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.
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The ETHICS SD Trapping Program
This is a joint program conducted by a partnership between the South Dakota Trapper’s Association, the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, and the South Dakota 4-H and SDSU Extension. The goals of the program are to familiarize and teach kids how to trap, teach about ethical trapping, as well as teach conservation and safety.
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Click HERE to learn more!
 
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.
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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.
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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.