Despite some early fears about low fur prices and high gas prices, the 2009 convention is shaping up nicely. Our annual convention keeps getting better and this year looks like it will be another record-breaking year. Most, if not all, of last year’s dealers will be back. In this lousy economy trappers will appreciate more than ever the special convention prices—with no shipping charges—as they restock needed supplies. Let’s face it; many of us are too addicted to trapping to quit because of low fur prices. But at the same time we need to operate as efficiently as possible—so we can afford to keep trapping. We must organize our routes better, cut costs, and upgrade our trapping and fur handling skills. Galen and Kyle will be showing us how to save money by making some of our own lures. (And I’m sure they will be explaining why in some cases it is more cost-effective to buy our lures.) Mark Spencer will be showing us how to significantly add to the fur check by trapping abundant weasels and squirrels. If we are going to put on hundreds of miles pursuing mink, coon, coyotes, or fox we had better come home with something in the truck. Steve and Trapper Art will be showing us how to maximize our catch, minimize miles traveled, and use our time and equipment efficiently. Fishers are becoming more abundant in many areas and prices have held up better than some other furbearers. If we are going to target fishers it is important to fill our small bag limit quickly and efficiently. Galen will be showing us how. 

Fur handling has been the downfall of many trappers, so that’s why we bring the real experts to our conventions. Beginning trappers might take 3-4 hours to put up a beaver and then it might still not be done right! I have seen $30 beaver turned into $5 beaver by poor fur handling. Time spent in the fur shed can better be used for catching fur. Why take a half-hour to skin, flesh, and stretch a muskrat when it can be done in minutes? Experts from Fur Harvesters and NAFA will show us how to put up fur quickly while still receiving top prices. 

Even if you don’t trap, this year’s convention has a lot to offer. Free fishing for the kids at the Pocket Park. (And this year they will not only be reeling in a lot of fish, but will be competing for small prizes while they’re having fun.) And Gayle and Randy from Raptor Rehab have a very special treat for the kids and interested adults. They will be bringing in live owls (for an up close and personal program for the youngsters) at 1:00 PM on both Friday and Saturday. (Many kids have never seen a live owl from a distance, much less within arm’s length.) Tamie Lundborg is back with her craft show for the ladies at 11:00 AM on Saturday. And for those ladies interested in Quilting a local club will be actually making quilts and answering all your questions on equipment, fabrics, stitches, designs, etc. Mark Gudwer will be back with one of the most awesome taxidermy displays I have seen. And he assures us that it will be even better this year! Walter Welch from Manistique will once again be carving beautiful fish replicas and selling his creations. We are hoping the Safari Club will be back with their large display of tanned furs and mounts of exotic and non-exotic animals. Many convention attendees over the years have called this a “must see” display, so we are trying to get them there, again. 

If you have never attended an UPTA convention before, consider making the trip to Escanaba. This is U.P.’s largest trapping event. About 20 nationally known trapping supply dealers with great prices and no shipping costs. Special raffles, Mini-raffles, representatives from both of the world’s premier wild fur auctions; top-notch trappers, fur handlers, and fur graders from Wisconsin, Minnesota, The Great U.P., and Canada. Fun and learning for everyone – and special events for the kids and ladies. 

Here are links to our poster, the 2009 Schedule of Events, lodging in the Escanaba area, and information on camping at the Fairgrounds. Plan to stay for both days and if you are a U.P. trapper make sure you attend the General Membership meeting at 3:00 PM on Saturday.