President — Bill Howe; 607-756-6763
Vice President — John Slocum; 607-849-6681
Treasurer — Art Manz; 607-863-5434;
amanz05@yahoo.com
Secretary/Newsletter Editor — Les Wedge; 607-749-3292; toadfish1@hotmail.com
Membership Options:
• Individual membership without Trapper & Predator Caller — $20
• Individual membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $32
Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:
Cortland Country Trappers of New York
Secretary Art Manz
Box 14
Cincinnatus, NY 13040
SECRETARY’S REPORT
JUNE MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by President Howe at 5:07.
The 50/50 was won by Dale Beckwith. Guest Diane Wedge won the Duke 110 donated by Howe Trap Supply.
President’s list:
– Gun raffle tickets are available.
– Bill Howe bought 7 tables to replace the old ones we use at the Maple Festival and he got them at a good price.
– Our Rondy will be at Solon in their clambake shelter. Our decision to stay with Solon was questioned by Al LaFrance because the Independent Fur Harvesters had invited us to participate in their Trapper Rendevous and Fun Day to be held August 17. There was a misunderstanding as to why we decided to stay at Solon. We also had another offer from McGraw to hold it there if Solon was not available.
– Bill mentioned the list of our club activities that Les Wedge submitted to NYSTA for their newsletter. Les read it to the group. It mentioned the number of new trappers certified by club members who are Trapper Certification instructors. Al LaFrance and Rich Palmer mentioned that instructors in the Independent Fur Harvesters club teach the course to college students at SUNY ESF and SUNY Morrisville where it is a required course for students in wildlife management.
The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Les Wedge discussed newly discovered diseases that are carried by ticks and mentioned tick repellents. Al LaFrance suggested one that works but does not withstand the number of washings as advertised.
Les also mentioned the results of the recent major fur auction house sales which saw major price drops and percent sold for most items.
Round table:
– Gary Davis mentioned that McGraw club’s gun raffles were still available. The youth fishing derby sponsored by the Cortland Youth Bureau, the Izaac Walton Club and the Cortland County Sportsmen’s Federation might move from Casterline Pond to Durkey Park next year if arrangements can be made. Casterline Pond has become very weedy and difficult for the youngsters to fish.
– John Slocum suggested we help Solon cap the existing concrete pad for their clubhouse if needed. Gary Davis felt the pad didn’t need capping.
– Dale Beckwith will design the posters for our upcoming Rondy at Solon
Respectfully submitted. — Les Wedge
MAY MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by President Howe at 5:07 p.m.
The 50/50 was won by John Slocum.
President’s list:
The independent Fur Harvesters’ Rondy will be at the Pompey hollow Rod and Gun club August 17. There will be a fur handling and grading demo at about 11 a.m. Admission is free.
There is no demo this month.
New gun raffle tickets are available. The fur inventory was reviewed.
Our Rondy will be held in Solon if the facilities are available, they expect to have the clubhouse rebuilt by fall.
The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Maple festival items:
The complete report was given as to items sold, etc. A discussion was held about replacing our worn out display tables and the decision was made to replace them with new, light weight ones.
Les wedge reported on the Scholarship Committee selection. The winner of the $500 scholarship is Tyler Petty from Cincinnatus who will be entering Finger Lakes Community College to study Wildlife Law Enforcement. The money is awarded when the club receives proof the student has entered the second semester of college.
Les also mentioned a new virus carried by the deer tick which can infect the victim in 15 minutes of the bite (as opposed to 24 hours with Lyme disease). While the infection rate is low, about 6%, it can be fatal. Currently it is located on the east side of the Hudson River. He also mentioned that fur prices were falling and the ongoing NAFA sale wasn’t looking good for most furs.
Round table:
Gary Davis reported that the McGraw Sportsman’s club was having a gun raffle in August with a drawing each day of the month. Our club will purchase two tickets.
No demo next month. Hugh will bring the food. — Les Wedge
