President — Bill Applegate, Box 883, Marfa, TX 79843; phone: 432-729-3349; fax: 432-729-3623
Vice President — Bill Turnbow, 511 N. Arizona, Shamrock, TX 79079; phone: 806-256-3039
Secretary — Debbie Pilgrim, 1323 RR 2341, Burnet, TX 78611; phone: 512-756-4609
Treasurer — Keith Jackson, 306 CR 2717, Alto, TX 75925; phone: 936-675-2047
Membership Administrator— Tasha Jackson, 306 CR 2717, Alto, TX 75925; phone: 936-858-3384
Public Relations Officer — Cody Dowling, P.O. Box 444, Alto, TX 75925; phone: 903-625-0325
NTA Director — Mark Davis, P.O. Box 1023, Athens, TX 75751; phone: 903-489-3080
Membership Options:
• Family lifetime (husband & wife) — $300
• Lifetime (payable $25 monthly) — $250
• Lifetime oldtimer (age 70 or over) — $25
• Business membership — $25
• Family membership (2 members) — $20
• Single membership — $15
• Junior membership (under 16) — $5
• 1-year subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller (members only) — $10
Payments for dues are non-refundable.
Complete membership application on first page of
association section and send dues to:
TTFHA, Membership Administrator
Tasha Jackson,
306 CR 2717, Alto, TX 75925
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
No news that I am aware of since last month regarding delisting for bobcats or tag elimination for bobcats or river otters. I thought it might be a good idea to review some of what has taken place on this matter. At the request of the Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters Association, in 201, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requested that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service petition the Convention of Parties to delist the bobcat.
The USFWS had it on the COP agenda in 2004, but withdrew the request at the last minute as they were told it would not be approved. The COP did agree to evaluate the status of all ’cat species. Mexico was not supportive due to insufficient research. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies led a campaign to generate funding for the Mexican research. Many state trapping associations, sportsman’s associations, state wildlife agencies and a couple of individuals provided the necessary funding. In the meantime, we learned that the U.S. was the only country in the world that required tagging for bobcats and river otter. Other countries had much simpler methods of exporting these animals. The AFWA requested that the USFWS eliminate tagging and join the rest of the world with a simpler approach.
However the USFWS would first require each state to submit an approved legal take finding and a non-detriment finding for bobcats and another for river otter. To my knowledge, all states have complied, however the USFWS has not acted to eliminate tags. In 2010, there will be another meeting of the COP to consider delisting the bobcat, if the USFWS makes the proper request. By that time, the Mexican research should be complete and we anticipate favorable results and Mexican support. However European countries are now expressing concerns with their Eurasian and Iberian Lynxes as looking similar to the Mexican bobcat. The AFWA is working to address the European concerns. We are expecting bobcats to be delisted in 2010; however should this effort fail due to prejudices or other political concerns with the U.S., we will resort to “Plan B” which is tag elimination for bobcats and river otter just like the rest of the world has always practiced. I am not aware of any reason that “Plan B” can not be implemented at this time. I urge each of you to contact your state wildlife agency to find out the status of tag elimination and encourage them to insist that the USFWS act promptly on this matter.
We all realize that getting things done through government channels is very slow, but bear in mind that they go even slower when we do not stay on top of them with continuous reminders. The AFWA has done a fine job in leading this charge, but out assistance could prove to be most valuable and helpful. I suggest that you send a formal letter to your state agency as letters are hard to ignore. Also bear in mind that most states are in favor of delisting and tag elimination; however some intend to replace CITES tagging with some sort of state tagging. Harvest data can be obtained in the same manner as it is collected on other furbearers. Find out now if your state intends to initiate a state tagging program and decide whether or not you need to oppose it.
I know some trappers are providing skull samples to Wildlife Services and the Texas Department of Health for rabies testing. This might help us in the future with some of the problems we are experiencing now. Dave Hastings still needs your stories, news, pictures and anything else of interest to keep the Texas Fur Trails first class. Material from all across the country is welcome. He is particularly looking for some Texas photos to be used for the covers of future issues of the magazine.
Be sure to get the bobcats tagged before the end of May. I will tag bobcats for anyone needing this done; call to set up appointment. Those of you who do tag bobcats need to have your forms and unused tags turned in to TPWD by May 30. Our lobbyist has informed me that all is on schedule for success in the legislature regarding the dangerous wild animal issue.
Included in this report is the agenda for the April rendezvous. Consider participating in the quality set contest. This is a fun easy way to share with other trappers and beginners your favorite land set. If you are ready to help out with promoting and preserving trapping, let us know. We would like to put your unique talents to work for the benefit of all and future generations.
Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters Spring Rendezvous
Jacksonville, Texas
April 17 and 18
Cherokee County Expo Center (On the south side of Jacksonville – 3/4 mile off US 69 on Loop (Spur) 456 West)
Combined with the NATCA Southwest Trap Collectors Swap Meet
Friday, April 17
8 a.m.– 1 p.m. — Set-up
11 a.m. – noon — Pesticides Rules & Regulations (see Bill Applegate for more info)
1 – 2 p.m. — DEMO Start to Finish Raccoon Pelting with Jack Walsh*
2 – 3 p.m. — DEMO Trap Collecting with Waymon Vest (Please see VP Report)
3 – 6 p.m. — On Line Trapping with Jimmy Brooks, David Pilgrim, Keith Jackson
6 – 7 p.m. — Supper on Site TTFHA Ladies (Best Cooks Around) Volunteers Appreciated
7 – 8 p.m. — DEMO Carching Gators with Sam Smith & Sarge Dowers
8 – 10 p.m. — Buy – Swap – Trade – Visit & Board of Directors Meeting (open to all members)
*Jack with have equipment available all weekend for one-on-one, hands on instruction – Thanks Jack!
Saturday, April 18
7:30 – 9:30 a.m. — On Line Check and Pull Traps with Brooks, Pilgrim and Jackson
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. — Ladies Crafts with Pam Brooks. Youths are welcome to participate
9:30 – 11:30 — a.m. Quality Set Contest with Bill Applegate
11:30 a.m. – noon — Skillet Throw Contest (Division for Ladies of All Ages) D. Pilgrim
Noon – 1 p.m. — Speed Setting Contest (division for everyone) James Stone
1 – 4:30 p.m. — Lunch On Site, Rifle Drawing, Fund-raising Auction & Awards
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. — Membership Meeting
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. — DEMO Visuals; Where, When & How with Jim Brooks
7 – 8 p.m. — Supper On Site TTFHA Ladies (more great food) Volunteers Appreciated
8 – 8:30 p.m. — Clean Up Helpers Always Welcome
8 – 9:30 p.m. — Buy – Swap – Trade – Visit & Board of Directors Meeting (open to all members)
