Here is the December update from the District 2 Director (District 2 covers the same area that Region 2 with the FWP map covers):
Good afternoon,trappers!
Based on photos and stories I have seen and heard from trappers in District 2, things seem to be going well for many of you. As you know, wolf trapping season opened on December 15th, and that has brought in three reported wolves, as of Wednesday, December 17th. Unfortunately, I did not find any canines in my traps yesterday, but I am still hopeful. We do have muskrat and marten sets out, along with our fox/coyote and wolf sets and are planning on getting a couple of beaver sets out this weekend, just in time for Christmas.
On the topic of Christmas, being that it is one week from today, it isn’t too late to get that special trapper in your life trapping supplies or gear. Buying traps and supplies is a good way to get a youngster or somebody who has never trapped involved in trapping. Aside from online stores, you can find trapping supplies and equipment locally at Sportsman’s Warehouse, Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors, Cabela’s and also at C&S Small Engine Repair in Victor (from Cliff). Also, pick up your trapping bags to hold your gear from Montana Trapper Bags (Find them on Facebook here). These bags are made in Montana, which makes them Montana-tough! I have a Beaver Bag and a Coyote Bag which I use regularly. Check out www.montanatrapperbag.com for all of their inventory. The Montana Trappers Association’s VP West, Jason Maxwell, also stands behind these bags, as he, at times, has well over 50 pounds of steel traps and supplies in his pack while setting up a trapline. Also, Andy Weiser, of Weiser Western Lure (at www.montanatrappingsupplies.com) sells some fantastic lures, urine and gear bags, too. Keep in mind that lures make great stocking stuffers!
Another great gift is a membership for the Montana Trappers Association! Give your friend or family member an MTA membership to show your love for them and trapping! There are different membership options to choose from, and you can also conveniently purchase MTA memberships online at www.montanatrappers.org.
Moving on, a couple of important dates for District 2 MTA members are:
January 9th – Billings – MetraPark @ 308 6th Ave. North – Great Rockies Sport Show – The MTA will have a booth set up there, so be sure to show your support by stopping by and saying hello. We are always looking for volunteers to help out, too, so please let me know if you are interested in helping to man the booth with Jim and Fran.
January 10th – Deer Lodge – Spark & Arc Welding @ 604 Mitchell Street – Fur Handling Clinic – Learn, Skin, Flesh, Stretch! See you there!
February 21st – Missoula – FWP @ 3201 Spurgin Rd – Trappers Education Workshop – Learn about traps, trapping, regulations, trap-release techniques and more. Get the facts from trappers who know traps.
February 27th – Helena – Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds – Great Rockies Sport Show – The MTA will have a booth set up there, too, so, once again, volunteers are always appreciated to help out even if it is only for an hour.
March 21st – Missoula – Adams Center @ University of Montana – Great Rockies Sport Show – The MTA will have a booth set up there, too, so please let us know if you’re available to volunteer.
March 27th – Bozeman – Brick Bredeen Fieldhouse @ #1 Bobcat Circle – Great Rockies Sport Show – The MTA will have a booth set up here and MTA members who are available to volunteer are greatly appreciated.
April 18th – Missoula – FWP @ 3201 Spurgin Rd – District 2 Spring Meeting – MTA members are invited to attend this meeting to find out the latest regulation change proposals, give and get feedback from other trappers while also hearing the lastest from FWP biologists.
We hope to see you at as many MTA events as possible. The support is awesome, and it is always good to catch up with fellow trappers. So, be sure to give the MTA Facebook page a “Like” at www.facebook.com/montanatrappersassociation and refer people to our awesome website at www.montanatrappers.org where people can get the latest information on the MTA and other news and become a member.
Thank you so much for everything that each and every one of you do for trapping and trappers in Montana. Also, please keep posting those trapping success pictures on the MTA Facebook page, and thank you for being the reason TRAPPERS ROCK!
