Pennsylvania Trappers Association Inc. October 2012 Report

www.patrappers.com

President — Brian Mohn, 138 Farview Road, Hamburg, PA 19526; 610-562-1790; papatrees@aol.com

Vice President East — Joel Whitehead, 845 Snake Hill Road, Thompson, PA 19526; 570-756-2714; JFRED@nep.net

Vice President West — Ned Weston, 120 Swope Road, West Sunbury, PA 16061; 724-894-2239; nedweston@gmail.com

Secretary — Don Klinger, 522 S. Pancoast, Reynoldsville, PA 15851; 814-371-1170; advantage16@verizon.net

Treasurer — Donna Spittle, P.O. Box 708, Hummelstown, PA 17036; 717-239-9267; spittlefam@paonline.com

Editor — Ed Price, 3833 Old Newburg Turnpike, Union Dale, PA 18470; 570-679-2318; pricee@nep.net

NTA Director — David Shuttleworth, 5452 Tamarack Drive, Sharpsville, PA 16150; 724-962-4260;
dianeshutts@aol.com

FTA Director — Mark Kasten, RR2 Box 2287, Hallstead, PA 18822; 570-278-2553; willsher@epix.net

Public Relations Director — Barry Warner, P.O. Box 223, Dallas, PA 18612; 570-675-7041; beavernbass@comcast.net

Website Designer — Barbie Breckenridge, barbiebreckenridge@gmail.com

 

Membership Options:

Individual membership including subscription to Trapper & Predator Caller — $25

Individual membership without subscription — $10

Junior, age 16 and under without subscription — $5

Lifetime membership with subscription — $300

Lifetime membership without subscription — $100

 

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

PTA Treasurer

Donna Spittle

P.O. Box 708

Hummelstown, PA 17036

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Did you ever look for something and have no idea where you left it? Well, this is a plea for your help.

The PTA is missing a fleshing beam that is auctioned off annually at our rendezvous. The 5’ beam is a cut slab from a log with trapper name tags of all shape and sizes with a heavy polyurethane coating. Reward offered: The buyer was to bring it back to the following year rendezvous and they would receive ½ of the new selling price. The last time we sold it was several years ago and I am thinking it might have been bought by one of our southern trappers. Over the years, this was a great fundraiser for our association and I’m sure if we could locate it, the reward would be substantial.

I would like to thank everyone that purchased PTA sweepstakes tickets and by now the winners were contacted. A list of the winners is posted on our website. My daughter Beverly has served as the sweepstakes chairperson for the past few years but will no longer be able to do it. Beverly is starting a new chapter in her life with her new husband in northern of Canada. Bev, thanks for all the help! Contact me for more information on details of the job.

I’ll anticipate your calls. — Brian Mohn

 

NTA DIRECTOR’S REPORT

The National Trapper’s Convention in Owatonna, MN, was a well-attended event, with more than 5,500 paid gate admissions. Thank you to all the folks in Minnesota who worked hard to make this a successful event. We all appreciate your efforts! In 2013, the NTA convention will be held in Lima, Ohio. In 2014, it will be held in Escanaba, Michigan.

A board of directors meeting was held and some of the key points follow. There were 42 voting affiliates present. The board of directors approved the 2013 budget. A motion was made and passed to send $1,000.00 to Big Game Forever.

The following individuals were elected: Elizabeth LaRue – Vice President, Rich Friedrick – Conservation Director, Stan Burkbugler – Director at Large, Otis Latham – Regional Director (Southwest), and Jackie Malone – Regional Director (Southeast). Chris McAlister was elected to serve another term as Board of Directors Representative to the Executive Council.

Dan Skurski’s contract as Convention Coordinator was renewed with minor, non-substantial changes. The Linkhart Group’s contract as DNIA was renewed with minor, non-substantial changes. The contract for Editor was not renewed. Rich Faler accepted a contract for Editor.

The office staff is going to update the Employee Handbook and submit changes to the Executive Council for approval.

NTA alerts have started coming out via email to inform the members. More will be coming out.

The following awards were announced: Trapper of the Year East- Dave Enfinger- FL, Trapper of the Year West – Dan Davis – ID, President’s Award- Jesse Barnes- NC, President’s Award – Michigan Trappers & Predator Callers Association, Benefactor Award- North American Fur Auction – WI, Pioneer Award- Sam Smith- LA, Pioneer Award- Gary Leistico – MN, Leadership Award- Doren & Lynn Miller – MO, Director of the Year- Steve Mac Kellar – FL, Affiliate of the Year – Nevada Trappers Association, Congressional Merit Award- Congressman Tom Hackbarth- MN, Conservationist of the Year Award- Dr. Michael Fall – CO, Appreciation Award – Groenewold Fur & Wool – IL, Appreciation Award- F & T Fur Harvesters Trading Post – MI and NTA Hall of Fame- Gary Meis- MN.

Executive Council made a recommendation to the finance committee that there be no pay raises for the staff in 2013. The board of directors voted to make the same recommendation to the finance committee.

The Executive Council approved a one-time program with Montana to offer NTA membership for $20 to new members only, when they sign up and attend a wolf class in Montana. Jim Buell will be in charge of this project.

Thank you to everyone who has worked hard for NTA.

Best regards. — Dave Shuttleworth

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR’S REPORT

OUR IMAGE OUR FUTURE

Several months ago I informed you of the PGC regulation change prohibiting the use of artificial representations or facsimiles of meat or animal products when visible from the air. The question has come up relative to bait under water, such as the plastic or rubber crayfish attached to the pan of a foothold trap. This set will no longer be legal.

On a more positive note, I had the honor and privilege of attending the District 1 trapper training school. Charlie informed me that Walter Greathouse had the responsibility this year of coordinating this program. Walter, along with the assistance provided by his fellow district 1 members, is to be commended for this excellent program. I also assisted with the District 9 trapper training program at Camp Lackawanna in Wyoming County. I know every district has been conducting these courses throughout the summer and early fall. I hope you took the opportunity to become involved.

I also assisted with a cable restraint program at the Northeast PGC Regional office, as well as one conducted at the North Berwick Hunting and Fishing Club.

While assisting with the District 9 exhibit at the Harford Fair, we were visited by a group from Germany. These individuals greatly enjoyed the displayed furs made available for handling, as well as the numerous mounts. It is always a pleasure to see individuals enjoy something that, too often, we take for granted.

Our coloring books continue to be distributed through the Commonwealth’s Welcome Centers, with 1900 distributed in June and another 400 in July, and 600 in August. — Barry L. Warner

 

DISTRICT 1 REPORT

Hello Members,

The Fall Meeting will be September 29th in Forest County at the Endeavor Community Building, 17457 Route 666, Endeavor, PA 16322. Doors will open at 9 AM, with the meeting starting at Noon. Any questions, please contact Jim Howe at (814) 463-3760. Please remember that elections will be held at the Fall meeting.

Trapping school was held on August 18th in Tionesta and it was a success! There were roughly 30 kids and 30 adults attending. A special thanks to Jim Howe for picking a great spot to have the school. Thanks to all of the instructors, Donna Murphy, and the girls who helped in the kitchen for a job well done. Thanks to Mellisa Lewis for all the great tasting cookies! Thanks to Walter Greathouse for coordinating the event and recruiting people to attend. At the end of the school, we had a dirt hole contest that was the highlight of the school for the kids and the instructors. Congrats to Christy Gilligan, from Cochranton, who won the contest! She went home with a plaque.

Our next Spring Gun Raffle will be on April 6th, 2013. We are not sure of the location yet.

Crawford County had a booth at the Crawford County Fair in August. They will also be at the Pumpkin Fest on October 13th & 14th, the Waterfowl Expo on September 15th & 16th, and a Cable Restraint Class on October 7th at the Conneaut Lake Sportsman’s Club.

Mercer County had a booth at the Stoneboro Fair over Labor Day. They also represented the trapper’s at a banquet at the Seneca Firehall for the Living Well Church in August.

Erie County will be holding their trapping school on September 22 at Caflisch Park, 19 Bridge Street, Union City, PA 16438. The school will be from 8 AM to 4 PM. They are looking for some Instructors for their trapping school. Please contact Darrel Mook at (814) 796-4545.

Erie County was at Heritage Days on July 20th & 21st and Youth Field Day on July 18th. They will also be present at the Waterford Fair from September 3rd to the 8th. They are going to the Corry Sportsman’s Club on October 7th to represent the Trappers at a High School Trap Shooter Team Event.

God Bless. — Charlie Sykes

 

DISTRICT 2 REPORT

October 7th- Fall meeting located at Happy Hunters Sportsmen’s Club (Fenelton, Pa) Doors will open at noon, meeting will begin at 1:00p.m. 50/50 raffles, 5 for $1.00 table and more tailgaters are welcome.

 

DISTRICT 3 REPORT

Hello All,

First off, I have to apologize for missing the district report in the last issue. That deadline slipped right by along with the summer, which is going quickly as well. The summer has been busy with youth field days and the fairs, and D-3 has been busy as well.

We had a booth at three fairs this summer, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland. These fairs stretched out for 3 plus weeks, and I have to thank everyone who helped to set up, tear down, move everything and man the booth. You get a chance to talk to a lot of people at these events, and the public relations work is always important. I want to start by thanking John Poorbaugh for taking on the Fayette County Fair this year. We haven’t set up at this fair for several years and it was good to be back in front of the Fayette County crowd. The crew working the booth for the fairs, handing out coloring books, signing up attendees for the trapping school as well as new memberships, selling gun raffle tickets, and answering questions of all sorts, deserve thanks as well. I have to thank John and Jim Poorbaugh, Matt Pappa, Jim Tattan, Greg Grimm, Floyd Huggins, Jim McGurk, Dan Weiss, Tom & Kathy Lane, Gary Johnson (Spike), Ron Shriver, Erwin Polansky, Ed Maholtz, Pam Long, and John Wilkinson for helping with the fairs this year. I hope I didn’t leave anyone out of that list, having the help sure makes the 3 weeks easier on everybody.

You should have received your fall newsletter, with the scholarship information in it, last month. There’s still time to get your essays sent in if you’ve misplaced or forgotten about it. Deadline is September 30.

Our pig roast / picnic at Cedar Creek Park on August 25 went very well. 42 people attended this year’s picnic, and as always the food was incredible. I’m not sure how anybody could have gone home hungry. Thanks to everyone who made it out and had an enjoyable afternoon. Thanks also to Rachel Bergman for taking care of the attendees and food coordination.

Our Trapper’s School will be held on September 22, I’m not sure if you’ll get this report in time, but I’ll have a report on it in the next issue.

Our Fall Rendezvous will be held October 7, at the Washington County Fairgrounds. As always, it’s a great place to pick up all your last minute supplies for the upcoming season.

‘Till next time. — Dave Eckels

 

DISTRICT 7 REPORT

District 7”s mini-convention and fall meeting were held September 8 at the Booneville Campground. More about this in the next issue. I would like to thank Joe Mast and everyone who helped out at the trapper training school and cable restraint class held August 18 at the White Deer Lions Club. Our fur auction will be January 13. If you could help it would be appreciated. We have a dedicated group of workers there, but we could always use extra help. If you have any money and ticket stubs for the PTA State raffle. please get them to Joe or myself before the end of September. Call if you have any questions about anything. 570-437-2679. — Pete

 

DISTRICT 8 REPORT

Hello members – Here we are at the end of summer and getting ready for the upcoming trapping and hunting season. I hope everyone got to go to some of the conventions in their area. There were some good ones.

Pete Ellerman is having a Safe and Successful course in Ickesburg on Sept. 22. If anyone. wants to take it they can contact him at 717-582-6559.

Our last meeting of the year is on October 21 at Blain Picnic grounds. We will be having shrimp and chicken dinner plus drinks provided. Non-members $10, members $8, must show your card. Kids 10 and under $4. We need side dishes and plenty of deserts.

We also have some of the 75th Anniversary knives and trap in a walnut shadow box. The knives are numbered and only 150 were made. They are only $150 each plus shipping. You can contact Nelson Hosler at 570-541-2280 to see what numbers are still available.

Have a great hunting and trapping season and I will see most of you at the spring meeting. Until next time. — Chuck

 

DISTRICT 9 REPORT

I first want to apologize for misquoting the date of the mini-convention. It was Sept. 16, not Sept. 15. Hopefully that did not bugger many of you up.

Our next meeting will be October 14 at Dave Costanzo’s house. You should have gotten a post card in the mail with that info. It is our final meeting of the year and we will be discussing the latest from the O&D meeting as well as our fur sale and coyote hunt. I think we need to take a look again at how the fur sale is run to see if there is a better way. Any input will be appreciated.

The Troy and Harford Fairs were big successes. We sold quite a few PTA sweepstakes tickets. Thanks to all the members who manned the booths and helped educate the general public about trapping.

Bill, Laura and I were at Camp Lackawanna to do a trapping information seminar in conjunction with the Wounded Warrior project. The soldiers and their families were very appreciative of our time and effort. This is a great project and I am happy to see that the PTA is supporting it.

The Susquehanna Co. Youth Field Day will be held Sept. 29 at the Harford Fairgrounds. We always support this with trapping demo’s, and the kids really seem to enjoy it. We also supported youth field days in Luzerne and Bradford Counties this year. Once again, thanks to all who help out at these functions.

Trapping school was held on Sept. 8 & 9 at Camp Lackawanna. We were booked solid at 45 students for the school. I will report more on this event in the next issue as it hasn’t happened as of this writing.

Trapping season is fast approaching. Remember as you go afield that our motto is “Our Image – Our Future”. Make sure your sets are ethical as well as lawful. This is especially true when setting body grippers. Review the reg’s before you go afield. One wrong move in the wrong place could cost all trappers the loss of an important management tool. The old Game Commission motto is still very pertinent – S.P.O.R.T. – Sportsmen Policing Our Ranks Together. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone who is doing a questionable act. Remember, this person is jeopardizing with your trapping privileges, as well as the privileges of every trapper in the State. — Ed Price

 

DISTRICT 10 REPORT

Hello to all. This summer has been a hot and humid one with a lot of bad storms. Hopefully there was no damage in your area. I am ready for some cool fall weather.

We had several events over the summer: Kempton Sports Show, Lehigh County and Monroe County Youth Field Days, Northamton County and Monroe County Conservation Camps. A big thank you to everyone who helped to make these events a big success.

Fall convention will be Sept. 28 & 29 at West End Fairgrounds – just a last minute reminder. There will be plenty of vendors to get your last minute supplies, demo’s, raffles and plenty of good food. We want to try and do a youth trapping event which will cover basic trapping for beginners. If you know any kids or beginners that may be interested, let me know.

District 10 will be hosing the 2013 PTA State Convention on June 6 – 9 at West End Fairgrounds. I know I sound like a broken record but I need help to put this together. I cannot do it all myself. I need someone to call and schedule demo’s, organize kids and women’s programs and entertainment, work on programs and commemorative items for now. We have the dealer buildings full with a waiting list of about 10 dealers. I am currently calling dealers to consolidate space so we can get everyone in the buildings.

The State has a new trapping book out that covers land and water sets. The cost is $12. We also have District shirts, fox and coyote prints, yardsticks and other items for sale. Check out the District table at the fall convention or give me a call if you are interested.

That’s it for now. Enjoy the fall weather and good luck to the archery hunters. District 10 fur sale will be January 12, 2013. God Bless. — Scot, 610-863-9759

 

DISTRICT 11 REPORT

We had a real nice day at Millcreek Sportsmen’s Association in August and a pretty good turn out of people. Thank You to Terry Suter and Brock Chapman for making the arrangements at the club to host our event. We had a couple of demos in the morning and then had an auction of traps and equipment. Most of the stuff went for a decent price and hopefully will be back in use this fall. The District made about $650 from the sale. Thank You to everyone that helped out with this sale.

At our District meeting we discussed the upcoming trapping schools and all are ready. We had good reports back from the Lebanon and Schuylkill County fairs. Both were well attended and had good interest in our displays. Thank You to everyone who helped out at these events. The Schuylkill county booth collected $34 for The Wounded Warriors Project and we decided as a district to make it an even $50 to contribute to them. Butch Herr reported from KIFE that they are in the process of making a website to relay information and to keep us up-to-date on KIFE activities. They are also working now on obtaining grant monies to fund the project. They are in need of people to fill in on committees. Ed Carroll told us about a study being done at Franklin & Marshall College about coyotes. They are interested in sightings and also want carcasses to study. He assured us that they are a good group doing this, not anti-trapping people.

It is not too early to mark your calendar for our fur sale. It will be January 13, 2013, at the Berks County 4H Center. Hopefully you have your equipment ready, permissions obtained and are just as anxious as a kid at Christmas to get back into another trapping season. By the looks of things, there will be more trappers out there with you this year. “Our Image is Our Future” depends on you and me doing what we are supposed to do and what we know is right. Be safe and have fun.

Our next meeting will be October 7, 2012, at 2 PM at Middlecreek Wildlife Center in the parking area just past the Sunfish Pond. We will have an update from the O & D meeting being held on Oct. 6th and we will be setting the dates for 2013 meetings. There will be a couple of trapping demos after our meeting. Hope to see you there. — Mike Spittle, (717) 367-2637

 

DISTRICT 12 REPORT

Hello from the Southeast again. Well things are starting to get exciting again. It’s that time of year when all the normal BS goes out the window because it’s time for me to get out back where I belong. I truly believe it keeps me from going insane, I’m already crazy, just ask anyone who knows me. We have been busy down here. We have had a couple of youth field days that were well attended by our future trappers. The Montgomery County youth field day had some 200 kids come through it. One of them said he caught 15 fox from instruction he learned last year at our training school. Flat out awesome.

Our training school was also well attended. We had over 80 students on a beautiful Saturday. We gave out info and gear to the kids and an education that many have worked hard to accomplish. I am very proud of the school and thank all who have helped with all our programs over the years. I have never been accused of being very smart but I have learned something after all these years trapping. There are two types of trappers out there: those who are in it for themselves and will ultimately watch it die with them and those who are in it for everybody else, in hopes that those whom they have mentored will be successful and will continue to work to make it grow. I ask which type are you? I commend those of you, proud to be in the second group.

Our fall meeting will be held Sunday September 30th, 2012, at the lower Perkiomen Sportsmen’s club in Collegeville, PA. The date in the trapper was incorrect and I apologize for that. My hope is that everybody will have this issue a week before the meeting. The doors will open at 10:00 am and the meeting will start at 12:00. We will have a dealer on hand and Alan Claycomb will be giving a fox trapping demo that you won’t want to miss. — Rick Ameisen, District #12 Director, 610-235-7276

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2 thoughts on “Pennsylvania Trappers Association Inc. October 2012 Report

  1. List of oct 6, 2012 sweepstakes WINNING NUMBERS !!!!!!!! [names un-important]
    I will not again PARTICIPATE in any Benifits, Drawings, Sweepstakes, That Don’t LIST Winning Number’s contact info. DIRECTLY ON CLAIM STUB !!!!

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