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Post by mole on Mar 11, 2007 13:43:24 GMT -5
I just had a very heated disscussion with a friend about why such a low% of trappers belong to the NYSTA as well as NTA FTA Etc. My reasoning is pure apathy. I dont know and if you dont mind I would like to hear your reasoning. Ed
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Post by hunterchub on Mar 11, 2007 13:37:10 GMT -5
I have a certain passion for the sport of trapping, however I get discouraged at the conflicts you see in this sport fighting amongst ourselves. Sportsman vs. Sportsman is simply crazy. As examples: NTA vs Reform party and divided state associations. So very often I find myself wanting to be just a trapper with no affiliations. The real reasons I continue to support some associations is simple. They appear to have some connection to sportsmans related legal issues and are allowed some input into the discussions. My current NTA membership has run out. There are alot of things going on in the management that puts questions in my brain. Many are leaving or bailing out. why?? I have not been a member of NYSTA for a while but will join upon return to NY. I belong to several small trapping associations because they offer auctions so I can sell my fur there. I do understand there is strength in numbers, but divided strength can hurt just as well. Just my honest opinion. Chub
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Post by Itrapny on Mar 11, 2007 13:39:26 GMT -5
Ed, I truly believe that most trappers that aren't members just don't believe there's any reason to be. They think that the money they spend for the dues are just being thrown away. They don't care what happens with trapping until it's too late to do anything and then complain that nothing was done. It has been shown in other states that an active and powerful trapping Organization can make a difference. There have been many mistakes made over the years in any Organization, trapping or otherwise, but these are all learning experiences and should be looked at as such. The NYSTA learned a great deal with the 330 trigger issue and the changes are being felt right now as we battle the proposed conibear restrictions. The NYSTA BOD & JTI Committee have listened to trapper's inputs and taken these forward to the DEC. You will never please 100% of the people 100% of the time but as long as the majority of the trappers are being represented in the best interest of that majority, only good things can come from it. Just think what the NYSTA could do with, not only the additional funds that another 5,000 members would bring, but the clout that comes from a Sportsman's Organization that would be the largest in the state. I just hope that these trapper's that aren't members remember what trapping was like, if in fact we lose it someday because they didn't give a d@mn.
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Post by skinner69 on Mar 11, 2007 17:24:29 GMT -5
Why doesn't the NYSTA run a full blown statewide membership drive?There has to be some way to motivate the trappers in the state to take part in their trapping organization before it's too late.The membership fee isn't expensive at all,if they can't afford the $20 to join up and have a voice then they shouldn't be trapping in the first place because it ain't a cheap sport.
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Post by schoolboy on Mar 11, 2007 17:52:45 GMT -5
i would like to see the NYSTA do something radical like,start a petition to stop buying licenses of any type hunting, fishing, trapping ETC... for the next ten years if they make any change to the 220 laws at ALL.
I am a firm believer that you have strength in numbers.and with only 2000 members or so strong the NYSTA fights our battles with only one leg to stand on.
also i ALWAYS hear the famous response of . ' "we can do nothing about it"thats BULL S*** we are the ONLY ones that are going to do anything about it.
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Post by johnrockwood on Mar 11, 2007 18:57:41 GMT -5
Ed, I hate to say this. I may get slammed all over this board for what I am about to say, but this is my take on why so few trappers belong to the organizations that support, promote, and protect them and their interests.
#1. It costs a few bucks ! I put this first because it probably is the true #1 reason. Some people just aren't about to part with the money - end of story. However, many of these same individuals will attend the conventions and fur sales that are sponsored and promoted by the same associations they refuse to support. Why ? Again, it's the $$$ ! The fur sales/auctions usually result in the trapper getting the highest prices possible for his hard work. The conventions give the trapper an opportunity to buy his tools and supplies at the lowest possible prices anywhere. But many of these trappers won't part with a few bucks to secure their future and support the conventions and fur sales.
#2. They don't want to bother themselves with being actively involved. It takes time - donated, free time - and committment. Apparently many don't have the time !
#3. Some do honestly believe it is a waste of time and money because they don't believe that the associations are representing their interests. There in lies the real "catch 22". In my humble opinion, I don't believe anyone who refuses to, or just doesn't care enough to belong to the organizations that promote and protect their interests, have any right to complain about what is or is not being done for them through that organization. If those non-members were actively involved members, they could voice their opinions and help favorably further the results thereby. They would have a vested interest in both their trapping lives and the organization that supports them. Often times, these non-members are the ones who complain the most about what is or is not being done. They often listen to, and help spread, unfounded rumors because they don't have access to the facts. BECAUSE THEY DON'T BELONG !!!
I hate to use the #330 Trigger issue again, but there was a lot of misinformation and rumors floating around about that, too. In the end, when the dust all settled, most anyone with a reasonable amount of intelligence could see that without the input and advice from NYSTA and especially from the JTI Committee, the trappers of NY would have fared far worse.
Chub, I hear you - your take on this is understandable. Everyone needs to understand that it takes money to run an association and the more of it we have, along with numbers of members, the stronger that organization is in promoting it's interests. Some key people have to be paid because their work for the organization takes on a full time role and they have to be able to support themselves and their families as they promote and defend us. These individuals have committed their lives to the promotion and defense of trapping. Most are doing it for free and I am sure it hurts sometimes, both financially and when you hear of a lack of support by those you are trying to help and support.
Chub, there is unfounded dissention in the NTA right now. Some misinformed individuals are believing the propaganda and joining the wrong team or dropping their memberships entirely. To my knowledge, this is what happened many years ago when a few people, with egos far too big, formed a second national organization because they couldn't gain or were voted out of office in the existing organization. There is now another group promoting the idea of a third national organization. Do we need that ? NO !!! United we stand, divided we fall.
There were, not too long ago, some rumors of starting a second NY organization. We sure as hell don't need that either. We need every trapper in NY to join and get involved as much as possible with the one organization that has always supported the best interests of trappers in New York State - NYSTA ! We need one powerful, united front. We need a loud voice to be heard because we truly are a minority. Groups like HSUS and PETA don't believe trappers and sportsmen/women can ever become united and strong enough to stop them. The bank on it - to the tune of millions of dollars annually.
As Wayne said above, just think if NYSTA had 5000 or more new members join up ! The strength of our organization then would be something to reckon with. The biggest question at this point in time is: How do we accomplish that ?
How about, instead of getting on here to belly-ache, we turn this into a brainstorming session about how to dramatically increase NYSTA's membership, increase member participation, and build NYSTA to the powerful organization it could and should be ? If every member of NYSTA signed up just one new member, we would double our strength. Sign up three new members and we would have the strength and support of 80%+ of the licensed trappers in New York !!! I'll bet every one of us knows at least three other trappers that are not members of NYSTA. I'll d@mn well bet that if we paid trappers $20 a year to become members of NYSTA, nearly every licensed trapper in NY would join !
Skinner 69 - Exactly.
Schoolboy - you are right.
Now, blast away if you must - I have broad shoulders !
John
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Post by hunterchub on Mar 11, 2007 20:22:28 GMT -5
I too have broad shoulders. Im a level headed guy and generally talk peacefully. Alot of good points made here. One other point I have heard is this. "Why should I belong to the NYSTA when I belong to an affiliate?" this happens alot. Many join smaller associations at a local level thinking they are connected to the upper level. NYSTA supports NTA and FTA I suppose. If I belong to NYSTA does that in some way connect me to NTA and FTA? Another point, and a mute point at best, is the question "what do I get for my membership?" Everybody wants a patch, a hat, a magazine, or a pin. Tho, these things are nice it really is not why you belong, however many think it is. I remember a time when I was at a convention. I attend about every one possible. You couldnt get thru the front doors without having someone in your face to join, donate money, or buy a raffle. Again these things are what keeps an organization going but there are a bunch that just dont care for that approach. It scares them away. This is why I always start out easy going and try to get a feeling about this trapper. Show me the interest and I will show you the world of trapping. Nice discussion. Chub
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Post by Itrapny on Mar 11, 2007 20:39:09 GMT -5
Well if it's a money issue, the NYSTA membership is $20/year. With the membership you get the Trapper & Predator Caller magazine which cost's $19/year. So for $1 a year you get to be a member of the NYSTA, nuff said on money!
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Post by herm on Mar 11, 2007 21:02:12 GMT -5
I think the best way to increase membership and it isnt any secret is if everyone would just try and get one new member.I also would like to see if some how all the trapper training instructors could be sent a questionair and asked why in their opion the first time trappers that were givin free memberships didnt renew.Was the inportaince of NYSTA clearly shown as how trapping is under attact and we must fight the anties.I think that in many classes more work could have been done to inform new trappers of the situation facing trappers.Not to just blame instructors or new trappers becouse they have plenty of old trappers that dont get it either.
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Post by johnrockwood on Mar 11, 2007 21:02:59 GMT -5
Great points made Chub and Wayne ! I understand the fact that, at conventions, every group is after your money. It sure seems that way to me, too. I would rather approach the table and be left alone to decide what I wanted to do, rather than have someone pushing me to buy tickets, etc. Honestly, I would spend more that way ! I am a life member of NTA, FTA, NYSTA, OCTA, and NRA yet they all seem to get plenty more from me every year in the way of donations, raffles, etc., but that is what keeps the associations going. I don't mind helping all I can - til it hurts sometimes. Nearly everyone that joins does want a hat, pin, patch or whatever, too. Good ! It is great advertising and shows that that trapper is proud of who and what he is. Same as belonging to the association - if you are proud of who you are, and what you do, you should be proud enough to join and support your way of life. Wayne, I'll bet a lot of non-members get the TPC magazine, too !!!
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Post by Itrapny on Mar 11, 2007 21:08:57 GMT -5
That was my point John, some people just can't make that connection for $1 more they can help NYSTA
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Post by johnrockwood on Mar 11, 2007 21:18:41 GMT -5
Herm, that's a good question and you have a good idea there, too. I attended a trapper training seminar with my girlfriends two children last fall. The instructors are pretty pressed for time just to get thru all they have to so the attendees can pass the course. I do think that with a little work, they could include something in there about what is going on with trapping in NY State and how NYSTA is working to preserve their rights and the importance of belonging to NYSTA if they wish to continue trapping in the future. I can't remember exact numbers from the BOD meetings I have attended, but the free memberships that are given out have a very poor renewal rate when the trapper has to pay for the membership. As Wayne has pointed out, that is pretty darn foolish considering they probably continue to subscribe to the TPC magazine to save $1.00 !
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Post by critterbob on Mar 11, 2007 21:52:02 GMT -5
I know a couple guys who have been comeing around my fur shed this season. They wanted to learn how to put up fur. From now on if they can't join the NYSTA they can find help elsewhere. Too many guys depend on someone else to protect our rights. I know money is tight for a lot of folks but a handfull of rats pays for one year. Hell a lot of guys give much more than that each year. Everybody do your part!
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Post by mikespring on Mar 12, 2007 6:48:07 GMT -5
Not proud to say it...I only belong to 1 orginazation and thats where I`ve sold fur. You asked and I`ll give ya an honest answer, its a conveinience thing with me. Girl scouts come to my door and they leave with money, same with any worthwhile organization. Probably should`nt be this way but if ya want trappers to join and renew I think its gonna take leg work and then you will get your memberships, I doubt its the money. I`ll make an effort to get in this year.
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Post by skinner69 on Mar 12, 2007 6:54:18 GMT -5
i would like to see the NYSTA do something radical like,start a petition to stop buying licenses of any type hunting, fishing, trapping ETC... for the next ten years if they make any change to the 220 laws at ALL. I am a firm believer that you have strength in numbers.and with only 2000 members or so strong the NYSTA fights our battles with only one leg to stand on. also i ALWAYS hear the famous response of . ' "we can do nothing about it"thats BULL S*** we are the ONLY ones that are going to do anything about it. Sounds good but what if after 1 year or 10 years of not buying licenses it turns out there was no ill effects from the loss of sales and the state learned to live with or replace the lost revenue from license sales?Would our taxes go up to make up for the lost money?If everyone stopped hunting,trapping,fishing just to prove a point the antis won.What happens after that time of no license sales if the state decided not to sell licenses anymore?Sounds radical-yup,possible-anything is possible in this state.
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Post by skinner69 on Mar 12, 2007 7:09:23 GMT -5
Ed, I hate to say this. I may get slammed all over this board for what I am about to say, but this is my take on why so few trappers belong to the organizations that support, promote, and protect them and their interests. #1. It costs a few bucks ! I put this first because it probably is the true #1 reason. Some people just aren't about to part with the money - end of story. However, many of these same individuals will attend the conventions and fur sales that are sponsored and promoted by the same associations they refuse to support. Why ? Again, it's the $$$ ! The fur sales/auctions usually result in the trapper getting the highest prices possible for his hard work. The conventions give the trapper an opportunity to buy his tools and supplies at the lowest possible prices anywhere. But many of these trappers won't part with a few bucks to secure their future and support the conventions and fur sales. #2. They don't want to bother themselves with being actively involved. It takes time - donated, free time - and committment. Apparently many don't have the time ! #3. Some do honestly believe it is a waste of time and money because they don't believe that the associations are representing their interests. There in lies the real "catch 22". In my humble opinion, I don't believe anyone who refuses to, or just doesn't care enough to belong to the organizations that promote and protect their interests, have any right to pregnant dog about what is or is not being done for them through that organization. If those non-members were actively involved members, they could voice their opinions and help favorably further the results thereby. They would have a vested interest in both their trapping lives and the organization that supports them. Often times, these non-members are the ones who complain the most about what is or is not being done. They often listen to, and help spread, unfounded rumors because they don't have access to the facts. BECAUSE THEY DON'T BELONG !!! I hate to use the #330 Trigger issue again, but there was a lot of misinformation and rumors floating around about that, too. In the end, when the dust all settled, most anyone with a reasonable amount of intelligence could see that without the input and advice from NYSTA and especially from the JTI Committee, the trappers of NY would have fared far worse. Chub, I hear you - your take on this is understandable. Everyone needs to understand that it takes money to run an association and the more of it we have, along with numbers of members, the stronger that organization is in promoting it's interests. Some key people have to be paid because their work for the organization takes on a full time role and they have to be able to support themselves and their families as they promote and defend us. These individuals have committed their lives to the promotion and defense of trapping. Most are doing it for free and I am sure it hurts sometimes, both financially and when you hear of a lack of support by those you are trying to help and support. Chub, there is unfounded dissention in the NTA right now. Some misinformed individuals are believing the propaganda and joining the wrong team or dropping their memberships entirely. To my knowledge, this is what happened many years ago when a few people, with egos far too big, formed a second national organization because they couldn't gain or were voted out of office in the existing organization. There is now another group promoting the idea of a third national organization. Do we need that ? NO !!! United we stand, divided we fall. There were, not too long ago, some rumors of starting a second NY organization. We sure as hell don't need that either. We need every trapper in NY to join and get involved as much as possible with the one organization that has always supported the best interests of trappers in New York State - NYSTA ! We need one powerful, united front. We need a loud voice to be heard because we truly are a minority. Groups like HSUS and PETA don't believe trappers and sportsmen/women can ever become united and strong enough to stop them. The bank on it - to the tune of millions of dollars annually. As Wayne said above, just think if NYSTA had 5000 or more new members join up ! The strength of our organization then would be something to reckon with. The biggest question at this point in time is: How do we accomplish that ? How about, instead of getting on here to belly-ache, we turn this into a brainstorming session about how to dramatically increase NYSTA's membership, increase member participation, and build NYSTA to the powerful organization it could and should be ? If every member of NYSTA signed up just one new member, we would double our strength. Sign up three new members and we would have the strength and support of 80%+ of the licensed trappers in New York !!! I'll bet every one of us knows at least three other trappers that are not members of NYSTA. I'll d@mn well bet that if we paid trappers $20 a year to become members of NYSTA, nearly every licensed trapper in NY would join ! Skinner 69 - Exactly. Schoolboy - you are right. Now, blast away if you must - I have broad shoulders ! John I agree across the board with everything stated in your post.For the cost of a couple bottles of lure every trapper in this state could be a member of NYSTA.every trapper in this state spends more then $20 a year on items related to trapping just so they can trap.I dare say probably 1/2 the guys attending the sept. convention aren't members of NYSTA,and those same guys are going into the convention and blowing at least $20 on something new to try for trapping.They'll walk right past the NYSTA booth without even looking just to get to Jim Dandy's finest lure concoction and gamble $20 on a magic lure to try and increase their catch.If they realized that without NYSTA there wouldn't be a convention they might join.I think your right,with the guys on this board we ought to be able to brainstorm up some membership recruitment ideas.I also agree that if you aren't supporting your state organization then you have NO rights whatsoever to complain about the way things are going with trapping in this state.If that ticks you off and gets you motivated-GREAT-join up and argue and fight for trapping in NY.
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Post by skinner69 on Mar 12, 2007 7:21:19 GMT -5
I think the best way to increase membership and it isnt any secret is if everyone would just try and get one new member.I also would like to see if some how all the trapper training instructors could be sent a questionair and asked why in their opion the first time trappers that were givin free memberships didnt renew.Was the inportaince of NYSTA clearly shown as how trapping is under attact and we must fight the anties.I think that in many classes more work could have been done to inform new trappers of the situation facing trappers.Not to just blame instructors or new trappers becouse they have plenty of old trappers that dont get it either. I agree,if every member of NYSTA got one new member we would be 4000 strong.Maybe with a strong membership drive besides we could pick up another 2000 on top of that-6000-we'd have alot louder voice then.As far as the questionaire to trapping instructors on membership renewal and stating the importance of a strong state organization-great idea.I am a member of NYSTA but am not on the membership board BUT would be willing to develop a questionaire and send it out to all the trapping instructors in this state to find out what they think could be done to help the NYSTA membership.All results could be turned over to the membership director for study.
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Post by jsevering on Mar 12, 2007 7:48:35 GMT -5
think most free minded trappers feel associations are like a branch of gov'nt.... dont want nothing to do with it.... wish the need for it would go away.... except for the bennies....
see the same thing on the local planning boards.... with people across the spectrum.... town...zonning and planning....
new people moving in taking up elected positions or apply for the appointed ones..... guess who gets to appoint and then rezone....
the nature of a community changes and the free minded individuals are regulated... and to an extent extorted out of rights they thought were a given....although they may still have those right.... its just gonna cost them their life savings to execute them...
most people dint realize there getting nickeled and dimmed out of rights... many of them had even dedicated their youth serving or lost family members that served to protect them.... figure its america...land of the free and moms apple pie....
well it still is.... only difference is moms in charge of the town board and she moved up from the Hampton's ten years ago and sees her vision of her slice of the pie different.... fresh country air isn't farmer browns cow pasture.... even though she bought a chunk of it....
trapping for the most part is a younger mans game and more than likely the majority of the numbers of licenses sold are to the twenty to thirty five or so age group.... for most people thats when they start hitting or bouncing off the walls of regulation and regulated rights and see the need for associations and such....
think its an education issue myself.... would like to know the average age of the licensee's that do belong to the assoc. but have no idea on expressing the absolute need to someone of the importance of such until they have their noses bloodied once or twice by the system in place.....jim
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Post by fisherman on Mar 12, 2007 8:59:17 GMT -5
Many, many good points made here by people like Johnny Rockwood , Wayne Jones, and others. The issue is rather complex. Society has changed. Now everyone is out for themself. Average age of trappers is getting higher every year; many grey hairs. How many kids do you see coming up behind us? Someone mentioned how many people attend the convention, buy their supplies, and never purchase a membership.As Wayne pointed out the membership really only costs a buck. So many guys can't see the forest because of all the trees. I belong to larger organizations like the NRA and NTA and I do find fault with some of the things they do. But they are the only thing I've got and I sure as Hell am going to support them. The same thing goes for NYSTA. I've been a member for over 45 years; back to the Piseco Lake Days. Back then you joined to support trapping and the same holds true today. Unfortunately we now have a lot of people that show up for a fur sale and as soon as their fur is sold are gone.How many out there ever give thought to what is involved in putting on a convention or fur sale? When it comes to work they are nowhere to be found. When it comes to regulations how many times have I heard trappers say, "They'll never ban trapping", but now when the wolf is at the door they are screaming.How many times just this fall did I hear "NYSTA has to do something, with these dogs getting killed, or we are going to lose trapping". Then when regulations are proposed suddenly a lot of back peddling. Hey this is going to affect MY trapping. Let me assure you that NYSTA and JTI are still trying to get the best deal possible for trappers, but the bottom line is and has been preserving trapping for all of us. NYSTA has made a lot of mistakes along the way. We've also done some things right. In my opinion we are one of the leading State Organizations in the country. Many of the ideas adopted by the NTA originated in New York.How many states employe lobbyists to represent their interests? New York was first with a JTI Committee, now Vermont has followed suit. Without all of these efforts I am convinced we would not be trapping today.If New York trapping falls how many other states will quickly follow suit? Have you ever looked at the total memberhip of Vermont? They and us have to survive by our wits, not by our numbers. On the other hand I have to ask why a guy would shell out the $20. Although he does get the Trapper and Predator Caller, he hears little else from the Association all year. A few times a year there is a newsletter. I think we really fall down in this area. Fundraising is another area where we fail miserably. Efforts by people like Bart placing the Trapper magazine in area schools go a long way, but he is a one man army and after awhile you get tired of going it alone. And yes we have had membership chairmen and membership drives in the past; with little success. We've offered free memberships to people that pass the trapper training exams, yet few renew after a year. I think we are our own worst enemy. A Hell of a lot of arm chair quarterbacks and very few that actually run with the ball. And if you do run with the ball there are always those among us that will find fault.
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Post by skinner69 on Mar 12, 2007 15:14:25 GMT -5
Many, many good points made here by people like Johnny Rockwood , Wayne Jones, and others. The issue is rather complex. Society has changed. Now everyone is out for themself. Average age of trappers is getting higher every year; many grey hairs. How many kids do you see coming up behind us? Someone mentioned how many people attend the convention, buy their supplies, and never purchase a membership.As Wayne pointed out the membership really only costs a buck. So many guys can't see the forest because of all the trees. I belong to larger organizations like the NRA and NTA and I do find fault with some of the things they do. But they are the only thing I've got and I sure as Hell am going to support them. The same thing goes for NYSTA. I've been a member for over 45 years; back to the Piseco Lake Days. Back then you joined to support trapping and the same holds true today. Unfortunately we now have a lot of people that show up for a fur sale and as soon as their fur is sold are gone.How many out there ever give thought to what is involved in putting on a convention or fur sale? When it comes to work they are nowhere to be found. When it comes to regulations how many times have I heard trappers say, "They'll never ban trapping", but now when the wolf is at the door they are screaming.How many times just this fall did I hear "NYSTA has to do something, with these dogs getting killed, or we are going to lose trapping". Then when regulations are proposed suddenly a lot of back peddling. Hey this is going to affect MY trapping. Let me assure you that NYSTA and JTI are still trying to get the best deal possible for trappers, but the bottom line is and has been preserving trapping for all of us. NYSTA has made a lot of mistakes along the way. We've also done some things right. In my opinion we are one of the leading State Organizations in the country. Many of the ideas adopted by the NTA originated in New York.How many states employe lobbyists to represent their interests? New York was first with a JTI Committee, now Vermont has followed suit. Without all of these efforts I am convinced we would not be trapping today.If New York trapping falls how many other states will quickly follow suit? Have you ever looked at the total memberhip of Vermont? They and us have to survive by our wits, not by our numbers. On the other hand I have to ask why a guy would shell out the $20. Although he does get the Trapper and Predator Caller, he hears little else from the Association all year. A few times a year there is a newsletter. I think we really fall down in this area. Fundraising is another area where we fail miserably. Efforts by people like Bart placing the Trapper magazine in area schools go a long way, but he is a one man army and after awhile you get tired of going it alone. And yes we have had membership chairmen and membership drives in the past; with little success. We've offered free memberships to people that pass the trapper training exams, yet few renew after a year. I think we are our own worst enemy. A Hell of a lot of arm chair quarterbacks and very few that actually run with the ball. And if you do run with the ball there are always those among us that will find fault. I agree society has changed and most people are only looking out for themselves,taking what they can get with the least amount of effort.The attitude sucks but it is what it is.Your right,the NYSTA newsletter only comes out a few times a year and the lack of communication between organization and membership is slow to say the least.There are alot of guys who don't even know about the dog incidents of this year or the proposed new regs.Granted more mailings and communication cost money,and more money either means more members or more funding.I agree on all of your post and it makes the trappers future sound pretty bleak.However,the day you stop trying to change or make things better is the day it's really OVER and then all trappers lose period.If this new reg passes with the conibears,how many of the nonmember trappers who own dozens of these traps will there be that wished they spent the $20 to voice their opinion to try and save them for use as they knew them?In my opinion if you don't put forth an effort and try,then you have no right to cry when the game is over.Boosting the membership by a few thousand might be a tough battle but is possible if the right idea pops up.Additional funding/donations should not be a problem if you get the right ideas to work.I for one,am not ready to thro my steel on ebay and let them go to the highest bidder.
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Post by fisherman on Mar 12, 2007 16:05:56 GMT -5
Thank you for your post. We think alike and I too will never give up defending trapping. We need to continue to brainstorm for good ideas, recogize our failures, and strive for improvement.
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Post by pockets on Mar 12, 2007 18:03:10 GMT -5
Well guys I can say for a fact that when I took my daughter to the trapping course last year that not one word was mentioned about the nysta. I think that if it was talked about at the course that more people would have an understanding of the benefits that the organization can offer. I just joined 2 weeks ago and will sign my daughter up as well. I for one would not join the nra because i wanted my money to be used for protecting my rights, not to buy hats, pins, stickers, and magazine subscriptions. This is the only organization that I belong to and if I had to pay full price for the tpc I would, I did not join just for the magazine. People think they need to get something tangable for their money. I also think that all the inproprieties of other organizations over the years have people less willing to help out, just look at what happened with the money for those in new orleans. Just a few of my thoughts.
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Post by deepsleep on Mar 12, 2007 20:18:34 GMT -5
Why not have a membership that costs less money but does not give you the magazine. Cheap people may be more willing to join. Also every one here agrees that some people only go to conventions and fur sales to do buisance then leave, why not take the same discounted membership and make people become a member to get in to these things. I think its pretty simple. If you can't sell your fur you'll have to join. If you can't get your suppies at the lowest possible cost because your not a member join. It may take away some of the monitary value but you'll get members.
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Post by zippythecoon on Mar 12, 2007 20:19:17 GMT -5
i wasn't even aware of the free membership for new trappers until Dave leibig told me about it. he got me and my girls signed up. i can assure you all we will be renewing every year and also recruiting as many new members as we can. we love trapping and will do our best to keep it and the NYSTA alive! i do believe we need to find a way to get the word out to "all" trappers, old and new. pins,hats and such are nice to have as they serve as advertising.gotta let people know you exist somehow.
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Post by Itrapny on Mar 12, 2007 20:35:05 GMT -5
There is a membership without the TPC..... 1 year individual ------------- $20.00 Associate membership ------ $10.00(does not include Trapper Magazine) 3 year individual ---------------$50.00 1 year Family -------------------$22.00 3 year Family -------------------$56.00 Lifetime ------------------------- $250.00 Senior Lifetime---------------- $100.00
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