29 new trappers

[Humptulips]

George e-mailed that he had 29 people take the class from him on Saturday. They all joined the WSTA.

Looks like the WSTA continues to grow in spite of the restrictive laws in this state.

[Feanix]

Thats awesome.

[Hannibal]

Way to market bruce!

[dayn]

Way to go Bruce, from what I have read, you have been an anchor in this program for a long time, that takes dedication in a state where they have taken most of our tools away, my hat is off to you.

Like I said, Jan 1 I will sign up (after all the christmas craziness) do you take pay pal? If not I will do a money order via snail mail, I havent done checks for about 7 years.

Keep up the good work...

Brandon  (also known as Dayn on all internet forums, hey its my middle name)

[dayn]

Quick question Bruce, I know you have the rendes every year, do you have get togethers aside from the yearly?

Back in the 70s when I was a snot nosed and a member (still have that problem when I'm out in the field, even at 49!) we used to gather in olympia every once and awhile for a meeting(cant remember how often these occured, been like, 33 years.)

How bout a rende on this side? Or split it up every other year(like we do with auctioneers convention), or better yet, over here in the fall, and over there in the spring, LOL, I know thats probably pushing it (wheres my emoticans??)

The only one I went to as a young lad was at millersylvania state park, it was pretty cool, demonstrations on trapping, skinning, but my favorite was the tomahawk throw, I entered and did well (no I didnt win, old flapjack john or tenino jack beat my ass)

[mulehunter]

 

[bearpaw]

Glad to hear, trapping is an important part of our American Heritage....

[Bandit]

I am one of the 29.  I am 42 and just starting out.  Very excited to get some traps set and see what happens.  Not expecting much for my first season, just happy to be out in the woods.

[fatslinger]

New trappers beware! I am sure George talked about it in the class, but remember, ANYTHING YOU SEND TO WDFW WILL BE LOST OR 'MISPLACED'.  Keep a copy of anything you send to them along w/ the date you sent it. Save electronic communications as well.  I physically carried 1 new trapper's paperwork to Dan Boes's office on Wed. but they had lost it by the next morning.

[quadrafire]

Just curious how the trapper's territorial instincts are. for example. If you have been trapping an area for years and see a newbie horning in on "your" turf, or looking for good areas how would you respond?

On the hunting boards it goes something like this. Hey I am new to hunting, not wanting your honey holes, but wondering where I could go to get a big buck.

I would be interested in how protective everyone is. I think it is great to see that much interest in trapping, but could see the areas getting pretty crowded.

[Machias]

It's hard to get crowded when there is roughly 300 license trappers statewide.  I always tried to trap hard to get to places, then I didn't have to worry about catching pets and or being "honed" in on.  Bottom line, if it's public land, nothing you can or should do about it.  If I went into a new area and found evidence of a trapper working the area, I left that area and looked for untrapped areas.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I need to do this ...I loved trapping as a kid ...even bought all my gear to Wa. when I came out here. I could not leave my sheet behind.. I THINK I cought 2 coyotes before they outlawed it and then I sold all my traps . # 1 1/2 coil springs and # 2 coil springs  ..

[MtnMuley]

Just curious how the trapper's territorial instincts are. for example. If you have been trapping an area for years and see a newbie horning in on "your" turf, or looking for good areas how would you respond?

Most trappers are pretty good about inquiring about other local trappers on public land.  Personally, if I know of another trapper trapping an area public or private, I won't set anywhere near the area.  I get the same treatment back.  Common courtesy is a good thing.  Especially trapping.

[Humptulips]

Quick question Bruce, I know you have the rendes every year, do you have get togethers aside from the yearly?

Back in the 70s when I was a snot nosed and a member (still have that problem when I'm out in the field, even at 49!) we used to gather in olympia every once and awhile for a meeting(cant remember how often these occured, been like, 33 years.)

How bout a rende on this side? Or split it up every other year(like we do with auctioneers convention), or better yet, over here in the fall, and over there in the spring, LOL, I know thats probably pushing it (wheres my emoticans??)

The only one I went to as a young lad was at millersylvania state park, it was pretty cool, demonstrations on trapping, skinning, but my favorite was the tomahawk throw, I entered and did well (no I didnt win, old flapjack john or tenino jack beat my ass)

First of all, even if it isn't related to your post I would love to take credit for this renewed enthusiasm about trapping. Can't do it. If anyone gets credit for this it should be George Brady.

Now to your question. What you are remembering were probably county meetings. Every county has a representative unless the position is vacant. You could talk to your County Rep. and try to set something up. They were usually held at someones house. They kind of went by the wayside because of lack of interest and less trappers more spread out it was just hard to get people together. You could still do it but that's more of a local thing that you should talk to your county rep about. Don't know who your Rep is look at the front page of your newsletter. Yours is Al Fox in Toutle (360)274-8825.
Your county position vacant or you don't think the guy is doing enough? You also can be a county rep. Just let me know you're interested. We're always looking for people that will help out.

Rendezvous on the west side? It used to be in the bylaws that we held eastside/westside alternating years. I would like to do that again. Trouble is the cost of renting a facility on the westside is crazy expensive. Believe me I have looked around. We need a kitchen, some kind of indoor area especially on the westside and some chairs and tables. Also I get complaints if we don't have good restrooms and showers. Don't forget parking not only cars but for RVs.

We could maybe do something smaller, maybe a one day thing in the fall. The thing to do on that is to show up at the Spring Business Meeting with a plan. Somebody comes up with a good plan we'd probably go with it.

[bearpaw]

Just curious how the trapper's territorial instincts are. for example. If you have been trapping an area for years and see a newbie horning in on "your" turf, or looking for good areas how would you respond?

On the hunting boards it goes something like this. Hey I am new to hunting, not wanting your honey holes, but wondering where I could go to get a big buck.

I would be interested in how protective everyone is. I think it is great to see that much interest in trapping, but could see the areas getting pretty crowded.

It was crowded back in the late 70's and early 80's when yotes were bringing nearly $100 and bobcats were $300 to $500. There is very little pressure now.... at least where I live.