Duane Hicks
After witnessing a decline in interest in recent years, the Rainy River District Trappers Council saw a promising turnout for its workshop Saturday at the Métis Hall here.
“I thoughts things went really well,” said workshop organizer Rebecca Gustafson, who is secretary/treasurer for the Rainy River District Trappers Council.
“We had a really good turnout,” she enthused. “I was impressed.
“There were quite a few familiar people, trappers that we’ve seen in the past come out,” Gustafson noted. “A few newer faces–so that was good.
“There were some non-trappers there.
“There was one family there–family friends who checked it out–and the kids were loving it,” she added.
The event included fur-handling demonstrations, where area trappers such as Mike Bourre, Dale Ossachuk, and Jim Rogenrud removed the fur from beavers, a fisher, and even a bobcat.
There also was a timed trap-setting competition, whereby trappers checked and reset traps as fast at they could. This was won by Eric Treflin, regional director for the Ontario Fur Managers Federation, who was here from Dryden.
Representatives from the North American Fur Auctions and Fur Harvesters Auction also were on hand to judge pelts, as well as answer any questions anyone had about auction houses.
They had pelts for attendees to look at and touch.
Some donated items were raffled off, raising $300, which will be donated to the GoFundMe page, “Remember Sam,” in memory of the late Samantha Pearson.
The workshop also was an opportunity to connect or reconnect with district trappers and get feedback from them.
“We got lots of members who signed up,” Gustafson said. “There were some returning ones and new ones, so that was good.
“We were able to build our network. I was impressed.”
Gustafson said she and her husband, Erik, also “got lots of tidbits here and there about what people want to see for next year,” adding this helpful input will be used to plan future workshops.
Looking ahead, Gustafson noted a council meeting for all members will be held either in April or May once trapping season is winding up.
Such meetings provide an opportunity for the council to update members on its activities and open up discussion about any issues trappers may be having, Gustafson added.