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National Trappers Association
National Trappers Association

National
Trappers Association

Protecting Wild Things and Wild Places

Defending Our Heritage

We Are Committed

To defend and promote the safe and ethical harvest of furbearing mammals and to the preservation and enhancement of their habitats.

We Encourage

The development and usage of the most effective and humane trapping techniques available.

Education
Education
Top name trappers provide demonstrations at each convention to help trappers of all ages improve their trapping techniques.
Research
Research
The reintroduction of the otter in the U.S. is an example of the partnership between trappers and wildlife managers.
Legislation
Legislation
The NTA lawyers & lobbyists assist many states with introduced legislative bills which are detrimental to trappers.
View Your State
Your State
Click the map to view what's happening in your state. Most are affiliated with the NTA helping us all work together.
Highlights of the 2019 National Trappers Association Convention

NTA 2025 Sweepstakes Winners

Trapping Facts
Quick Facts About Trapping

There are more wild furbearers in the United States today than there was 100 years ago.
There are no furbearing animals in the United States or Canada which are endangered or threatened by fur harvesting today.
Millions of North Americans depend on fur harvesting for their livelihood. These people have a vested interest in protecting the natural environment.
Nothing is wasted in the production of a wild fur garment. Furbearers provide food, organic fertilizer, medicines, and other biodegradable products.
Conversely, synthetic materials exhaust our limited supply of oil and other non-renewable resources.
Sound wildlife management programs ensure the necessary supply of natural wild fur for today's needs and those of tomorrow
About NTA

The National Trappers Association is committed to defending and promoting the safe and ethical harvest of furbearing mammals and to the preservation and enhancement of their habitats.
Fifty-one state trapping affiliates make up the core of the national organization representing thousands of fur harvesters from every portion of the country. The National Trappers Association and its members continue to research and encourage the development and usage of the most effective and humane trapping techniques available.
Furbearers, like other managed wildlife species, thrive and are far more diverse today then 100 years ago. The reintroduction of the river otter throughout America’s river systems is just one example of the successful partnership between trappers and wildlife managers.
The National Trappers Association continues to defend our American Heritage and the sound management of all wildlife for the future enjoyment and use by all sportsmen of North America.
We thank all members and organizations for their dedicated support.
Destroying the Myth
This NTA produced video explodes the heart of the anti-trapping strategy by exposing it as false. Click video to view.
Membership Specials
The NTA offers special membership campaigns throughout the year. Join with us to help preserve our heritage.

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Snake River Trappers
Upper Snake River Trappers of Idaho

NTA Director
Mike Murdock
1130 E 1800 N
Terreton, ID 83450
T: 208-716-0377
E: mikemurdock95@gmail.com

HSUS Statement #1

Trapped animals can suffer from thirst and starvation; they may die as a result of exposure to the elements or predation. (Humane Society of the United States)

Factual Rebuttal: DNR regulation stipulates that traps set in uplands and non-tidal wetlands must be checked once per calender day. This frequency prevents or severely limits the probability of these occurrences. Any person that would violate this regulation would also violate trap prohibition regulations.
The fundamental economic realities of commercial trapping also discourages these occurrences. The margin of profit in commercial trapping is relatively small. Every consecutive day that an animal is in a trap, that trap is non-functional and cannot capture additional animals. In effect, if a trapper allowed this to occur they would be jeopardizing potential revenue.

HSUS Statement #2

The steel-jawed foothold trap has been declared "inhumane" by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the World Veterinary Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association. (Humane Society of the United States)

Factual Rebuttal: These organizations characteristically represent domestic small animal health care providers. The very nature of their professions predetermines that they typically examine only worse case scenarios involving trapped animals. It can be logically assumed that few examinations would be requested for un-injured animals captured in foothold traps.
Animal health care professionals that specialize in wildlife health issues clearly support trapping and the use of foothold traps to manage health concerns in free-ranging wildlife populations.

HSUS Statement #3

Animals still alive when the trapper checks the trapline are killed by bludgeoning or stomping or, less often, by strangulation or shooting. (Humane Society of the United States)

Factual Rebuttal: Portions of this statement reinforce the inherent value of foothold traps. foothold traps are live-restraining devices and the animals are "still alive", thus affording the opportunity to release or harvest captured animals. Although not aesthetically pleasing, blunt force trauma (bludgeoning) and shooting are recognized as humane euthanasia techniques by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Trapper education provides information on humane techniques to put an animal down
Raccoon Roundworms

Raccoon Roundworms

Baylisascaris, an intestinal raccoon roundworm, can infect a variety of other animals, including humans. The worms develop to maturity in the raccoon intestine, where they produce millions of eggs that are passed in the feces. Released eggs take 2-4 weeks to become infective to other animals and humans. The eggs are resistant to most environmental conditions and with adequate moisture, can survive for years.

People become infected when they accidentally ingest infective eggs in soil, water, or on objects that have been contaminated with raccoon feces.

When humans ingest these eggs, they hatch into larvae in the person's intestine and travel throughout the body, affecting the organs and muscles.

Anyone who is exposed to environments where raccoons live is potentially at risk. Young children or developmentally disabled persons are at highest risk for infection when they spend time outdoors and may put contaminated fingers, soil, or objects into their mouths. Hunters, trappers, taxidermists, and wildlife handlers may also be at increased risk if they have contact with raccoons or raccoon habitats.

Infected raccoons have been found throughout the United States, mainly in the Midwest, Northeast, middle Atlantic, and West coast. Infection rarely causes symptoms in raccoons. Predator animals, including dogs, may also become infected by eating a smaller animal that has been infected with Baylisascaris.

Raccoon Roundworms Signs & Symptoms - Nausea, tiredness, liver enlargement, loss of coordination, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of muscle control, blindness, coma.

HSUS Statement #4

Body-gripping traps (steel-jawed foothold traps, snares, and Conibear traps) cause severe distress, fear, and pain to both wildlife and pets. Body-gripping traps slam closed on and grip tightly an animal's leg or other body part. As a result, animals can suffer lacerations, broken bones, and joint dislocation. As the animal struggles to get free, he/she sometimes chews off a leg to escape or breaks teeth by biting the metal trap. (Humane Society of the United States)

Factual Rebuttal: The correct terminology and classification of trap types includes 3 different categories. The first category is 'live-capture restraining devices' that allow the release or harvest of trapped animals. foothold traps are included in this category. The second category is 'killing' devices that result in a near instantaneous death for trapped animals. This category includes Conibears and other brands of body-gripping traps. The third category includes traps that can function either as 'live-capture restraining devices' or 'killing' devices dependent on how and where they are set. Snares are included in this category.
Since Conibears and other body gripping "killer' traps are designed to provide a near instantaneous death via force applied directly below the base of the skull, the likelihood of extraneous injury, and/or self mutilation is extremely low. When snares are used as a 'live- capture restraining device they function in a similar manner to a dog collar and leash. Therefore, the likelihood of extraneous damage and/or self mutilation is also extremely low. Highly structured and replicated studies have repeatedly shown that foothold traps are the only efficient, practical, selective, humane, and environmentally benign 'live-capture restraining device' currently available for many furbearer species.
By design, capture devices used to reintroduce extirpated species or augment Threatened and Endangered populations have to ensure minimal damage probabilities to target animals. foothold traps have been used almost exclusively to capture and re-establish red wolves, gray wolves, mexican wolves, lynx, and river otter.

HSUS Statement #5

Body-gripping traps are indiscriminate. They victimize any animal unfortunate enough to trigger them. Animals caught include protected species such as eagles, kit foxes, fishers, and wolverines, as well as family pets. The majority of smaller animals (birds, rabbits, squirrels, etc.) unintentionally caught in traps die or must be destroyed because of serious, disabling injuries. (Humane Society of the United States)

Factual Rebuttal: The selectivity of foothold traps has been documented in studies conducted by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in 21 states. The capture of thousands of furbearers resulted in non- target capture rates as small as 3% of total captures, and included no threatened and endangered species. foothold traps are live-capture restraining devices that experience minimal injury rates, and allow release of captured animals. Over 4,000 river otter captured predominately in foothold traps have been released in reintroduction projects in 18 states.
Traps pose no realistic threat to human safety. An exhaustive investigation of trapping incidents in the U.S. during the last twenty years could only document 3 cases of injury to the public that resulted from regulated trapping. All of these injuries were considered minor.

HSUS Statement #6

Commercial trapping is not a "wildlife management tool". There are no bag limits and no limits on the number of traps that can be set. Trapping activity is driven by the price of pelts, not by the need to manage wildlife populations. Some fur-bearers (coyotes for instance) have natural fertility and breeding controls when not disturbed by humans, while others (such as muskrats) experience natural boom-and-bust cycles. (Humane Society of the United States)

Factual Rebuttal: The professional wildlife conservation community universally endorses traps and trapping as critical and essential wildlife management tools. The Wildlife Society and the International Association Of Fish and Wildlife Agencies are the largest international organizations representing professional wildlife conservation employees and governmental wildlife agencies. Both organizations have issued policy statements that strongly support the role commercial trapping plays in achieving wildlife management objectives.
Harvest season length, bag limits, permissible size and types of traps, and total number of traps permissible per trapper, are all considered during the development of management strategies for individual species. Population growth characteristics of some species require strict harvest regulations that include bag limits and limiting the number of traps per individual. Conversely, harvest and population characteristics of other species require liberal regulations to meet prescribed furbearer management objectives.
All wildlife populations possess inherent bio-feedback mechanisms that eventually limit population densities. Most species can exhibit classic 'boom and bust cycles'. The reproductive capabilities of coyotes, muskrats and many other furbearers allow non-regulated populations to increase at exponential rates until they approach and/or surpass the carrying capacity of their respective ecosystems (boom). When this occurs, competition for limited resources compromises the health of the entire population. At that time, the weakened condition of these animals allow density-dependent mortality factors such as starvation, disease, and social strife, to decimate entire populations (bust). Oftentimes, the health of the entire ecosystem including all aligned wildlife species and the public are also negatively impacted by these inflated furbearer populations.
Regulated commercial trapping manages populations by moderating the extremes of 'boom and bust' cycles. This results in stable populations of healthy animals that are in balance with the biological carrying capacity of their ecosystems and the cultural carrying capacity accepted by the general public.
Learn more about some of the most commonly trapped furbearers in the United States by clicking on the photos below.

Beaver Fever (Giardiasis)

Giardiasis (GEE-are-DYE-uh-sis) is a diarrheal illness caused by a one-celled, microscopic parasite, Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia). Once an animal or person has been infected with Giardia intestinalis, the parasite lives in the intestine and is passed in the stool. Because the parasite is protected by an outer shell, it can survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time.

During the past 2 decades, Giardiainfection has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease (found in both drinking and recreational water) in humans in the United States . Giardia are found worldwide and within every region of the United States.

The Giardia parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of germs can be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal. Giardia is found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite.

Beaver Fever Signs & Symptoms - Diarrhea, gas, greasy stools, stomach or abdominal cramps, upset stomach or nausea/vomiting, dehydration.
Beaver Fever
Furbearer

What is a Furbearer?

Technically, the term furbearer includes all mammals, all of which, by definition possess some form of hair. Typically, however, wildlife managers use the term to identify mammal species that have traditionally been trapped or hunted for their fur. Furbearers are a diverse group, including both carnivores (meat eating predators) and rodents (gnawing mammals). Most are adaptable species ranging over large geographic areas. A few animals that are normally hunted or trapped primarily for their meat or to reduce agricultural or property damage may also be considered furbearers if their skins are marketed.
Fur

Fur Facts

Most furbearers possess two layers of fur: a dense, soft underfur that provides insulation and water-repellent qualities; and an outer layer of longer, glossy guardhairs that grow through the underfur, protecting it from matting and abrasion. A fur is said to be prime when the guardhairs are at their maximum length and the underfur is at its maximum thickness. Fur generally becomes prime in midwinter when the coat is fresh and fully grown; the timing for primeness may vary somewhat depending on species, location (latitude) and elevation.
Fur Industry

Fur Industry

Furs are generally tanned, trimmed, and sewn into garments, rugs, blankets and ornaments, and sometimes dyed in a variety of colors and patterns. Furs are also used in fishing lures, fine brushes and other products. Some furs are shaved, and the hair processed into felt for hats and other garments.
The fur trade is tightly regulated by state, national and international governing bodies. These regulations cover everything from animal welfare to environmental impact.
Renewable Fur

Renewable Resource

Fur is a renewable resource (naturally replenished), a product of long traditional use, valued by many for its beauty, durability, insulative and natural qualities. Fur is only one of many values that people ascribe to furbearers. People have continuously used furbearers in North America for clothing, food and religious ceremonies for the past 11,000 years.
The sustainable use of renewable natural resources is based on the fact that most species of plants and animals produce more young than their habitat can support to maturity.

Furbearers

Technically, the term furbearer includes all mammals, all of which, by definition possess some form of hair. Typically, however, wildlife managers use the term to identify mammal species that have traditionally been trapped or hunted for their fur. Furbearers are a diverse group, including both carnivores (meat eating predators) and rodents (gnawing mammals.

Fur Facts

Most furbearers possess two layers of fur: a dense, soft underfur that provides insulation and water-repellent qualities; and an outer layer of longer, glossy guardhairs that grow through the underfur, protecting it from matting and abrasion. A fur is said to be prime when the guardhairs are at their maximum length and the underfur is at its maximum thickness. Fur generally becomes prime in midwinter when the coat is fresh and fully grown; the timing for primeness may vary somewhat depending on species, location (latitude) and elevation.

Fur Industry

Furs are generally tanned, trimmed, and sewn into garments, rugs, blankets and ornaments, and sometimes dyed in a variety of colors and patterns. Furs are also used in fishing lures, fine brushes and other products. Some furs are shaved, and the hair processed into felt for hats and other garments.
The fur trade is tightly regulated by state, national and international governing bodies. These regulations cover everything from animal welfare to environmental impact.

Resources

Fur is a renewable resource (naturally replenished), a product of long traditional use, valued by many for its beauty, durability, insulative and natural qualities. Fur is only one of many values that people ascribe to furbearers. People have continuously used furbearers in North America for clothing, food and religious ceremonies for the past 11,000 years.
Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a rash. If the disease is not treated, the patient could develop kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, and respiratory distress. In rare cases death occurs.

Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Leptospirosis is confirmed by laboratory testing of a blood or urine sample. Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Many different kinds of animals carry the bacterium; they may become sick but sometimes have no symptoms. Leptospira organisms have been found in cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and wild animals. Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from these infected animals. This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially with mucosal surfaces, such as the eyes or nose, or with broken skin. The disease is not known to be spread from person to person.

Leptospirosis Signs & Symptoms - High fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash.

Rabies

Rabies is a disease caused by the rabies virus. It may take several weeks or even a few years for people to show symptoms after getting infected with rabies, but usually people start to show signs of the disease 1 to 3 months after the virus infects them. The early signs of rabies can be fever or headache, but this changes quickly to nervous system signs, such as confusion, sleepiness, or agitation. Once someone with rabies infection starts having these symptoms, that person usually does not survive. This is why it is very important to talk to your doctor or health care provider right away if any animal bites you, especially a wild animal.

Many kinds of animal can pass rabies to people. Wild animals are much more likely to carry rabies, especially raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. However, dogs, cats, cattle (cows), or any warm-blooded animal can pass rabies to people. People usually get rabies from the bite of an infected animal. Many animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses are vaccinated against rabies, but you should always wash any bite thoroughly and check with your health care provider about what to do if any animal bites you.

Early Rabies Signs & Symptoms - Similar to flu, discomfort, fever, headache. Don't delay calling the doctor!
Rabies
River Otter Restoration
Successful in AK, MO, TN, KY, IL, IN, NC, IA, WV, NE, NY, OH, PA, CO, MD, AZ, MN, OK & KS
Modern foothold traps (these are the same traps used by public trappers) have been used to successfully capture river otter and release them unharmed into other areas of the United States to restore otter populations.
Capture and Relocate
Lynx reintroduced to some western states were captured by foothold traps in the Yukon, Canada.
Red wolves, Mexican wolves and Grey wolves were captured by foothold traps, examined and relocated to establish new populations. Some are used for captive breeding programs by wildlife officials.
Tick Borne Illness

Tick Borne Illness

Ticks may transmit several different diseases to humans, including Lyme Disease, Southern Tick-Associated Rash, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and more.

Lyme disease is spread by the tiny deer tick. Ticks feed on blood, and infected ticks transmit the disease as they feed. Although the deer tick prefers to feed on wild animals, especially mice, birds, opossum, raccoon, and deer, they will also feed on dogs, cats, livestock, and humans. When people visit or live near deer tick habitats, they run a high risk of contracting Lyme disease. For your own safety, you should become familiar with tick habits and habitats, and you should learn how to prevent tick bites.

Tick Borne Illness Signs & Symptoms - Fever, chills, aches and pains, rash.
Skunk
Skunk Range
Skunk Tracks

About the Skunk

Mephitis Mephitis
Order - Carnivora
Family - Mustelidae
The Latin word "mephitis" translates to "bad odor", and many people would agree that the name "bad odor - bad odor" aptly fits the common and abundant striped skunk.
Smaller spotted skinks are also distributed widely, and two species are recognized. Known as "civets" to the fur trade, the western spotted skinks experience a delayed implantation reproduction, while the eastern skunks do not.

Skunk Fast Facts

• Striped skunks can weigh up to 8 pounds, with spotted skunks weighing only 3 pounds.

• Skunk 'spray' contains sulfuric acid, which can cause temporary blindness.

• Both striped and spotted skunk have 34 teeth.

• Striped skunks suffer poor vision of more than 2 to 3 feet.

• Spotted skunks can do 'handstands' and even spray from that position.

Description

Average adult striped skinks weigh 6 to 8 pounds, although body weight might be significantly heavier in late fall as the skunks attain layers of fat to sustain themselves through winter. Spotted skunks are much smaller, usually weighing 2 or 3 pounds. Males of both types are slightly heavier than females.
All striped skunks have a white stripe on the head between the nose and the forehead. A white crest, or cap, is typical on the top of the head, and a continuing white stripe usually divides over the shoulder area into two stripes that continue along the sides of the animal into the tail. The amount of white coloration varies with the individual skunk, with some having broad stripes, narrow stripes, short stripes or even none at all.
Spotted skunks have a white patch on the forehead area, and a broken pattern of white striping that appears as blotches or spots of white in the otherwise black fur. The amount of white also varies with individuals. Some spotted skunks have mostly black tails while other can be mostly white.
The scent glands in skunks are well developed. Musk, or essence, can be sprayed repeatedly as a defense. The yellowish compound is powerful in all skunks, and contains sulfuric acid which can cause temporary blindness in both other animals and man.
Striped and spotted skunks have 5 toes on each foot. The front feet have relatively long claws to assist them in digging for grubs and other foods. Both skunks have 34 teeth, including 4 pointed and sharp canines teeth.
Skunk fur is rather long, and longer on tails than on bodies. Underfur is white under the white guard hairs, and grayish under the black colored guard hairs.

Skunk Habits

Striped skunks are mostly nocturnal, doing most of their hunting and traveling during the night. Territory sizes are somewhat small, and overlapping or sharing of territories is normal as the species does not defend it's territory against others of the same species as do some other species. Home ranges are considered to be about 4 square miles, but most skunks do not travel more than a mile or so in one night's activity.
Communal dens are common during the time of year that young are not being raised, and 6 to 20 skunks might share a den with one male at a time.
Striped skunks suffer from poor vision at a distance of more than 2 or 3 feet. A keen sense of smell enables then to easily locate foods, which vary with the season. Not a particularly swift animal, skunks don't need good distance vision to locate prey species which have little or no mobility. The ability to see a predator at a distance is not necessary either, as the threat of spraying its musk will usually deter all but ignorant predators, who soon receive a lesson.
Skunks usually give ample warning before they spray their musk. Spraying is a defense mechanism and used only when the animal feels that it is necessary to protect its own life. Warnings usually include a lifting of the tail, a turning of the back towards the danger, and sometimes, a pounding of the front feet in a drummer-like fashion.
Spotted skunks are more agile than striped skunks. Their territory sizes are similar to striped skunks. This species can climb very well, and they descend trees head first.
When threatened, spotted skunks commonly do handstands, balancing on their front feet while they lift their bodies into the air. This balancing act usually lasts for about 5 seconds at a time. The species can spray an offender from this position.
Spotted skunks are almost strictly nocturnal, usually retiring to a den before daylight, and coming out only after dark in the evening.
Skunks are not true hibernators, but both species may spend weeks at a time in dens during cold temperatures and deep snow conditions. Striped skunks usually utilize underground dens that have been made by badgers, groundhogs or foxes. At times, they will tolerate other species in its den, even curling up and sleeping with a raccoon, opposum.
Spotted skunks prefer dens under or in old buildings. Oftentimes, a den will on the second floor of an old barn. Dens in haylofts are common, and the spotted skunks easily climb to the elevated areas.
Slow and poorly sighted furbearers, striped skunks are opportunistic feeders. Grubs and insects are commonly located and dug out of the ground, along with juvenile mice, rabbits, and ground nesting birds or eggs found. Fruits and grains are eaten when available, and carrion is commonly eaten during the winter months when many foods are not available.
Spotted skunks are more efficient than striped skunks as predators. These smaller skunks kill and eat significantly more mice and rats. Spotted skunks also frequent the edges of streams and ponds, and they do wade shallow water in pursuit of crayfish, a preferred food.

General

Although skunks are not well liked by people, they do provide valuable services by controlling significant numbers of injurious insects in the larval stages. The diet of spotted skunks is almost entirely beneficial to man. Both striped and spotted skunks can raid chicken houses. The worst offender is usually the spotted skunk because it can climb easily to gain access.
Spotted skunks do dig up lawns in pursuit of grubs, and this is an annoyance to those who spend time and money to groom lawns.
The concern of Rabies in striped skunks is very real. More striped skunks than all other species combined are tested positive for rabies every year, and this disease is always a threat to livestock, pets and man.
Striped skunks can destroy a significant number of waterfowl nests. However, recent studies indicate that they may be beneficial to waterfowl populations because skunks are the only significant predator of a far more serious waterfowl, the snapping turtle. Striped skunks relish snapping turtle eggs, which are commonly found, unearthed and eaten.
Six years of age is considered old for either a striped or spotted skunk.
Young Skunk

Skunk Reproduction

Striped skunks often breed during February, and the males do a great deal of traveling at this time to locate females. Many times, females will live in an underground den through the winter with only one male, who will protect the communal den from invasion by another male.
Gestation periods are usually 63 days, and all bred females seek solitary dens to raise their young by themselves.
Litter sizes of striped skunks are usually 6 to 8, except for the first litter, which usually numbers 4.
The eastern species of spotted skunk, Spilogale Putorius, usually breed in April. Gestation is about 60 days before 3 to 5 young are born.
The western species, Spillage Cracilus, breeds in September or October and gestation is about 140 days due to a delayed implantation process.
The new litter of striped and spotted skunks begin following their mothers at 6 weeks of age. Travel is often single file, and the young are quick to learn to find grubs and insects.
The family unit breaks up as the young reach 3 months of age. Dispersal is not significant, and the juvenile females may continue to share their mother's den. Males are evicted, however, by the dominant male, and the juvenile male skunks are forced to find other suitable den locations.

National
Trappers
Association

Protecting Wild Things
and Wild Places

We Are
Committed

To defend and promote the safe, ethical harvest of furbearing mammals and to the preservation and enhancement of their habitats.

We
Encourage

The development and usage of the most effective and humane trapping techniques available.

Thank You!

I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of the National Trappers Association to express my appreciation to the Affiliates and Businesses listed below for sponsoring the prizes for our 2025 "Sweepstakes Raffle". I’m sure you will be happy to hear the Sweepstakes proved to be very popular with trappers and was an extremely successful fundraiser for the NTA. Clearly, without the support of our Affiliates and Business Donors this project would have never been possible.

As the NTA moves forward with the task of protecting and defending the sport and tools we all hold so dear, we will no doubt face many difficult battles and obstacles. As President, it’s reassuring to know we have the support of so many good people.

So again, please accept both my personal thanks as well as that of the NTA for your support of this vital fundraiser.

Sincerely,
Rusty Kramer
President, National Trappers Association

Prize Sponsors

Groenewold Fur & Wool Co., Missouri Trappers Association, Kansas Fur Harvesters Association, Vermont Trappers Association, Iowa Trappers Association, South Dakota Trappers Association, Michigan UP Trappers Association, Idaho Trappers Association, Indiana State Trappers Association, Connecticut Trappers Association, Minnesota Trappers Association, F&T Fur Harvesters Trading Post, Minnesota Trapline Products, Duke Trap Company, Sterling Fur Company, and Fur - Fish - Game.

Prize #

First

Last

State

Prize

Donated By

Grand Prize

Ron

Nett

MN

2019 Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O.

Groenewold Fur & Wool

1st

Roy

Swallom

ND

Remington SPSV .204

Idaho Trappers Association

2nd

Cheryl

Phillips

NV

Remington 870 12 ga

Missouri Trappers Association

3rd

Michael

Larsen

MN

Ruger American Pkg 22-250

Alabama Trappers & Predator Control

4th

Gary

Vanhaele

MT

Remington 597 .22

Kansas Fur Harvesters Association

5th

Patrick

Wright

AK

Mossberg 835 .12 Gauge

Illinois Trappers Association

6th

John

Way

KS

Ruger American .243

Iowa Trappers Association

7th

Trenton

Warden

KS

Remington 870 exp 12 gauge

Northern Great Lakes Fur Harvesters

8th

Mike

Clemen

IA

Henry .22

Maryland Fur Trappers Inc.

9th

Harold

Nygren

OR

Remington SPS .270

Nevada Trappers Association

10th

Mike

Dreska

IL

Ruger American 7mm-08

Pennsylvania Trappers Association

11th

Andrew

Landies

CA

Ruger 10/22 .22

South Dakota Trappers Association

12th

Shannon

Sheffert

OK

1 Dozen Freedom Brand FB1 Dog Proof Raccoon Traps

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

13th

Steve

Bowman

NV

1 Dozen Freedom Brand FB1 Dog Proof Raccoon Traps

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

14th

Kevin

Stalker

PA

1 Dozen Bridger #2 Dogless Offset Coil Spring Traps

Minnesota Trapline Products

15th

Richard

Westfall

OH

1 Doxen Bridger #1.75 Coil Spring Traps (Reg. or Offset)

Minnesota Trapline Products

16th

Kim

Demers

NY

1 Dozen Freedom Brand FB2 Dog Proof Raccoon Traps

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

17th

Ruben

Rowe

NV

1 Dozen Freedom Brand FB2 Dog Proof Raccoon Traps

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

18th

Bill

Miller

MN

Brawn #9 Wold Trap Laminated Offset Jaws

Minnesota Trapline Products

19th

Tom

Thomas

OH

1 Dozen Bridger #150 Magum Body Gripper Traps

Minnesota Trapline Products

20th

Phil

Zehner

WI

Sterling Fur Pack Pack Basket

Sterling Fur Company

21st

Roger

Hutton

IA

Two-Handled Post Fleshing Knife

Bailey s Trapping Supply

22nd

Tonnie

Davis

NC

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

23rd

Jon

Jenkins

NE

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

24th

David

Trusty

IN

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

25th

Patrick

Howard

OH

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

26th

Tom

Brown

NV

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

27th

Scott

Watson

MI

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

28th

Dan

Enke

MN

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

29th

Noelle

Gilmore

MT

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

30th

Jon

Hughes

OH

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

31st

J Camp

Newton

MO

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

32nd

Dick

Hopp

MI

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

33rd

Alex

Ballweg

WI

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

34th

Charles

Holtel

IN

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

35th

Gerald

Czarnecki

PA

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

36th

Brandon

Roe

IN

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

37th

Michael

Murphy

NY

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

38th

Deborah

Culbertson

VA

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

39th

Martin

McCracken

MI

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

40th

Randy

Helbach

WI

Freedom Brand Fleshing System

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

41st

Rich

Dalbkermeyer

IA

Freedom Brand Pro 14" Fleshing Knife

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

42nd

Robert

Mulligan

OH

Freedom Brand Pro 10" Fleshing Knife, 1 gallon Full Metal Jacket 

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

43rd

Tom

Dougherty

MA

Freedom Brand Wolf Fang Package (2 doz. w/chain & driver)

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

44th

Toufie

Mazzawy

NY

Mark June Coyote DVD Volume 1 & 2

Mark June Lures

45th

Douglas

Hansen

MI

Mark June Coyote Redusing the Numbers

Mark June Lures

46th

Frank

Keene

PA

Mark June Bobcat DVD

Mark June Lures

47th

Jason

Zook

IN

1 Dozen Freedom Brand Saber-Tooth Drags

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

48th

Timothy

Stommes

MN

1 Freedom Brand Pro Sifter & 4 Dozen Coon Grabbers Bait

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

49th

Albert

Matzat

IN

Schumann Beaver in the Bank & Raccon Riot DVD

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

50th

Greg

Lee

GA

Dunlap High Speed Predator, Beaver & Otter Trap DVD

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

51st

Gilbert

Patnoe

VT

Probst Predator Madness DVD

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

Prize #

First

Last

State

Prize

Donated By

Grand Prize

John

Thompson

NV

2024 Polaris Sportsman 450 with Power Steering

Groenewold Fur & Wool

1st

Doug

Pfeifer

PA

Tikka TX3 .270

South Dakota Trappers Association

2nd

Bruce

Culler

MD

Ruger 10/22 . 22 Synthetic Stock

NTA

3rd

Jay

Hoyt

WI

Winchester SXP Hunter .12

Missouri Trappers Association

4th

Mike

Thompson

WI

Savage Axis XP 22-250

Michigan UP Trappers Association

5th

Lyle

Mohlis

IA

Ruger 10/22 Wood Stock .22

Idaho Trappers Association

6th

J.D.

Donnelly

NY

CZ 712 12 Gauge

Iowa Trappers Association

7th

Mike

Clemen

IA

Henry Lever Action .22

NTA

8th

Gordon

Tourville

NY

Winchester SX4 12 gauge

Vermont Trappers Association

9th

Galen

Nolt

PA

Savage Axis 2 .243

Kansas Fur Harvesters Association

10th

Jack

Glancey

IN

Weatherby 7MM Magnum

Indiana State Trappers Association

11th

Gilbert

Patnoe

VT

Ruger American Predator 6.5 cm with scope

NTA

12th

Tim

Corwin

NJ

Winchester SXP WFMO 12 gauge

Connecticut Trappers Association

13th

Richard

Dumaine

NV

Winchester SXP WFRT 12gauge

NTA

14th

Rich

WelDeman

NV

Ruger American .243

NTA

15th

Mike

Harding

NV

Crickett .22

NTA

16th

Tom

Buurman

NJ

$500 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

17th

Jim

Bloom

IN

$250 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

18th

Jack

Longstreet

MI

$250 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

19th

Lanny

Wertz

PA

1 Dozen Bridger #3 Dogless Offset Traps

Minnesota Trapline Products

20th

Jim

Calchera

VT

1 Dozen Bridger #2 Dogless Offset Traps

Minnesota Trapline Products

21st

Kenneth

Muscarella

NY

1 Dozen Bridger #1.65 Offset Jaw

Minnesota Trapline Products

22nd

James

Adkins

TN

1 Dozen Bridger #1.75 Regular Jaw

Minnesota Trapline Products

23rd

Kevin

Force

MA

Brawn #9 Wolf Trap Laminated Offset Jaws

Minnesota Trapline Products

24th

September

Barnes

NV

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

25th

Sean

Kayton

VA

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

26th

Brad

Stover

PA

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

27th

Peggy

Essary

MO

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

28th

Terry

Olson

SD

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

29th

Gerry

Dickinson

KS

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

30th

James

Brice

SC

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

31st

John

Linder

AR

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

32nd

Mark

Peterson

NV

Sterling Pack Basket and Matt Jones DVD

Sterling Fur Company

33rd

Kenneth

Lindskov

SD

Necker Fleshing Knife & Winkler s Raw Fur DVD

Sterling Fur Company

34th

David

Danilowsky

MI

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

35th

Greg

Scheller

IL

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

36th

Phillip

Zehner

WI

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

37th

Dale

Howe

MI

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

38th

Kevin

Lawrence

VT

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

39th

Richard

Neubauer

WI

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

40th

Tom

Pace

NJ

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

41st

Stephen

Sloan

NY

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

42nd

Steven

Connaghan

MI

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

43rd

Peter

Lossmann

VT

$100 Gift Certificate for F&T Trading Post

Fur Harvesters Trading Post

44th

Joshua

Sias

MI

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

45th

Gary

Fay

NY

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

46th

Kellee

Ahlvers

NV

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

47th

Chris

Bezio

WI

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

48th

Emerson

Poort

IN

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

49th

Harold

Nygren

OR

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

50th

Craig

Drelles

MI

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

51st

Jeff

Brown

IL

1 Dozen Duke 1 1/2 Coil Spring Traps

Duke Trap Company

52nd

John

Koyen

PA

F-F-G 100th Anniverary Case Trappers Pocket Knife

Fur-Fish-Game Magazine

53rd

Robert

Kisenwether

ME

1 Dozen Duke #110 Body Grip Traps

Duke Trap Company

54th

Curt

Walters

WI

1 Dozen Duke #110 Body Grip Traps

Duke Trap Company

55th

(Wishbone Resort) Bill

Miller

MN

1 Dozen Duke #110 Body Grip Traps

Duke Trap Company

56th

Dayne

Burns

NV

1 Dozen Duke #110 Body Grip Traps

Duke Trap Company

57th

Michael

Bruns

OH

1 Dozen Duke #110 Body Grip Traps

Duke Trap Company

58th

Richard

Westfall

OH

$50 Gift Certificate from Schmitt Enterprises

Minnesota Trappers Association

59th

Frank

Palazzolo

MI

$50 Gift Certificate from Schmitt Enterprises

Minnesota Trappers Association

60th

Michael

Berry

WI

$50 Gift Certificate from Schmitt Enterprises

Minnesota Trappers Association

61st

Jim

Gaffney

PA

$50 Gift Certificate from Schmitt Enterprises

Minnesota Trappers Association

 

 

 

 

 

 
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