Trapper Predator Caller

Fur Prices Decline at Latest Fur Harvesters Auction Sale

Jared Blohm — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:32:18 +0000

Fur Harvesters Auction has released the results of the sale they held earlier this week. While clearances remained high, prices did drop a little on most species.The declining prices were not unexpected. Trapper & Predator Caller's fur market expert, Serge Lariviére, predicted the downward trend in his most recent Fur Market Report, which appears in the June-July 2013 issue."Enthusiasm is expected to remain very strong, but the feeling is that prices should ease downward a little from what we just experienced," Lariviére wrote. "Although we can only speculate, most agree that a 10 to 15 percent reduction in prices is likely to occur at these coming sales. Some species such as muskrat are expected to continue as strong as before, but a slight downward adjustment might also affect this species. Decreases are never fun, but then how can we complain when our muskrats still average more than $10 apiece? Like I have said before, enjoy it while it lasts."The next international fur auction will be held by North American Fur Auctions from Tuesday, May 28 to Tuesday, June 4. Trapper & Predator Caller will post the results when they are available.

Editor’s Call: Victory for Sportsmen

Jared Blohm — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:30:41 +0000

NRA will replace Eastern Sport and Outdoor Show with new event

Remember this past winter when the promoters of the huge, popular and long-running Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show announced they wouldn’t allow the show’s vendors to display or sell modern sporting rifles at the show because of the then-recent Newtown, Conn., school massacre? The result was a massive boycott of the show by scores of vendors, and a subsequent last-minute cancellation of the entire show by Reed Exhibitions. The incident was the subject of my editorial in the most recent issue, you might recall.Good news. The show is back on for 2014, still in Harrisburg … except it’s no longer the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show. Further, the show’s old promoter, a gun-control-minded British corporation called Reed Exhibitions, is out. Want to guess who’s running things now?(drumroll)The National Rifle Association!Ironically, the NRA was one of the first vendors to pull out of the Eastern Show, following close on the heels of Lancaster Archery Supply, who led the boycott avalanche. After the show’s cancellation, Pennsylvania fired Reed Exhibitions, and 17 promoters subsequently applied for the job of putting together a replacement show.“Going through the proposals, there clearly was one vendor that stood out from the rest,” said Jeff Haste, chairman of the Dauphin County commissioners, where the show will be held. “That was the NRA.”Haste said the NRA’s desire to expand the show’s scope and content was the thing that made its proposal stand out from the rest.The new show, called the Great American Outdoor Show, will run Feb. 1 through 9, the same time slot as the Eastern Sport Show. In addition to the broader name (American, not Eastern), it’s also going to have an expanded format.“This is going to become a national show with implications way beyond the borders of this state and this county, and it’s going to attract people from all over the country — not just next year but for years to come,” said David Keene, NRA president.The show, in addition to the huge floor show with hundreds of vendors, will include country music concerts, national speakers and conferences on current outdoor topics of interest and concern. I’m guessing, but a likely list of topics, in addition to hunting and fishing seminars put on by experts, would be seminars and briefings on such things as gun control; anti-hunting and anti-trapping issues; the ever-increasing governmental interference with legitimate hunting, fishing and trapping; the ominous increase of roadless areas on public land; and similar topics.That schedule, of course, is still to be worked out. The important thing is what I talked about in this space last issue — that it was the concerted effort of the dealers and vendors who boycotted last February’s show that caused the change.Clearly, the NRA is planning to raise the bar on what was already a pretty good show. This is partly because that’s the way the NRA has always done things — pedal to the metal, damn the torpedoes — but I’m thinking it’s also partly because the NRA wants to put Reed Exhibitions’ past efforts in the shade. Second Amendment tramplers are frowned upon by that organization.Whatever their motivations, every hunter, angler and trapper in the country is on the winning end. It’s a clear victory for sportsmen all over the country: A politically correct corporation has been taken out of the loop, and a strongly pro-gun, pro-hunting, pro-trapping organization is at the helm.I’m usually still trapping hard in early February, but next year I think I’ll take a few days off and head for Harrisburg. This one’s worth supporting.Jim Spencer, of Calico Rock, Ark., is executive editor of T&PC. To contact Jim, send e-mails to modernmountainman@gmail.com. Visit his website at www.treblehookunlimited.com.

School Days: A Trapper’s First Trapping Trip

Jared Blohm — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:09:32 +0000

Austin Kolb, 13, Oley, Pa.

Pennsylvania boy caught a red fox and a gray fox in an exciting weekend

My name is Austin Kolb. I am 13 years old, and this is my second year of trapping.My first trapping trip started when we decided to go to our cabin in November. I started to pack my trapping things like my traps, lure and dry dirt. We left at noon on Friday for our trip.When we arrived, I immediately went to set traps with my dad and uncle. We set off to make our sets. It was a lot of fun even if we didn’t end up catching anything. All of the sets were dirtholes. Altogether, we made four fox sets — two sets in corn fields and two in an old alfalfa field that now is a natural gas pad. I was so excited to check traps the next morning.I got up nice and early, but we had to wait until the sun came up. First, we set out to check the traps in the corn field. Sadly, there was nothing in those traps, but I was not disappointed because we still had more traps to check.As we arrived at our next sets, I saw something moving around where our traps were. My heart was pumping so hard. When we walked up, I was so excited because we caught a red fox and an opossum. Once the animals were dispatched, we carried them down to our cabin and went back to reset the traps.While I was waiting for the day to end, we skinned our animals. When I was done, I went inside to pass the time by watching a bit of television. Then I decided to go to bed excited about what we might catch and happy about our catches that day.I woke up early and had to wait for the sun to come up again. Finally, the sun came up, and we got ready to check our traps. This time, we went to check the sets in the corn field first. Unfortunately, that day there was nothing in those sets.As we walked upon our sets in the alfalfa field, I saw a gray fox in our traps. I was so excited, but at the time, sad. I was sad because we had to pull our traps and leave that day.At the cabin, we skinned out the gray fox and went to go get our traps so we could leave. As we left the cabin that day, I was filled with wonderful memories of my first fox trapping weekend.As my season comes to an end, I have caught six red foxes, two gray foxes and 18 raccoons.“School Days” is sponsored by Duke Traps and the Wisconsin Trappers Association. Winners receive six traps, a Wisconsin Cooperative Trapper Education video, an NTA handbook and a membership to their state’s trappers association. To be considered, send a 300- to 500-word story and photo of the trapper or hunter with a catch, kill, fur or trap to School Days, The Trapper & Predator Caller, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990; or email the story and photo to jared.blohm@fwmedia.com.

Wisconsin Trappers Association Seeking Volunteers for FTA Convention

Jared Blohm — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:08:53 +0000

THE WISCONSIN TRAPPERS WANT YOU!We want you to attend one of the largest gatherings of hunters and trappers in North America in Marshfield, Wis., on June 27, 28 and 29 with a pack-up day on the 30^th.We will be setting up the grounds beginning Tuesday, June 25 in the late morning. We will need volunteers to help set all of the vendor tables up and lay out the tailgate spots and camping spots. We will also be building the demo area and the stage for the auction and setting up tables for that area.We need all the help we can get for setting up on Tuesday, manning the gate all week and tearing down on Sunday. I will be issuing tickets for a special volunteer raffle we will hold on Saturday night at the 50^thAnniversary convention in September for all those volunteers from both conventions. One ticket for every two hours of volunteer work.The following districts have traditionally been assigned to the gate: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 11.District 5 is responsible for collecting items for the auction and working the auction.District 6 sets up and runs the bar.District 7 handles games. It would be great if someone could set up and do activities, especially for kids. The trap setting contest on Saturday will be run by the Fur Takers Association, but they might need some help.District 8 takes care of setting up the demo area and running the demos.District 9 normally feeds the vendors at our annual convention, but we won’t be doing that at this convention. So if you could help at the bar, that would be great.District 10 works with District 8 on the demo area.Please contact your district director to volunteer and maybe set up on specific hours and days. For your district directors contact info, visit the Wisconsin Trappers Association Contact Page.We can always use help at the gate, especially in the morning hours. You do not have to only volunteer for your district's area of responsibility. We will also need people to help empty trash and other small jobs throughout the convention.We will start bringing in inside vendors Wednesday morning and outside vendors and campers around noon. We will need people to help the vendors get unloaded and into their booth areas.The show opens to the public on Thursday morning, and the demos — both trapping and predator calling — and vendor buildings open at 8 a.m. There will also be a dutch oven cooking demo and a fur hat sewing class. You might want to bring your own fur for that or buy some from the vendors there. There will be some other activities for ladies. The local sportsman’s club will have a bow shoot in the World’s Largest Round Barn as well as a food booth.There’s a Fur Takers Banquet to be held Friday evening at the American Legion a few blocks away. Seating is limited, and we will be selling tickets at the FTA booth for $15 per person.On Saturday, North American Fur Auctions will be having two fur fashion shows — 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This is a real professional high-quality fashion show, so come and see how our wild furs are being transformed into the latest fashions. Miss Wisconsin will be one of the models.There will also be a trap-setting contest, ladies skillet throw and a calcutta Bare Foot Bear trap setting contest! Come and enter if you dare!Saturday evening is the live auction. They will have a special collectable trap auction. There will also be a bear trap at the main auction donated by the Wisconsin Trappers Association that has the logo for this convention and the WTA 50^th Anniversary logo engraved in it. There are only two of these, and one will be at this auction. If you have anything to donate for the auction, bring it along and get it to us before the auction or send it to Jim Gordon, District 5 Director.General admission for 12 years or older is $10 for the whole show. Free primitive camping and electric sites are $15 per night.For more information, go to the Fur Takers website at www.furtakersofamerica.com. Demos, vendors and hotels are listed there. For more hotel info, you can also contact the Marshfield Convention and Visitor Bureau at (715) 384-4314 or Toll Free at (800) 422-4541.See you there.Chris Bezio (920) 822-3427 cbezio@msn.com

Minnesota Nonresident Trapping Lawsuit Proceeding

Jared Blohm — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:39:39 +0000

A lawsuit that trappers filed against the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to challenge the department’s restrictions on nonresident trapping continues to progress through the court system.Bob Moctinski, who is one of the lawsuit's organizers, posted an update to TrapperMan.com."Regrettably, we had to remove the original lawfirm, and they have been replaced with a veteran attorney who we believe is best suited to win this suit," Moctinski wrote. "Additionally, we narrowed the number of plaintiffs down to two — Phil Brown and Tim Sawatzky. We firmly believe this gives us the best opportunity of success in ending the anti-nonresident trapping law in Minnesota."A judge will determine the merits of the lawsuit at a hearing on May 21, according to Moctinski, who wrote that the group is confident they have a strong case.For more information, read T&PC's original story on the lawsuit.For information on how to donate to the group, visit TrapperMan.com.

Proposal Would Remove Federal Protection From Wolves in Lower 48

Jared Blohm — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:16:03 +0000

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering eliminating endangered species protections for gray wolves in the Lower 48. The only exception would be for a small group of Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico.If the USFWS agrees to the proposal, wolves could be delisted within a year. Individual states would then manage wolf populations.Gray wolf populations rebounded quickly in many Western and Midwestern states over the past two decades. Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin and Wyoming have opened wolf hunting and/or trapping seasons in recent years after federal protection for wolves was removed in those states.To read more on the USFWS plan, read the Los Angeles Times story by Julie Cart.

Turkey Hunter Attacked by Bobcat, Shoots it

Jared Blohm — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:38:19 +0000

A rookie turkey hunter lured in some unintended attention last week when a bobcat jumped at him as he sat against a tree making turkey calls.Bud Griffith, of Danville, Ky., told Central Kentucky News that the bobcat jumped on his left shoulder, reached around his face and hit him in the right eye.“It scared me so bad. I thought it was a coyote,” Griffith told the newspaper. "He jumped off me and ran toward the woods."Griffith shot at the animal as it ran away. He then realized it was not a coyote and that it was a bobcat.While Griffith received minor scratches, he believes it could have been much worse.“If I hadn’t had my glasses on, I think he would have took out my eye,” he said.Bobcats are out of season, but the local game warden will allow Griffith to keep the 'cat. Griffith intends to have it mounted.

Belarus Fisherman Killed by Beaver

Jared Blohm — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:34:47 +0000

A 60-year-old man bled to death following a beaver attack in Belarus. The man was on a fishing trip with friends when they saw the beaver early in the morning."One of them went up to be photographed with it, and the animal attacked him and bit him twice, cutting an artery in his thigh, before running away," Sergei Shtyk, the deputy head of the Brest region's wildlife inspectorate, told The Daily Telegraph.The man's friends bandaged him and tried to get him assistance in a nearby village, but he died from blood loss before he could be helped.Beaver attacks are very rare, but attacks can be serious since the animals have very big teeth and powerful jaws. Beaver attacks that result in deaths are extremely uncommon, however. Unusually aggressive beavers are often rabid. Experts advise not approaching any beavers in the wild."A beaver is a wild animal, after all," Shtyk told The Daily Telegraph.

Video: Mother River Otter Teaches Pup to Swim

Jared Blohm — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:43:29 +0000

The Oregon Zoo posted a video earlier this month of a baby river otter being taught to swim, an interesting process rarely seen in the wild. In the video, Molalla, a 9-week old pup, is taught by his mother, Tilly. "People might be really surprised, but baby otters don't know how to swim when they're first born," said Oregon Zoo Otter Keeper Becca VanBeek. "They actually have to go through swim lessons, which sounds kind of silly, being that they are water-loving mammals."So, mom will actually drag them out onto the exhibit and throw them into the water. This might look a little brutal for us. It's kind of scary for us to watch, but it's natural for them."To teach Molalla to dive, Tilly grabs the pup and holds hims under water.Trapper & Predator Caller staff found this video through a post on Trapperman.com by member Mike Kelly.

The 2nd Annual World Predator and Wild Hog Expo is Coming up!

Jared Blohm — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:54:11 +0000

The Second Annual World Predator and Wild Hog Expo & Modern Sporting Arms Expo will be held in Waco, Texas later this month. The convention will take place at the Waco Convention Center from Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21.The event, which is organized by Scurry Outdoors South is the only sporting event exclusively dedicated to predator and wild hog hunters as well as modern sporting arms and accessory enthusiasts."Scurry Outdoors South has brought together these two unique events under one roof to offer attendees a showcase of industry professionals, as well as hunting equipment manufacturers that specialize in these fast-paced hunting sports," according to a Scurry Outdoors South news release.Here are some of the event features:

THE WORLD PREDATOR CALLING COMPETITION

This event brings together professional predator stage callers from all over the world to compete for the World Predator Calling Champion title. The contestants are the best of the best of predator stage calling. They know the vocalizations of predators as well as the distress sounds that attract predators to their next meal. These professionals bring impressive talent to the stage. It is a must-see event. Cash, prizes and the World Cup will be awarded to the best callers in the Vocalization Division, Distress Division, and the Best All-Around Division.

THE WORLD PREDATOR HUNTER CALLING COMPETITION

This event brings together predator hunters from all walks of life to share their enthusiasm and passion for predator hunting. The event welcomes all predator hunters who are not on a professional calling level to put their calling skills to the test of other callers of the same caliber. Awards and prizes will be given for the best callers in the Vocalization Division and Distress Division.

EXPO EXHIBITERS

Companies from all aspects of the predator and wild hog hunting arena as well as manufacturers of modern sporting arms and accessories will have booths at the event.

PREDATOR & PIG RIG HUNTING TRUCK COMPETITION

The Second Annual World Predator and Wild Hog Expo & Modern Sporting Arms Expo is looking for the ultimate predator or wild hog vehicle. The muddier, the better! First, second, and third place will receive awards and prizes.

WORLD PREDATOR AND WILD HOG TAXIDERMY COMPETITION

Judged by independent industry professionals, the taxidermy competition will include: wild hogs, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, gators, mountain lions, bears and any other predators and furbearing varmints you'd like to enter.The competition will feature three divisions:- Professional Taxidermist Division — For the professional who practices the art of taxidermy full or part time.- Hunter Division — For the hunter who has an animal they have harvested and mounted that he would like to display and have rated by our judges who know the signature of quality work and good craftsmanship.- Ugliest/Worst Mount Division — Always a crowd favorite! Entries will be judged on the poor quality of work, age-related wear and tear or the sheer ugliness of the mounted animal.

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS FROM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

There will be demonstrations and seminars held by national television personalities, columnists, manufacturer’s pro staff, hunters and other industry professionals who will share their expertise and give attendees a competitive edge on their predator or hog adventures.For more information on the Second Annual World Predator and Wild Hog Expo & Modern Sporting Arms Expo, visit www.ScurryOutdoorsSouth.com.