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Post by trappermac on Apr 23, 2012 18:57:04 GMT -5
...the new issue had a great article written by Janet Hodge and Elizabeth LaRue (candidate to be VP for NTA) titled "What Happened to Trapping" that I think was so well written and long overdue. It pertained to the media tools available to all of us today to share our trapline experiences, namely forums like this as well as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc. It primarily talks about how what we post, share, exploit and otherwise use as bragging rights regarding our trapline experiences are used by those that would love to end this pastime we all share a passion for. I recommend that everyone read this. If you are not a member of NTA then either join or get a copy from someone. It's that important IMO.
While doing this article the authors also realized how many of us trappers are not members of their state or national trappers associations. The associations that safeguard our rights to be able to trap. Are you? With fur prices soaring there are going to be more and more new trappers as well as those "getting back into it" coming into the scene. Should we not try to get these people to join the NYSTA? Would this not be a good time to get people to join our ranks to help support the fight to keep the ability to trap in NY Sate? I think so. I've done a few outdoor shows in the southern tier in the past few months on behalf of NYB as I am a county rep. These were well attended shows but I saw no evidence of trappers being represented with the exception of maybe one trapline supply dealer. How do we get the word out there? Do we leave it to the local county organizations to do it? There is more clout at the state level. We can't b@tch and moan about the lack of trapper support in the state if we aren't trying to bring more into it. I challenge all and the leadership to tell us how we do that. I'll rep my county and do shows and sacrifice a weekend a few times/year to man a booth....anyone else? We all saw the number or trappers out there this year......now is as good a time as ever. Education of the public and support of those that fight for our rights keeps trapping alive.
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Post by Itrapny on Apr 23, 2012 19:07:36 GMT -5
I agree with 100% and it wouldn't take much to get NYSTA representation at at almost every outdoor event across the state. It is the NYSTA Regional Directors responsibility to promote trapping within their region. This was written into the last full revision on the By-Laws but unfortunately it still isn't being done in every region
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Post by mole on Apr 24, 2012 3:10:45 GMT -5
President John F. Kennedy one said, [Ask not what your country can do for you but What can you do for your country. I think this can be related to your trapper association. but to many are to greedy. Whats in it for #1 Me. Do You know what you are up against? Adirondack Explorer magazine; Let the bobcats live by Larry Master DEC needs to take into account that the majority of citizens are not hunters or trappers but the persons who cherish the sight of a bobcat in the wild. Five reasons for opposing the hunting and trapping of our native predators. 1. Their numbers are naturally kept in check by availability of their prey, other predators, disease,and mortality caused by automobiles. 2. The meat is frequently wasted. 3. Trophy hunting and wearing of fur is largly an anacronism in developed countries. 4. any impact of predators on human pets or livestock are better delt with in other ways 5. There is a large segment of the human population that is enthralled by seeing one of these predators in the Wild. This is what you are up against. This propaganda can go to Urban America and they will believe every word and their vote counts as much as yours. only thing different , there is a lot more of them.
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Post by herm on Apr 25, 2012 7:47:09 GMT -5
Many of the local outdoor and sportsman shows or gatherings charge a fee to set up a display table at their events.Who is going to pay for that,the regional director or the county rep?I feel that if an outdoor sportsman show is truely promoting outdoor sports such as hunting ,fishing and trapping the orgs. that help defend and promote our sports should not be charged to set up at these events.They are quite different than a comercial enterprise that is there to make money.I have checked into a few in region 8 with the Houndsman and there is no way we could justify the cost and set up fees that they wanted.
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Post by Itrapny on Apr 25, 2012 8:24:19 GMT -5
Herm, There is usually a non-profit rate at these expo's and it is VERY affordable, usually under $100, sometimes free. If someone were to set-up and gain 4 new members, that event has paid for itself...nobody (or very few) are willing to sit at a booth all weekend however. The Independent Fur Harvesters of CNY set-up every year at the Syracuse Sportsman show and I know that Rockland County Trappers do the same in there region but NYSTA NEVER does
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Post by herm on Apr 25, 2012 9:46:18 GMT -5
Wayne,You didnt really answer my question as far as who is going to pay the fee for setting up at some of these sportsman shows.As I stated in my post as far as some of the ones at least in region 8 are concerned,the ones who charge a fee it is so high that it is just not worth it.Other events such as Hunting and Fishing Day at the DEC in Avon are free and are represented by both trappers and houndsman.One large event in the area,Empire Farm Days,Dave Miller is there every year. If the NYSTA is interested in setting up at the sportsman shows in the different regions across the state, maybe this is something that should be adderssed at a BOD meeting as to if and how the set up cost will be payed for.
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Post by trappermac on Apr 25, 2012 10:10:52 GMT -5
The set-up cost should be paid for by the NYSTA.....Like Wayne said, they are usually around $100 or less for a weekend. Just guessing how it works with NYSTA...but usually up to region Rep or County rep to look into a show that they think might be beneficial and then submit to Pres. for approval. If funds approved Sec. should submit the appropriate info and check. Not that difficult.
These shows, you can sell/get more members, you can sell merchandise and they are great for selling raffle tickets. More importantly you educate the public when they stop by your booth to ask questions. If it's $100 and you have a good raffle going at the time you'll do well. If you're not out there for all to see than nobody cares....if you think an ad in the Hunting and Fishing Regs should sell more memberships, you're kidding yourself.
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Post by Itrapny on Apr 25, 2012 11:12:49 GMT -5
Couldn't have said it better myself, you hit the nail right on the head Mac.....
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Post by herm on Apr 25, 2012 16:51:31 GMT -5
Yes I know how it should or could work.I have been in on these discussions before many times with the NYS Houndsman.I do not recall and I have attended close to 75% of the NYSTA BOD meetings the last 8 years or so, the subject being discussed as to the willingness of the NYSTA paying the set up fees for sportsman shows in the different regions of the state if someone wanted to set up at one of these shows.Local or regional trapping orgs. have reported at times that they were at various local or regional events,but these were not funded by the NYSTA.I have been at BOD meetings and heard Dave Miller say he was going to be at so and so place and I have run into Dave working many different events,but I have never been aware of a discussion informing reps if they wanted to set up at a local show that the NYSTA would be interested in paying the set up fee or how to go about getting the approval of NYSTA to pay a set up fee.
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Post by Itrapny on Apr 25, 2012 19:44:56 GMT -5
Herm, That's the Regioanl Director's responsibility....it spells it out clearly in the By-Laws and NYSTA has paid for booth space before for various events.
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Post by walleyed on Apr 26, 2012 6:43:02 GMT -5
HEY,
Isn't that REDBONECHICK'S Photograph Gracing the cover of that AMERICAN TRAPPER MAGAZINE.
Congratulations Danielle !!
walleyed
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Post by Itrapny on Apr 26, 2012 7:45:09 GMT -5
It most certainly is!! Congratulations Danielle
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Post by redbonechick on Apr 26, 2012 19:52:09 GMT -5
Thanks! That was my end of the line pic... Sunset on my season
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