North Dakota Fur Hunters & Trappers Association February 2013 Report

President — Rick Tischaefer, P.O. Box 334, Butte, ND 58723-0334; 701-626-7150; tischrc@ndak.net

Vice President — Marty Beard, 9101 119th St. SE, Bismarck, ND 58504; 701-224-0878

Secretary — Jeremy Duckwitz, P.O. Box 465, Hazelton, ND 58544; 701-674-3535; yodelyote@hotmail.com

Treasurer — Linda Penry, 3235 Crested Drive N., Mandan, ND 58554; 701-667-9380; lpenry@wildblue.net

Fur Harvester Education Program Coordinator — Rick Tischaefer

 

Membership Options:

• Junior (14 and under) membership with T&PC — $12

• Adult membership with subscription to T&PC — $20

• Family membership with subscription to T&PC — $20

• Lifetime with subscription to T&PC — $250

• Lifetime (62 and over) with subscription to T&PC — $150

 

Complete membership application on first page of the association news section and send dues to:

NDFHTA, Treasurer

Linda Penry, 3235 Crested Dr. N., Mandan, ND 58554

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Just a little bit of business for now:

1. The winter meet is Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Joann Hetzel 4-H Building in Bismarck (same as in the past and just across the highway from the Game and Fish Headquarters). The activities for the day begin at 8:30 AM and will probably end at about 4 PM (CST), with lunch again being served right there. The schedule needs a little bit of your help. In the past we have had some fur handling demonstrations and in some cases, we provided the opportunity for you to do it (if you wanted). This is where we need your feedback – what would you like to see or do this year?? It takes a little bit of time to plan these things, so let me know as soon as you can. Do you want to do it or watch it being done? What would you like to do or see done? Again, let me know what you’re thinking or if you have some ideas. If you’re planning an overnight for the Meet, best to do it as soon as possible. There is always something going on in Bismarck now-a-days and sometimes lodging is a little short.

2. Another reminder for the education program instructors – take a look at the calendar, talk with your fellow instructors, and come up with the dates and location for a class. Let me know as soon as you can.

3. We had a 34% return rate on the membership ballot that was mailed out in early December. The record showed 80% favored and 20% did not. Regardless, a 34% return rate for a membership ballot is insufficient in expressing support/non-support of any issue being presented to a legislator or being used as information to either House or Senate committee members. That’s where we’re at now and you’ll be able to read more in the Dakota Skinner.

4. The winter seems to be treating folks well in their outdoor activities. If you are working with cables, make sure you are doing the best you can, and be timely with your checks. There is no need to give anyone ammunition for placing restrictions on this useful tool.

5. Speaking of restrictions – you need to let Senators Hoven and Heitkamp, and Representative Cramer know your thoughts on all of this “gun control” language folks in Washington are using now-a-days. And this “special commission to look at gun violence” with Joe Biden in charge is like letting your local population of coyotes run your spring calving operation. Lots of folks poked fun at the NRA for suggesting a law enforcement entity or presence in our schools – well guess what the proactive folks are doing – putting a law enforcement entity in their schools. Guess who they are looking to for advice and counsel on how to do it right? The NRA and the school administrators across this country who already have had a law enforcement presence in their schools – and they do not have a problem with violence in their schools. Common sense tells you these senseless homicidal acts are not about firearms – regardless of what the firearm looks like or how it functions. The anti-gun crowd (being critically short on common sense or any interest in data or facts that prove otherwise), will be throwing their weight around and you need to be standing there to throw it back. Now is not the time to be complacent and this country needs you to be involved. Make it happen.

4. In closing, remember to keep your membership current so you stay informed. As we go about our business calling or trapping, consider sharing your travels and experiences with someone who has yet to know these activities, and encourage those who do to join the association. Until next time, take care, be safe and responsible, and enjoy what Mother Nature and North Dakota have to offer. I hope to see you in March – if not sooner! Catch ‘ya. — Rick Tischaefer

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