NEW! Wolf Trapping Manual & DVD|
Lots of good news for ATA members this month … The Board of Game approved our proposal to change the lynx season in the Interior back to a standard three month season (December - February), with a special allowance of two animals in November. We had heard lots of comments about how the old system was not working. Therefore, we submitted this revision on behalf of our membership. Remember this action the next time that a prospective member asks, "What can ATA do for me?" The Fling was another success, under the direction of Ellie and Dan Tempel and Jessica and Kyle Davison. We owe them a debt of gratitude. They worked hard to make the event run smoothly. Their efforts were successful. This is our biggest event of the year. It sets the tone for more than just that single night. Everyone had a good time and we made a few bucks. What more could we ask for? President Kraig Kaatz of the National Trappers Association was in town for The Fling. We kept him busy with fun activities. In return, Kraig shared lots of good advice with us regarding future programs. For example, NTA (or to be more precise, Furbearers Unlimited) will hopefully be joining ATA as a sponsor of the trapping and hunting exhibit at the University of Alaska Museum this coming summer. This exhibit will share our message with more than 75,000 visitors. Kraig was also able to re-connect with some long-lost shirt-tail relation during his visit. He was very happy to spend some time with the James family of Northway. The fur auctions in both Anchorage and Fairbanks were big successes. Both events were blessed with favorable weather. Prices for most items were higher than expected. That translates into extra dollars in the trappers' pockets. We like that! Lynn Keogh and a cast of thousands were responsible for the Anchorage event. Marty Middelstadt was the primary organizer here in Fairbanks. One of our long-term members has suggested that we revive the "Letters to the Editor" eature in our magazine. I recall some stimulating letters in past years. Perhaps it would be a good idea to bring back this feature. However, we can't do it without you. Feel free to share your thoughts on any topic related to trapping and/or the ATA. Another member suggested that we encourage members to submit "end-of-season" photos of fur caught during the year. I enjoy these photos too, especially when the furs are carefully arranged and the bright sunlight of spring highlights the beautiful furs. Send 'em in. We'll print the good ones. One cautionary note to end this message: A guy who lost his dog to a snare this past winter has requested that trappers near urban centers be encouraged to post signs near trail-heads. He was totally unaware of any trapping activity in the area where he lost his dog. If he had known that a trapper was working in the vicinity, he wouldn't have let his dog off its leash. Let's all be extra careful when trapping near locations of human (and dog) activity. Now, go out there and have fun for a few months. Catch a fish. Climb a mountain. Enjoy the summer. Don't get depressed that trapping season is over. Next season starts in just about seven more months! |
