Summer is here, and that means it’s rendezvous season.
The annual gatherings provide the perfect opportunity for trappers to commune with fellow trappers, buy some new trapping gear and learn some new tricks for the trapline.
June 10-12, Columbus, Ind.
The 2010 Fur Takers of America Rendezvous will be held June 10 to 12 in Columbus, Ind., at the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Trapping vendors from across the United States will display their merchandise. More than 80 vendors have signed up with more being added every day.
The event will feature a muskrat skinning contest and a trapline photo contest. Other activities include fur hat making, bird house making, basket weaving, dutch oven cooking, games for children and a building with vendors for the ladies.
Day trips for shopping opportunities and to local wineries will also be available during the convention.
The demonstrator lineup includes Ron Cauble, Hal Sullivan, Bill Kasten, Robert Waddell, Mike Marchewka, Jerry Schilling, Gary Armstrong, Dave Hastings, Blake Williams, Charles Mascheck, the National Predator Hunters Association and more.
Campsites with water and electricity are available for $20 per night or $50 for four nights. Plenty of primitive camping is also available at $8 per night.
The host motel is the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Columbus. The phone number for the hotel is 812-372-1541.
For more information, visit www. furtakersofamerica.com/convention.htm, or contact James Mahoney at 812-526-6480.
Aug. 5 to 8, Marshfield, Wis.
The 51st NTA Convention is slated for Aug. 5 to 8 in Marshfield, Wis. at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds.
General admission is $10 for those 12 or over. Children younger than 12 are free.
The demonstrator lineup includes Dick Lawrence, Trapper Art and Leo Hoeft, Rally Hess, Pat Holmstrom, George Porter, Kyle Kaatz, Tom Olson, Jim Bethell, Bill Porter, Mike Widner, Tom Florin, Mike Sells, Hal Sullivan, Clint Locklear, Dave Hastings, Gerald Schmitt, Jim Spencer, Arnold Groehler, John Graham, Todd Hesgard, Mark June, Kirk DeKalb, Mike Volker and Rally Hess.
Other activities include archery, quilt demonstrating, cooking and wine tasting, basket making, Amanda’s Style Show & Make Over, ginseng demonstrations, massage chairs, tours of area cranberry marshes, shopping excursions to Marshfield and Wisconsin Dells, a historical tour through an area church and local brewery and more.
The entertainment on Saturday night will be provided by the band The Shy Guys.
The NTA website lists more than 100 trapping vendors from across the country that are signed up and planning to attend the 51st annual event.
Camping costs $25 per day for sites with electric/water and $10 per day for primitive sites. No advance reservations will be accepted.
The host hotel is the Clearwater Inn at 2700 S. Roddis Ave. To contact the hotel, call 715-387-1761.
To purchase tickets, send your payment to National Trappers Association, 2815 Washington Ave., Bedford, IN 47421.
For more information, visit www.nationaltrappers.com/2009nat.html, or contact Dan Skurski at 231-590-9288 or 231-988-4432, or email at skurski@nationaltrappers.com.
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could you please tell me the name of silver jewlery dealers that was present at the convention I think the one i’m thinking about may have been from the dakotas ?