NIPAWIN 鈥撯�� The Saskatchewan Trappers Association held their annual summer rendezvous in Nipawin.聽
The province-wide event is an opportunity to broker camaraderie, education, and historical tradition between Saskatchewan鈥檚 4,000 licenced trappers and the people of the province, said Wrangler Hamm, the president of the association.聽
Trapping is 鈥渘ot only harvest,鈥� Hamm said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 wildlife management, it's nuisance control, it鈥檚 predation controls. It鈥檚 a bit of history for Saskatchewan, as well.鈥澛�
Over 100 visitors attended the event throughout Friday and Saturday, said Hamm. Included in the weekend were dozens of trade booths with items such as furs, weapons and outdoors equipment, and events such as youth BB gun competitions and skinning demonstrations.聽
For visiting trappers, the rendezvous gives an opportunity to discuss the state of the industry, Hamm said, such as the year鈥檚 best fur markets.聽
鈥淭his year, we really focused on trying to promote that industry and get people to be better at their skills and be professional with what they're doing to harvest better numbers.鈥澛�
Mary Shellenberg with North American Fur Auction has been attending the annual rendezvous since 2000.聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 part of the job,鈥� she said, 鈥渂ut it's good to see people I know, meet new people and encourage them in their endeavors.鈥�
For Shellenberg, the fellowship between trappers is the highlight of the convention.
