June 2011
Presidents Report
Shawn Johnson
Greetings All,
I trust everyone ended the beaver season exhausted. Although there were some complaints from
trappers that the DNR persists in closing beaver season at the end of April again this season
statewide, trappers from some areas report beaver numbers continue decline in areas of the state.
It appears at least for the foreseeable future that the beaver season will continue to close April
30th. Please read the letter from the DNR in this issue regarding proposed Rule changes and the
outcomes of the various proposals. Probably the most surprising gain we made was our proposal
to reword the general snaring rule which we had been unsuccessful in attaining last year during
our review of the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook. This rule is found on page 49 of
the 2010 Handbook which states:
No snare may be set in such a way that the top of the loop is more than 16 inches above the
ground or, when the ground is snow-covered, more than 16 inches above the bottom of a person's
footprint made in the snow with full body weight on the foot.
We proposed a change to raise the top of the snare to 20'' and to reword the rule pertaining to
setting snares on snow-covered ground to something more reasonable than the "footprint made in
the snow with full body weight...." and we were given this favorable response but unfortunately
this change will not take place until the 2012 trapping season as a permanent rule.
The section of wildlife will pursue amendments to 6234.2200 subp. 7 that will increase the snare
loop height to 20 inches above the first surface beneath the bottom of the set snare loop. The
reference to setting snares above the bottom of a person's footprint made in the snow beneath the
snare with full body weight on the foot will be repealed.
Our proposal to allow snaring in the farmland zone to begin with the water trapping opener is
going to be open to public input before any changes take place. It is essential that trappers work
at coalition building with hunting groups to assure them that their hunting dogs will not be
further endangered by this proposed change if we are going to be successful in this endeavor.
Please stress these points to hunting groups you come in contact with:
1.) Snares are less lethal to dogs than body-gripping traps, which currently may be set throughout
the pheasant season in the farmland zone.
2.) The last month of pheasant season already coincides with the first month of snaring in the
farmland zone, and;
3.) Snares in the farmland zone would continue to be restricted from public land, road rights of
way and fence lines along road rights of way.
Redwood Falls Convention 2011
While on the subject of the upcoming convention please book your lodging as soon as possible
for the Redwood Falls Convention July 29-31 2011. Hotel information is provided here in the
Newsletter as well as on the website at www.mntrappers.org.
Leadership from the Seventh District have been working their tails off to insure a successful gettogether in addition to devoting special attention to the ladies who will be attending in order to
give them something more than the "good ole scent and hardware" type of convention so many
ladies have endured over the years. Regardless of which part of Minnesota you hail from, this
event will be well worth the trip- count on it.
Non Resident Trapping
As some are no doubt aware, the issue of whether or not the MTA membership now supports
non-resident trapping in our state has once again come to the forefront. Because this is such a
controversial issue across the membership, the Board of Directors have agreed that it would be
wise to give the entire membership the opportunity to have their individual voices heard through
a written poll before any further action is entertained. This official poll as well as instructions on
how to properly submit a ballot as well as the time frame for submitting such are outlined in this
issue of the Newsletter. I strongly encourage members to share the news of this action with nonmembers and encourage them to join the MTA in order to participate in this important poling.
Bylaw Change
The membership will also have the opportunity to review a proposed Bylaw change that will be
voted on at the summer convention in Redwood Falls. In brief, as things now stand according to
our current Bylaws the official publications of the MTA are BOTH the MTA Newsletter AND
the Trapper and Predator Caller magazine. The proposed change would allow additional
alternatives to Trapper and Predator Caller. Please review and consider this proposal to vote on
at the General Membership Meeting in Redwood Falls.
Elections
In all odd numbered years, the MTA must hold elections for all non-appointed positions
including president, vice- president and district directors. The election of president and vice
president occurs at the General Membership Meeting at the summer convention while district
directors are elected at the first district meeting following the convention. Anyone interested in
running for or applying for any leadership positions should make their intentions known as soon
as possible. As I stated earlier, both VP Dave D'Aigle and I have accepted the nomination to run
again and would be pleased to have the opportunity to serve another term if the membership
approves.
At this time I am unaware of any sitting officers or directors that have decided to step down from
their respective positions however, applicants for the vacant Education Director position are
encouraged. Ideally, the applicant will have a background in teaching or public relations or
equivalent in addition to basic accounting skills. A basic job description is provided below.
Education Director:
The Education Director will serve a two year term that is to be appointed by the President unless
the standing director is challenged. In this case, a committee will be selected to interview each
candidate and select the appropriate candidate to fill the position.
The Education Director (ED) functions as the primary liaison between the public and the MTA
regarding matters of public education. The ED is responsible for heading the MTA Scholarship
program and to serve as Chair of the Education Committee to review applications make
scholarship recommendations. The Education Director is also responsible for keeping track of
Education expenditures and insuring that these funds are spent within the legal framework set out
by the State for education purposes. The ED is also in charge of overseeing education activities
at conventions/meetings that qualify as legitimate expenditures as well. Costs associated with the
"Help a Beginner Program" and the "Tanned Fur Project" all fall under the umbrella of
Education so a close working relationship between the directors/coordinators of these programs
is also essential. Spending reports should be provided to the President and the Board of Directors
on a regular basis to track costs associated with Trapper Education Program. The ED is
responsible for keeping an updated roster of Certified Trapping Instructors and to maintain a list
of those that are actively teaching these courses. This information should be shared with the
Education Coordinator as well. The ED is responsible for providing opportunities for interested
parties to become Certified Instructors on a regular basis. The ED is responsible for procuring
and maintaining literature for members to distribute at public functions such as county fairs etc.
The Education Director must work closely with the Education Coordinator to connect
prospective students with Trapper Education opportunities. The Education Director will also
retain a list of graduates of the Trapper Education Program as does the Education Coordinator.
Kindly let me know if you're interested in any of these positions and I'll do my best to answer
any of your questions.
2012 NTA Convention Owatonna
With our state convention immediately on the horizon it is tempting to dismiss the fact that MTA
will be hosting the NTA convention next summer. Anyone who has ever attended or worked a
national event fully understands what a daunting task lies ahead in pulling off a successful
convention. Todd Roggenkamp is our go-to man coordinating the work schedule so please speak
with Todd on where you can assist. I fully realize that this event appears to be far in the distance
but as we all know time tends to evaporate when we're not paying attention, Be certain to book
your lodging as soon as you can keeping in mind that this is a national event and trappers from
all over the country will be making plans and reservations for accommodations as well. I look
forward to working with many of you in preparation and through the course of this event.
Minnesota is likely to raise the bar once more for other states to attain in the future. Let's raise it
high! Contact Todd to find out more.
Local History Center Looking for Trapping Memorabilia
Lloyd Kaplan of the Steele County Historical Society in Owatonna is looking for trapping
memorabilia and other wildlife related items to display at the history center during the months of
June, July and August of 2012 prior to and during the National Convention. These folks
anticipate filling their new building with wildlife scenes, mounts etc. to tell the historical story
trapping has played. In order not to compete with what the convention offers, he's looking to
focus more on historical trapping and to give the public a taste for what lies in store at the
National to help foster additional public interest.
If you'd like additional information please contact him directly. Lloyd Kaplan 507 684 3171.
Marten/Fisher Nest Box Project
The MTA is aggressively pursuing additional funding for our Northern Minnesota Marten and
Fisher Nesting Enhancement Project. In a nutshell, this idea was introduced to the majority of the
trappers from northeastern Minnesota by Dale Torma from Gilbert who had done some research
on similar nesting projects conducted in Canada. He had taken the initiative to build some of
these artificial cavities and placed them on trees to determine if they would be utilized by
martens for litter rearing in his area. They indeed were and interest from that point encouraged
others to examine the research available. Frank Brula District One Co-Director from Babbitt
became the greatest advocate for such a project and with the support of Walt Gessler MTA
member and DNR Wildlife Habitat Specialist approached the Board for approval for a pilot
project to begin purchasing building materials and assembling these boxes for placement. This is
a great conservation project that has the potential to both serve as a public and youth education
opportunity as well as having a positive effect on litter rearing success rates in the traditional
marten/fisher habitats in the state. Not to mention positive press for the MTA beginning at the
state level and perhaps beyond. The DNR has pledged its support and assistance as well. Perhaps
the MTA can do for marten/fisher what Ducks Unlimited has done for wood ducks and other
cavity nesters with similar artificial cavity placements? (wood duck boxes) This is an exciting
opportunity for the MTA to make a significant impact on litter rearing success in traditional
habitats. At this time Frank and Mike Zupetz from Gilbert have assembled more than forty of
these boxes that are now ready for placement.
Please review further information on this exciting project in this issue of the Newsletter.
Nuisance Beaver Pilot Program
Thanks MTA members including Gary Meis, Gary Leistico, Con Christianson, Dave D'Aigle and
Buzz Neprud, the DNR has agreed to a pilot program to address beaver control issues on state
controlled lands in cooperation with DNR Trails and other Divisions on a limited basis. The
rationale behind this agreement is to allow trapper access to problem areas in order to take
beavers in the spring to severely reduce the necessity of removing beaver dams after ice up and
to avoid altering the beaver pond communities so drastically at such a late date. Avoiding the
death and displacement of so many animals at this time of year is the ethical way to reduce the
need to do so on a regular basis if it can be practically avoided. At this time the DNR has agreed
to provide locations in need of trapping as well as providing necessary access to same in order to
take care of future problems. At this point this project is only being attempted in selected areas
but if successful, it is anticipated that this may become a model for how beaver problems can be
dealt with in a mutually beneficial fashion to insure public safety while at the same time severely
reducing the need for beaver trapping outside the regular trapping season and late season dam
removal. Please contact MTA Furbearer Specialist Con Christianson for further information.
Trapping License/Validation Tags
As most are aware, the 2011-2012 trapping season will be the first in quite a while where site
validation will once again be required for limit species animals. (fisher, marten, otter, bobcats)
Although those of us who purchased our new licenses in order to take beaver this spring did not
receive these tags, they will be made available from any ELS vendor by June I'm assured. Be
certain to have these tags in possession when pursing any limit species. It is anticipated that these
tags will be nearly identical to those that have been in use for several years for big game and
turkeys so they should be familiar enough for most to adapt to. Specific instructions on their use
will be provided in the 2011 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook as well.
Winter Meeting/Legal Defense Fund Banquet
This spring just prior to ice out, I had the opportunity to attend Buzz's District 4 meeting and to
meet new folks from this area. I thank everyone for such a warm welcome and I look forward to
attending again in the near future - thank you Buzz for the invitation! A reminder, that Buzz will
be the Chair of our second annual Legal Defense Fund Banquet that will be held at the Askov
Community Center, 6369 Kobmagergade, Askov, MN 55704. Contact Buzz if you'd like to be a
part of another great event this winter. While on the subject of Legal Defense I'd like to
personally thank Gerard Stelmach from Foley and Harry Kuefler from Chisago City for their
generous donations the MTA's Legal Defense Fund. Your personal support of the MTA and
commitment to the future of trapping in Minnesota is very much appreciated.
Please keep in mind that the Winter General Membership Meeting will be held at a new location
this winter at
East Central High School
61085 State Hwy 23
Finlayson MN 55735
Make reservations early at local motels if you plan on spending the night.
Stiffer Trap Theft Penalties?
I received a few phone calls about significant trap theft in areas of District 2 near Bemidji in
particular. One individual had 30 number fives grow feet and walk away and needless to say he
was far from happy. It has been suggested that the MTA consider backing State legislation to
increase the penalties on trap theft and trap tampering. Trap and fur theft can easily add up to
hundreds if not thousands of dollars of loss depending on the extent of such criminal activity and
most trappers feel the laws on the books today are far too lenient on thieves. Please bring this
discussion to your district meetings to see what we can come up with to help address this
persistent problem with appropriate legislation/Rules.
Membership
It has come to my attention that innocent mistakes have been made by some trappers seeking to
renew their memberships with MTA. To assure that your MTA membership is properly
accounted for, please be certain that renewals are sent only to Kathy Peterson our Membership
Coordinator in Northome. Sending renewals to Florida (TPC publisher) or Hibbing will not
result in MTA membership or renewal so please make a note.
Apparently many have accidently renewed their subscription to TPC without renewing their
MTA membership and some have even inadvertently joined another organization due to all the
confusion!
Scholarships
A friendly reminder that those that are interested in applying for an MTA college scholarship
need to have their applications in my hands by July 1 for the Scholarship Committee to review
and make recommendations. Call, write, email me or see page 62 for an application if interested.
Keep your skinning knives sharp,
Shawn