State’s Trappers To Gather In Chisholm; Celebrate 50 Years At Convention

Trappers from throughout the Upper Midwest will be rendezvousing this weekend in Chisholm as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota Trappers Association.   The annual three-day convention has an assortment of activities planned ranging from how-to demonstrations geared toward trapping technique and fur handling, to various skill contests, auctions, tours, even a youth photo contest.   Among the educational presenters will be officials from both the Minnesota DNR and the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

DATES:  August 14, 15, 16
LOCATION:  St. Louis County Fairgrounds, Chisholm, Minnesota
For a complete listing of convention activities and a detailed schedule, CLICK HERE.

The Minnesota Trappers Association was one of the first pro-trapping rights organizations to organize in the U.S.   Over the years the group has become the unified voice for the Minnesota trapper on many issues ranging from dealing with low fur prices, state and federal regulatory matters, conservation practices, as well as concerns regarding animal rights groups.

Today, the MTA has a major educational initiative underway known as the Mandatory Trapper Education Certification program.   Persons born after December 31, 1989, who have not been issued a trapping license in a previous license year, may not obtain a trapping license without a trapper education certificate.   It is volunteers from the Minnesota Trappers Associations who conduct these courses free of charge to beginning trappers.   Students must pass both a written and field competency test before a certificate will be issued.

For more information on a Minnesota trapping education class being taught near you, contact Deb Offerdahl at: traprdeb@frontiernet.net

© 2009 Jim Braaten.   All Rights Reserved.   No Reproduction without Prior Permission.

Weekend Events Expose Youths To Outdoor Fun

Tri-State Outdoor Festival

Are you looking for some inexpensive fun for the entire family this coming weekend?   Consider attending the Tri-State Outdoor Festival being held in St. Charles, Minnesota—just a short two-hour drive southeast from the Twin Cities.

This second annual event is primarily for kids designed to introduce them to new outdoor activities.   Daily skill events include many hunting and fishing related games, such as: air rifle range, BB gun/slingshot shoot, skeet simulation, trout pond, rock climbing wall, fly-fishing obstacle course, kids archery shoot, tomahawk throw, plus much more.

While the festival emphasizes youth outdoor activities, there will also be over 100 vendor booths on hand promoting a wide array of hunting and fishing related items.   There’s even a 3D pop-up archery course for adults, so don’t leave home without your bow.   For more information: www.tri-stateoutdoorfestival.com or on Facebook.

DATES: July 31, Aug. 1&Aug. 2 (Friday thru Sunday)

TIME: 2pm – 8pm (Friday)
        10am – 8pm (Saturday)
        noon – 6pm (Sunday)

LOCATION: Winona County Fairgrounds (St. Charles, Minnesota)
                 (Click HERE for a map/directions)

COST: Free (Children 15 and younger)
          $8 (Individuals 16 and older)

Trailblazer Adventure Expo

This year Game Fair will play host to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation’s youth learning program known as Trailblazer Adventure.   This national program expects thousands of Twin Cities’ area youth, along with their families, will participate in various outdoor skill challenges, such as: archery, shooting sports, game calling, and more.   Participants must go from stage to stage experiencing hands-on what makes each outdoor activity so much fun.   Upon conclusion of the challenge, all youths will be eligible for a prize drawing awarding outdoor equipment to several lucky kids.

Game Fair is celebrating its 28th year in 2009 having grown into the largest, pre-hunting, family participation event in the country.   With hundreds of exhibitors and dozens of seminar speakers, this event has become an annual tradition for many sporting families from throughout the Upper Midwest.   For more information: www.GameFair.com or on Facebook.

DATES: Aug. 7, Aug. 8&Aug. 9 (Friday thru Sunday)
           Aug. 14, Aug. 15 & Aug. 16 (Friday thru Sunday)

TIME: 9am – 6pm (Daily)

LOCATION: Armstrong Ranch Kennel (Anoka, Minnesota)
                 (Click HERE for a map/directions)

COST: Free (Children 6 and younger)
          $5 (Children over 6)
          $8 (Senior Citizens)
         $10 (Adults)
     (Click HERE for a printable discount coupon for admission)