Montana Trappers Association December 2008 Report

President — Paul Schmidt; phone: 406-429-7391; e-mail: plews787@hotmail.com

Vice President East — John Hughes; phone: 406-429-7591; e-mail: janmfurs@midrivers.com

Vice President West — Robert Sheppard; phone: 406-793-5885; e-mail: tjsheppard@blackfoot.net

Recording Secretary — Tom Barnes; phone: 406-683-2791; e-mail: t_barnes@wmc.edu

Membership Secretary — Valerie Esche, 17 Allison Dr., Absarokee, MT 59001; phone: 406-328-7264; e-mail: wetrap@nemontel.com

Treasurer— Jim Buell; phone: 406-376-3178; e-mail: 7mbuell@ttc-cmc.net

NTA Director — Chad Esche; phone: 406-328-7264; e-mail: wetrap@nemontel.com

Membership Options:
• Individual membership including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $25
• Youth membership including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $15
• Family membership including subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $35
• Lifetime membership with subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $350
• Senior Lifetime membership with subscription to The Trapper & Predator Caller — $200

Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:
MTA Membership Secreatary
Valerie Esche
17 Allison Dr., Absarokee, MT 59001
http://www.montanatrappers.org

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The 2008 edition of the MTA Rendezvous is now in the books. What a great time everyone in attendance had. The weather was perfect, two days in the 80s. The membership meeting on Friday night was well attended. The report from officers, directors and standing committee chairmen assured the general membership that the MTA is doing well and on top of all the happenings of concern to Montana trappers.

I would like to thank all that attended and all that help make our rendezvous a success every year. From the sound of things, our attendance was somewhat better than most other state organization rendezvous.

This year was an election year, and there are some new faces, as well as some just changing job titles. Check out the MTA Web site for an updated list of officers. Congratulations to all the new officers. I would like to say that I look forward to working with all officers/members to make certain that we are able to continue trapping in Montana.

With that said, I also am certain that we are in for some challenges in the not-too-distant future. There have been some changes in the Montana Regulations that will somewhat hinder our trapping efforts. And with this being a legislative year, there will most likely be some issues to deal with in Helena. Rest assured that the Board of Directors for the MTA will keep a watchful eye. And be ready to fight the fight when we need to.

Dennis Schutz, long-time NAFA representative (now retired) and member of the MTA, was our 2008 inductee into the MTA Hall of Fame. Congrats Denny!

The MTA will conduct two fur auctions this season. Billed as the Western States Fur Auction, January 11, 2009 and March 15, 2009, both will be held in Columbus, Montana at the Stillwater County Fair Grounds.

Last year, the MTA held our first auction and it was well attended by both trappers and fur buyers. As we all know, with the price of fuel these days, it works to bring your fur to a central location. Fur buyers don’t like traveling all over the country buying fur, if they have to you will see a difference in your fur check believe it or not. Make your plans to attend or send your fur to us. Information and contact numbers can be found in this issue also.

The next MTA Board of Directors meeting will be held Nov. 23, 2008 at the Yogo Inn Lewistown, Montana. I would like to invite and encourage all members to attend. We have three meetings a year. These are the prime times to bring issues before the board. If you have concerns, please let us know. The MTA is your organization. Consider getting involved and help make the decisions that effect all trappers.

I would like to wish all trappers a safe season, and may your fur shed fill up. — Tom Barnes

Related Posts

  • No Related Posts Found

Leave a Reply