDTA Rendezvous

Each April the SDTA holds a one day membership meeting and a two day rendezvous event in September. The fall rendezvous is the largest assemblage of trappers in South Dakota in any given year. This event features a youth trapping seminar, used trap & equipment auction, family friendly outdoor games, interactive trapping, fur handling, and predator calling demonstrations, grub stake raffles, special raffles, raffle drawing, trapping supply dealers, a membership meeting and the koffler award presentation.

Youth Trapping Education

The SDTA sponsors a full day youth trapping seminar at the fall rendezvous for kids in ages ranging from 8-18 years old. This interactive seminar allows kids to learn through hands on trapping demonstrations. Youth are taught the proper and ethical way of trapping while given an opportunity to ask veteran trappers any questions they may have.

College Scholarship

The SDTA has increased its scholarship fund to $500. The annual scholarship is presented each year to a member of the SDTA or an immediate family member of the SDTA majoring in wildlife sciences or a related field. Applications for the SDTA Scholarship must be postmarked no later than February 15th.

Scholarship Application

Miss Rodeo - South Dakota Fur Coat

The SDTA has been a proud partner and sponsor of the Miss Rodeo South Dakota pageant since 1995. The South Dakota Trappers Association and the Western South Dakota Fur Harvesters Association have teamed together to give each Miss Rodeo South Dakota queen a new fur coat.

Out-Reach Trapper Education

Each year the SDTA sets up trapping education displays and information booths at four Dakota Territory Gun Shows in eastern South Dakota, and various other outdoor events such as those featured at the Outdoor Campuses. The SDTA also sets up trapping and furbearer education displays at outdoor functions each summer in South Dakota's State Parks.

Youth Water Festivals

The SDTA displays an aquatic furbearer display for 3rd and 4th grade kids at the Sioux Empire Water Festival in Sioux Falls, SD each March, and also at the Big Sioux Water Festival each May at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. Participating teachers receive the SDTA Aquatic Furbearer Guide, and other teaching materials. Kids receive samples of tanned fur, and other information about furbearers.

Special Trapper Education Seminars

SDTA members volunteer their time each year to ensure that today's trapping opportunities will exist for future generations. SDTA members provide their expertise and advices in teaching both adults and youths at colleges and universities, public and private, grade, middle, and high schools, NRA Youth Fests, Step-Out-Side programs, 4-H clubs, boys and girls scouts, Women in the Outdoors, outdoor expo, and more.

Highway Billboard Program

The SDTA provides financial support and assistance to Farm Products Promotions in South Dakota. The money donated by the SDTA is used for leasing sign sites and maintenance. SDTA members volunteer their time and effort to erect new signs and perform yearly maintenance on others.