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, P.O. Box 334,Butte, ND 58723-0334; 701-626-7150; tischrc@ndak.net
Membership Options:
• Junior (14 and under) membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $12
• Adult membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $20
• Family membership with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $20
• Lifetime with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $250
• Lifetime (62 and over) with subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $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
http://www.ndfhta.com
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
It’s been a couple of issues since I last wrote, and a few members called me on the carpet as a result. Writing for the TPC requires a report on the first of every month the issue is printed. The February and March deadlines came at times when we were either in the middle of something – whereby the material printed may have changed between the time it was submitted and the time you read it, or you would have been receiving the winter issue of the Dakota Skinner close to the issue date. It was best that the information be the most current and it would be the Dakota Skinner that would carry the message. There are a few items for this issue, so let’s get on to business:
1. Although March 31st was an awesome spring day with temps in the 70’s; the attendance at our spring meet was incredible. There were lots of things going on in Bismarck, and plenty of things around home to do, but you took the time to come and spend time with the other association members. Thank you for coming and supporting the association. With every event, there is plenty of hard work that needs to get done, and as usual, it did – my personal thank you to everyone who helped make this event another successful association activity. If you had the opportunity to attend, you know what I’m talking about.
2. Our summer event is scheduled for Saturday, August 11 at Camp Bentley (located near Drake). There will be more information to follow, but if you have ideas or would like to help, contact Bill Boozenny at 626-7251.
3. State Fair will be upon us before you know it. The fair is scheduled for the last full week of July. If you are a previous volunteer, watch for the mailer from Game and Fish. If you are not and would like to volunteer, let me know. It is a great experience to have the opportunity to interact with the public about something we love dearly.
4. There has been some HSUS sponsored activity in North Dakota as it applies to cruelty to animals. Folks are gathering signatures for a ballot initiative to increase the penalty (from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony) for cruelty to dogs, cats, and horses. North Dakota already has laws that deal with cruelty to any animal, with serious penalties, contained in Century Code 36.21. Cruelty is cruelty, and in North Dakota it makes no difference what animal it is. It is not tolerated; there are laws that address that sort of conduct; and the courts and criminal justice system deal with it accordingly. This is apparently not good enough for the HSUS, who with their financial support, is pushing to garner enough signatures for a ballot initiative this fall. I suspect there won’t be enough signatures, but if there is, get your self educated – educate others – and vote accordingly. Send a clear message to the HSUS that their money grubbing, pandering, and nut case ideals aren’t welcome in North Dakota.
4. Tim Johnson of Bismarck stopped by the other day to drop off some pelts and I couldn’t help but notice a bumper sticker on his car. It was plain and simple – “HUNT-FISH-VOTE”. The only thing that could have made it better was to include the word “TRAP”, but the point is very clear and incredibly important. Know what you are voting on and make your vote count!
5. If you’ve been surfing the internet, you’ve probably checked out the website. Linda Penry has things in fine order again and is always looking for ideas. Drop Linda a note if you have something to share.
6. Keep your membership up-to-date so you stay informed. Until next time, be safe out there. Catch ‘ya. — Rick