United Trappers of Kentucky April 2011 Report

President — Stacy J. White, U.K. Cooperative Extension Service, Bell County, 101 Courthouse Square, Pineville, KY 40977; phone: 606-337-2376; cell phone: 606-521-1705; e-mail: sjwhite@email.uky.edu

Vice President — David Kriege Jr., 3513 Cowie Ave., Erlanger, KY 41018-1608; phone: 859-342-8109

Financial Secretary — Dave Dykes, 152 Mapleview Ct., Mt. Washington, KY 40047; phone: 502-538-3290

Executive Director — Chet Hayes, 3951 Neises Rd., California, KY 41007; phone: 859-635-3102; e-mail: lhayes@fuse.net

Membership Options:

• Class A Kentucky trapper including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $25
• Family Membership including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $35
• Associate Membership including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $20
• Youth Kentucky trapper including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $15
• Lifetime Class A Kentucky trapper — $250

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

UTK, Financial Secretary
Dave Dykes
152 Mapleview Ct., Mt. Washington, KY 40047
502-538-3290

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Spring has finally arrived. It is a joyful time of year as everything seems to be reborn from the dead of winter. Trees break bud, frogs awake from their silence, and daffodils show forth their brilliant yellow around the old homesteads throughout the countryside. It has been a hard fought battle for most trappers that I know this winter. Perhaps good prices at upcoming fur sales will help us forget the snow, rain, and mud.

 Now that season is over it is time to start thinking about our spring and fall meetings. PappyP is working on details for a spring meeting possibly in the Bowling Green area. Fred Stephens has secured the fairgrounds in Hawesville for our fall meeting which will be September 30th and October 1st. More details will be posted on the web as they become available.

 I encourage all UTK members to help with educational activities this spring, summer, and fall. There will be JAKES days, fishing derbies, ag field days, and others. Learn to take a part in these events and you will be rewarded with the response you receive from folks, especially the young folks.

 I have been contacted by Bob Boyd in Trimble County with the idea of starting a web talk forum or something of the sort for trappers who are Christians. If you are a Christian and would be interested you can contact him at rev007_99@yahoo.com.

 I apologize for this short report but it is time to get out in the garden as the growing season begins. Until next time, have a blessed day and take time to enjoy those around you.

— Stacy J. White

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

As of this writing (2/23) all is fairly quiet concerning the legislative session in Frankfort, at least in regards to issues of interest to outdoorsmen/women, gun owners, and conservationists. This will be a short session but nevertheless we will watch it closely to the end.

Here in Northern Kentucky we have finally gotten a break in the weather & water conditions, since mid-February. We have open water, semi-dry ground and mild temps. I have made a good catch of raccoon while trapping on foot in knee boots. I haven’t worn my hip boots in the creeks and ponds due to freezing/flooding all season and it’s too late to start now to salvage a catch of water critters. I think with the drought we had, at least in my area, it’s not a bad idea to give the muskrats a break anyway. It still looks like the general overall catch of North American wild fur will be significantly lower this year, and trappers with a decent catch of well-handled fur will be glad they made their best effort. We shall see.

United Trappers of Kentucky, Inc. has accomplished many objectives since its inception. Every organization, comprised of volunteers, promoting a cause, runs the risk of peaking, leveling off, and stagnating. The reason for this is apathy and burn-out – apathy on the part of the trappers and burnout on the part of the dedicated members (directors, officers).

At this time (in my opinion), we are in good shape but need to allow for future (possible) apathy and future (possible) burnout. A number of your directors/officers are “lame ducks” as per our By-Laws, and cannot serve again in the same position (Dave Dykes, Financial Secretary), Chet Hayes (Executive Director), Bob Maurer, (5th District Director), Len Wilson, (4th District Director). We have a vibrant membership of qualified people who can step into these positions. Everyone reading this please take a moment to ask yourself, “Why couldn’t I fill one of these positions and make a long-term contribution to trapping in Kentucky?” You can. Don’t be intimidated by the challenge. It’s very rewarding, and really not that difficult or time-consuming. We will help you work your way through this.

Meanwhile, once again, we need help from directors/members throughout Kentucky regarding Hunter Ed/ Introduction to Trapping Workshops and J.A.K.E.S. events as per our affiliation with Kentucky N.W.T.F. Please contact me and I will you get started.

Until next month.

— Chet Hayes

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