http://www.watrappers.com
President — Bruce Vandervort, 5338 US Hwy 101, Humptulips, WA 98552; 360-288-2466; brucevandervort@hotmail.com
Vice President West — John Consolini, 17030 Marmount ST SE, Monroe WA 98272; itrap4you@yahoo.com
Vice President East — George Brady, P.O. Box 535, Pateros, WA 98846; 509-923-2326; cascadeb@televar.com
Executive Secretary — Ralph Dobson, 711 196th Street NW, Arlington, WA 98223; 360-652-2132; rlph.dobson@gmail.com
Treasurer — BJ Thornily, 63 Redmond Road, Republic, WA 99166; 509-775-2936; bobbiemiket@yahoo.com
NTA Director — Bob Maier, 38 Francis Dr., Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-529-9568; bobmaier38@yahoo.com
Membership options:
• Regular Membership (18 And Older) — $20
• Junior Membership (Under 18) — $5
• Associate Membership (Non-Trapper) — $5
• Licensed Business Membership — $10
• Senior Membership (Over 70 and must be a former paid member whose dues are current) — $0
• Lifetime Membership (One-Time Payment) — $250
• To receive Trapper & Predator Caller through WSTA (members only) — $12
Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:
WSTA
(A non-profit organization)
PO Box 3687
Arlington, WA 98223
Dues entitles members to all newsletters, meeting notices, discount entry to workshops and the annual rendezvous. All monies are used to protect your right to trap.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Been a while since the last report so a few things to report on. In May we had the Spring Business meeting.
It was a long drive for me as well as others but a very nice location when we arrived.
A few of the highlights;
We went over the plans for the Rendezvous. We had a long discussion about admission fees. It was finally decided to drop admission to $5 for adults, $10 for families.
We turned down a request to sponsor a gun for a FBU raffle.
We approved a request for a donation of furs to be used as a teaching aid at Chloe Clark Elementary school.
We spent some time talking about politics and getting a bill passed to modify the trapping laws. I am not that optimistic. George Brady is very optimistic. I sure hope he is right.
If you know anything about Facebook be sure and check out SAD (Sportsmen Against Dunshee). We need to help this guy into retirement.http://www.facebook.com/SADin2012 Hit the like button.
We went over our finances and the proposed budget. I will say it is tight. We do not have a lot of money. The BOD seemed reluctant to raise prices for stuff like admission at the Rendezvous. We did set the wheels in motion for a raise in the price of membership by possibly $5/year. The BOD will revisit this at the Rendezvous.
I might add we do have additional expenses in settling the Sovie estate. We had to retain a lawyer and of course that costs money.
Since the meeting there has been new developments in the estate. It looks like the Executor is now in the hunt to get the money in Georges business checking account that he left to WSTA. She has hired a lawyer. That makes four lawyers involved. I was pretty confident we would be getting the money, not so much now. George would roll over in his grave if he knew what was happening.
The WSTA will not be doing NWCO classes. The BOD felt it was unethical what WDFW has asked us to do. Basically they wanted us to double bill students for the class. It would cost $100 per student if we gave the class and $50 if WDFW gave it.
Almost forgot, Tammy Rice is our new Treasurer. Bobby Thorniley is stepping down after I believe 34 years in the position. All I can say is WOW! That is commitment. We all owe her a big thanks but she is not done yet. She is staying on as Assistant Treasurer so that we have a smooth transition and she will still represent us at Fish and Wildlife Commission meetings and the Hunters Heritage Council.
I called the meeting to order about 10:00 and we closed the meeting around 5:00 I think.
In June we had our annual Rendezvous at the Chelan County Expo Center. First time for a June Rendezvous. Things went well. The weather was cool but not uncomfortable. I have to say if you missed it you missed a good one. There were some really good demos dealing with new traps and ways to really do some successful trapping in this State. It really is impressive how trappers are dealing with the adversity of the laws in this State.
Sharon Dobson once again served us up 5 wonderful meals if you include the pot luck. She puts a lot of work out on that too. I’m sure we all gained a few pounds
Attendance was down but we did OK on the auction and although finances are still tight we will get by for another year I think.
At the Board of Directors meeting after the Rendezvous we voted to increase dues by essentially $5. There are going to be a few changes in the membership form but for almost everyone just the $5 increase.
We talked about the Rendezvous and it was decided to hold it later next year. June just causes us too many problems because of the limited time for planning between the Spring Business Meeting and the Rendezvous. I am exploring a July date. Nothing set yet though.
Check out Mark Harmsworth. He is running against Hans Dunshee for the House in the 44th district. Give Mark some help if you can. Mark is pro sportsmen and Dushee is an ass so there you go, pretty clear choice.
I did pretty darn good on my fur prices. I sold through NAFA at the May sale. Still some stuff unsold but about a $40 average on beaver and $85 on otter so I was happy. I did that fur handling demo at the Rendezvous and John gave me a possum to put up as an added bonus. Kind of funny as I sent one to NAFA last winter and it sold for 5 cents. Not much incentive there. Oh well, beaver and otter are my big furs anyway. We should get someone to do a cat put up but everyone wants to cash in on them so it’s tough to get someone to hold one for the Rendezvous.
I’m probably forgetting something but all I can think of for now. If you want to really keep abreast of happenings in the WSTA get over to hunting washington.com and apply to get on the WSTA members only forum. I try to post news as it comes up and if you don’t see something you can ask or post it up yourself. There is an open trapping forum there also.
Until next time. — Bruce Vandervort
