President — Rod Zullinger, 4886 Raccoon Valley Rd., Millerstown, PA 17062; phone: 717-589-7594; e-mail: rodz@tricountyi.net
Vice-President East — Joel Whitehead, RR #2 Box 90, Thompson, PA 18465; e-mail: JFRED@nep.net
Vice-President West — Ned Weston, 120 Swope Rd., West Sunbury, PA 16061; phone: 724-894-2239; e-mail: Nweston@netzero.net
Secretary — Tereasa Houtz, 300 Flint Ln., Landisburg, PA 17040; e-mail: PTASecretary@paonline.com
Treasurer — Ed Price, P.O. Box 327, Union Dale, PA 18470; phone: 570-679-2318; e-mail: pricee@nep.net
Editor — Russ Ford, 309 Pine Dale Rd., Carlisle, PA 17013; phone: 717-249-7271; fax: 717-249-8509; e-mail: ptaeditor@pa.net
FTA Director — Mark Kasten, RR 2 Box 2287, Hallstead, PA 18822; phone: 570-278-2553;
e-mail: willsher@epix.net
NTA Director — David Shuttleworth, 5452 Tamarack Drive, Sharpesville, PA 16150; phone: 724-962-4260; e-mail: Dianeshutts@aol.com
Public Relations Director — Mike Gontar, 87 West 7th St., Jim Thorpe, PA 18229; phone: 570-325-4974; fax: 570-325-4974; e-mail: FuFiGa@msn.com
Membership Options:
Individual membership including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $25
Individual membership without subscription — $10
Junior, age 16 and under without subscription — $5
Lifetime membership with subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $300
Lifetime membership without subscription — $100
Complete membership application on first page of
association section and send dues to:
PTA Treasurer
Ed Price
P.O. Box 327, Union Dale, PA 18470
http://www.patrappers.com
EDITOR’S REPORT
Hi All,
Reporting from Sunny South Florida!
Here it is May already and nearing Convention Time. Hurray for that!
Conventions are a “Great Place for a Great Time.” At them you get to visit old friends and acquaintances. As well as make new friends.
Conventions are great places to spend and perhaps make a little money.
Conventions are fun to be at. Conventions are a place to learn.
Conventions are held for your enjoyment.
You come, they are for you!
While you’re there, look me up and say hello. I look forward to seeing you.
Jumping ahead: I wish to THANK D5 and all who have worked to put the Convention together. It takes lots of time and work to put together a show like this.
It’s time to vote for your officers for two more years. From the looks of the ballet, it’s not going to be hard to pick your choice. What Choice? But vote anyway. It shows you care.
Our out-going president, Rod Zullinger, has performed his duties over the many passed years as your leader to the fullest extent that anyone could possibly do that job. He deserves ALL of our SINCERE THANK YOUS for his dedication and aervice to his and our PTA. THANK YOU ROD!
Coming on board as our new leader, looks like Brian Mohn. He will step up and try to continue the work that has made the PTA a strong and growing association. I am sure he’ll put just as much dedication and time, as those that have in the past, to ensure that we continue on the right path. I look forward to working with Brian and all of the board during the upcoming term. It will be a busy time for all. Hopefully we’ll continue the progress that has been made in the past!
I have not heard much about the “PTA’s Home.” But, I’m sure that some progress is being made on that front. I would think that an update in June will be presented to those who our interested in hearing where things stand so far on this very important undertaking.
In ending: Enjoy the Summer. Look forward to the Fall!
As always, to the few of you who read this report and all the other reports, I THANK YOU!
SEE YA in JUNE!
— Russ Ford
NTA REPORT
Trapping season is over and the convention season is here. Now is the time to get your traps and gear cleaned up and ready for next year. As I write this report, the NTA SE Regional Convention is taking place in Williamston, NC. The NTA NE Regional Convention will be at the Warren County Fair Grounds in Pittsfield, PA on May 8, 9 and 10. I will have a report on the convention in my next report. The guys from PTA District 1 did a super job in getting ready. I would like to say thank you to all that helped. The Ohio State Trappers Association will host the 50th NTA Convention in Lima, OH from July 30 through Aug. 2. PTA District 5 will host the PA State convention at the Cambria County Fair Grounds in Ebensburg, PA from June 18 through the 21.
Sam Smith from the NTA executive council will attend the PA State Convention. He will be at the NTA booth, if you have any questions or concerns stop and talk to Sam.
NTA NE leadership conference was held in Malta, NY on April 25. Representatives from the NE were in attendance. Several states are fighting court battles with the anti’s. These court battles are costly; remember to support your national and state trappers associations. We’re all in this together.
As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
— Dave Shuttleworth
ELECTION CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
By now, everyone should have their ballots. Even though the ballot might not have a lot of contested positions, it is still important to cast your vote. So far, we have only received 621 ballots by the time this report was compiled. Please vote to show your support for the officers you would like to see in the positions.
You can vote for the person running for the position or write in a candidate’s name in the space provided. If you did not receive a ballot and you are a current member, you can request one by contacting me via e-mail at trapper_66@windstream.net or via phone at 724-866-4286. Photocopied ballots are not valid and will not be accepted. Remember, ballots can be mailed back to me by June 12 or they can be dropped off during the convention at the state booth before 6 p.m. on Friday. I look forward to seeing everyone at the convention.
God Bless.
— Charlie Sykes
DISTRICT 1 REPORT
With trapping season over with, it is time to start cleaning your gear and checking for the things that you are going to need to pick up at the conventions.
We are fortunate this year to have the opportunity for several conventions within a short driving distance. The NTA Northeast Regional Convention in Pittsfield, PA will be held May 7 through May 10. The state convention is at the Cambria County Fair Grounds in Ebensburg. It will be held June 18 through the 21. The NTA convention will be held in Lima OH from July 30- Aug. 2. This will be the 50th.
Once again, our gun raffle was a big success. I would like to say thanks to Jim and Donna Murphy, who chaired this event again this year, and to all those who helped. A special thanks goes out to all those who helped as the clean-up crew. Many hands make lighter work.
Derrick Cross is going to chair the kids trapping school again this year. It’s going to be held at Bill Phillip’s place in Erie County on Sept. 26. All those willing to help with this event, please contact Derrick at 814-664-8733.
Our Fall meeting will be held in Warren County on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m.
God Bless.
— Charlie Sykes
DISTRICT 2 REPORT
Since I last wrote a report, we had a very interesting Fur Sale in our district. Dave and I went to District 1’s Gun Bash. It was very interesting and Dave and I learned a lot.
Tim and I went to District 3’s Banquet and we learned some new ideas for our Banquet. Both districts had very impressive events, Thanks guys.
We had a display at the Clarion Mall for three days in April. Thanks to the members who helped man the display, and meet with the public. We signed up some young people for our Trapping School, that will be held on Aug. 8 at the Beaver Creek Project outside of Knox, PA in Clarion County.
I will be selling the new book for the PTA at Pittsfield, PA. The NTA East Convetion will be on May 8, 9, and 10. The book Canine Trapping will also be sold at the State Convention in June. Just stop by the PTA table and save on postage and handling. Just $12 at the Convention.
Butler Youth Field Day will be on June 6. At East Butler Sportmen Club, just outside of Butler Armstrong County and Clarion County, Youth Field Days will be on July 18.
For more info, call me at 724-224-2197.
— Greg
DISTRICT 3 REPORT
Hello all,
Our spring meeting was held on March 22 at the Westmoreland County Fairground with 23 members attending. Thanks to all who showed up. The elections ended with all of your officers being re-elected into the same positions. We are currently without Allegheny and Greene County leaders. If anyone is interested in either of these positions, give me a call. The planning started for the 2010 state convention at this meeting also, with some committees started. We will still need much help for this event, if you’ve ever wanted to step up and help, now is the perfect time. Even if you can spare a couple hours during the convention, we could use you somewhere.
Our fifth annual fundraising banquet was held on April 18 at the Youngwood Fire Hall. There were 159 attendees at this year’s dinner, and I think all had a good time. Food was once again top notch, and many thanks to our sponsors who provided a multitude of prizes. In all the confusion, I forgot to count the prizes on the Chinese auction table, but I believe it was 142.
Seems like I called numbers for a long time, but a lot of people took home prizes from there, not counting the guns, gift certificates, crossbow and bear trap. I want to try to thank all who helped at this event either selling tickets, working the door, Chinese auction table, running prizes, passing out shirts and mugs, etc. I’ll try not to forget anyone, but thanks to Dan Weiss, John Wilkinson, John Poorbaugh, Paul and Jan Polansky, Greg and Kim Grimm, Rege Denne, Francis Watt and Patty, Doug and Jenny Bergman, Morgan Cushey, all my kids, and thanks to Morgan Wilkinson and Johni Sue Lech for pulling tickets out all night. It is a lot of work to put the banquet on, but it is a fun night for all and very manageable with all the help.
We also have our district award ceremony at the banquet and I’d like to congratulate Tereasa Siko as our District 3 2009 Trapper of the Year” and our two lifetime achievement awards went out to two gentlemen who have supported this district for more years than you can count, Jack Wilkinson and Hank Beckner. Congrats to all three of you. These awards were very deserved. I guess I also have to thank John Wilkinson and Bob Jameson for going behind my back and giving me an award also. Thanks guys, it wasn’t necessary, but very much appreciated. I’ll wear the jacket and don’t worry about the ’coon bait. I’ll put it to use. While on the subject of the banquet, I have to mention two other people that gave donations of money during the banquet, Matthew Pappa and Jim Wagner. Thanks guys for helping to make it a success.
We do have a few shirts and mugs left over from this banquet and we’ll have them for sale at our district events or get a hold of me and I’ll figure out how to get one to you.
Till next time.
— Dave Eckels
DISTRICT 5 REPORT
I don’t have much to report since the last time other than my traps still need to be organized and I’m not having any success at turkey hunting. The convention season is fast approaching and yard work will soon be a priority. I hope you can set aside some time to attend the state convention this year.
District 5 will be hosting the 2009 state convention at the Cambria County Fair Grounds, Ebensburg, PA. This will be the 72nd Annual Pennsylvania Trappers Association Rendezvous and it is being held on June 18–21. I encourage everyone to get involved and help out if you can. Gates will open Wednesday, June 17 at noon to allow dealers and tailgaters to set-up displays. Dealer Contact Information: Art Crossman: 471-7565. Advertising contact: Pat Wess 347 Elbert Street Johnstown, PA 15904 814-262-9455. Informational updates will be posted on the Pennsylvania Trappers Association Web site at www.patrappers.com.
Convention planning meetings are under way and the next scheduled meeting is May 22 at 6 p.m. at Gander Mountain and the final convention meeting will be June 13 at 1 p.m. at the Cambria County Fair Grounds.
Please feel free to contact Pat Wess at 814-262-9455, Todd Harteis at 814-547-0076 or myself with any information you would like to see in this report or any questions you might have. Thanks for reading.
— Brian Stern
DISTRICT 11 REPORT
We held our April meeting in Northern York County with a pretty disappointing turnout in attendance. We went ahead and used what we had to take care of the business of the district. We talked about and finalized some dates for our trapping schools and youth field days that we sponsor and are involved in. I will give you those dates and info at the end of this column. We went over final plans for the Gathering at Kutztown. I reported on the Donegal Show we did in March. I want to thank Terry Suter and Ryan Osborne for their help. Terry was on a roll selling sweepstakes tickets at this event, which made the state and us some money. We will again be having a booth at the Schuylkill County Fair, which is July 26 to Aug. 1. Brian caught us up to date on what is happening on the state level.
PTA sent $5,000 to Connecticut to help in their fight in the legislature up there. They also gave $5,000 to James Kauffman to help with his otter research project. James was our speaker at last year’s PTA banquet. The land-trapping book the PTA is putting together is about ready now. It should retail for $12.
We held our District 11 officer elections and the results are as follows: Director – Ralph Wagner; Secretary/Treasurer – Mike Spittle; Public Relations – Jeff Leeking. These are two-year terms that start the Saturday of the convention. The office of assistant director is vacant. If you are interested in holding that position, please let one of the officers know. Thanks go to Brett Spangler and his wife for hosting our meeting and providing food afterwards.
April 27, six of us met with a representative from the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds to take a tour and discuss the possibility of using the fairgrounds to host the state convention in 2011. This would be an excellent facility for this. It has lots of buildings, all macadam lots, plenty of parking and camping space. What we need now is a small army of workers. If you are a member and have been thinking that some time you would like to get more involved and help out with something, this is your golden opportunity. We are tentatively planning for June 16-19, 2011, for the convention, but the work for that starts now. To make it successful, we are in need of 50-60 people who want to help out with this project. We especially need some from the Schuylkill/Berks county area that have contacts with vendors and other resources we can use in the local area.
We also need your ideas to help draw the local community in to be part of this event. Many of you have gone to state conventions in the past and I’m sure enjoyed it. We need your input of the things you want to see and also the things that you don’t. Please don’t wait for someone else to do this. We need your ideas, your suggestions and your help. Give me a call so I can put you on the list of helpers to make this convention the best we’ve ever had.
Our next scheduled event is our annual picnic and shoot at Millcreek Sportsmen’s Association in Lancaster. This will be our first meeting with our new officers. We will know by then if we have the bid for the convention and can begin to do some serious planning for it. Please come and join us on Sunday, Aug. 2.
I want to pass along the dates for the upcoming Youth Field Days and Trapping Schools in case you have someone who is interested in attending:
Youth Field Days
Lancaster County — June 6 at the Southern Lancaster County Farmers and Sportsmen’s Club
York County — May 30 at York Issac Walton League
Dauphin County — June 20 at Harrisburg Hunters & Anglers
Trapping Schools
Berks/Schuylkill — Sept. 12 at Auburn Rod & Gun Club, contact Brian Mohn at 610-562-1790
Dauphin — Sept. 26 at Dauphin Co Anglers & Cons, contact Mike Spittle at 717-367-2637
Lancaster — Aug. 22 at Millcreek Sportsmen’s Assoc., contact Terry Suter at 717-393-4738
York — Aug. 29 at Starview Sportsmen’s Club, contact Brett Spangler at 717-767-4672
One more date to keep in mind is the tree dedication for Frank Ceresini in Lebanon. It will be on July 18. I don’t have a time yet, but will pass it along as soon as I have it.
Hope to see you at the convention.
— Mike Spittle
