Greetings to all. Hope everyone had a good holiday season. There was some sad news that occurred
during the time also. Randy Hartwig of Monticello, passed away December 14th in an auto accident.
Randy was the past president of ECI Chapter 16 of the Fur Takers for which he & Emma was always
present at their rendezvous helping out somehow or way. Margaret Squier of Ankeny passed away
December 16th from complications from a fall at home. Margaret was secretary for the ITA from Sept
1987 to Sept 1995. Even after stepping down as secretary you could always find her helping in the booth
at conventions, or her & Ron sitting in the front at General Membership meetings. These people will be
dearly missed by all who knew them
Trapping season was good and bad this year for me. Far from my normal numbers, but that is ok. The
highlights were the 2 otters and 4 bobcat. My partner, Ryan Gay, tagged the 1st ‘cat, his trap – my
remake, almost in the city limits of Des Moines, and I tagged a 30lb tom down by Osceola. The last 2
‘cats were caught on the same farm I caught my 1st ‘cat in ’04. Both were caught & released 1 day apart
with the release utilizing only a garden rack to hold the trap upright, an axe handle & a Pogo driver to
depress the levers. I had no camera for the 1st release, but did for the 2nd. There should be some good,
up close pictures when I get them developed.
Even though the otter and bobcat quotas were increased this year both were filled by about the same
time as last season. From what I have read and heard ‘coon numbers have been down compared to last
season. I caught 2 young coyotes this fall that had mange, the worst I have ever seen. It is sad to
witness what this does to an animal and this was in warm weather. I am sure they would have not made
it through the cold spell we are having at this time without freezing to death. There is not a trapper that
wishes upon an animal what Mother Nature cruelly places upon them at times.
The ITA Fur Auction did very good this year. The sellers increased from 36 to 50 and lots from 282 to
403. Thanks to the IA DNR for their support by allowing us to sell their bobcat and otter at this sale.
Everyone was happy with the prices that they received from what I heard. We had 13 buyers present
and want to thank them for their support . Thank you to the following fur buyers, Central States Fur –
Dean Hoffman, Midwest Fur – Bruce Hutton, Coffin Creek Fur – Ken Schwarzhoff, Stark Fur – Ernie
Kovacic, North IA Fur – Harvey & Bill Drewlow, Erickson Fur – Marty Erickson, Fickes Fur – Ed Fickes,
Hindman Fur – Allen Hindman, Otter Creek Fur – David Raber, Veirs Fur – Marcus Viers, Cedar Ridge Fur
– David Schrock & Evans Fur – Tony Evans. Thanks also to Bret Smith for auctioneering, Barb & Tracy
Hutton , Burce Hutton & Randy Mitchell for their help clerking. Lastly thanks to everyone that helped lot
and move fur during the day. There were too many to name, I knew most of you that helped, but some I
did not. I don’t like to mention names then leave someone out. Again thanks to all that helped make
this such a success. Below you will see the results of the sale
Species Number high low average total sale
Raccoon 2312 $50 $1 $22.95 $53,065.25
coyote 47 $37.50 $5 $18.92 $889.50
rats 452 $19.50 $2 $14.14 $6,391.50
red fox 34 $55 $17.50 $38.08 $1,295
otter 206 $90 $15 $71.49 $14,728
bobcat 248 $245 $10 $99.98 $24,797.50
beaver 111 $26 $1 $12.25 $1,360.50
mink 27 $27 $5 $20.22 $546
ranch mink 1 $34 $34 $34 $34
badger 13 $44 $11 $16.36 $212.50
opossum 15 $1.00 .25 .63 $9.45
rabbit 1 .25 .25 .25 .25
One last item is the Des Moines FBU Banquet, it will be March 30 at the Ramada Inn on Merle Hay Rd in
Des Moines. Those that have attended in the past will get a notice here soon. If you are interested in
attending contact Cody Hutton at 641-201-0452 as seating will be limited.
I have set the following dates for the ITA Board Of Directors Meetings – Feb 3rd, April 7th, & June 23rd
All meetings will held at the Quality Inn & Suites 2601 East 13th St in Ames, just west of I-35, Exit 113,
starting at 10:00 A.M. All ITA members are welcomed to attend any of these meetings. Til next time Craig