On Monday evening, April 30th, the NTA Executive Council (EC) had a conference call to discuss all aspects of the 44 Blue Productions concept for a reality program based on trapping and trappers. Also on the call was Dave Linkhart, Director of National and International Affairs, and Gary Leistico, NTA Legal Counsel. After a very detailed discussion regarding the documents offered to the NTA and also answers to questions they provided us via email, it was decided that the NTA would not participate in the project. NTA would have no right to refusal of any finished segment other then safety and potential game law violations. In phone conversations with 44 Blue and also in responses to our emailed questions, the NTA would not have input as to which trappers would be selected. No story line consults or any other sort of input. The final say belongs to the network and they will never give that up.
We do believe that 44 Blue has produced some very good programs. They have won many awards and are recognized in the reality world as a legitimate company. How any of this translates to trapping or the final representation of trapping and trappers is not clear. The NTA can do nothing to control the final product and gain nothing in the project with no ability to protect trapping or trappers. It would make it easier for 44 Blue to enlist trappers by saying that the NTA is involved but does not allow for the NTA to do anything to protect trapping or improve the concept of trapping to the general public. If trapping is not the focus but rather the “characters” in the industry and how they get along in the life style, then there is even better reason to not attach our name to the project.
The NTA could stand to gain nothing in the best case and receive industry chastising should it turn out bad. Our advice to trappers is, should they decide to participate in the project, be very careful of any and all legal documents. We suggest that they seek professional assistance prior to entering into any agreement.
The NTA will continue to do research and follow ups when the different production companies contact trappers wanting to do interviews or accompany them on trap lines. We will also continue to provide and offer our opinions on these projects when ever we are able and asked to do so. In the mean time be sure that your own cameras are used discreetly and the photos and or videos are done with good common sense. It is very obvious that the various internet forums are not secure and can be easily invaded by those who would take every word and picture and do their very best to stop trapping in all forms.
NTA President
Kraig Kaatz
