HUMBOLDT 鈥� The Saskatchewan Trappers Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Humboldt.
It will be hosting its annual convention at the Humboldt Unipex this weekend, from March 15 to 17.
鈥淎nybody can attend, if they have an interest in the outdoors, or maybe if they鈥檙e hunters or they鈥檙e anglers or anything like that,鈥� said Wrangler Hamm, the president of the association, adding it鈥檚 a great way for people of all ages to learn about wildlife management and the history of trapping.
There will be activities for children, vendors selling everything from traps to pieces of apparel that use fur, as well as contests like fastest time to skin a coyote and who has the biggest beaver tail.
Jim Luthi, a long-time member of the association, is bringing his collection of antique traps.
There will also be presentations on coyote snaring, beaver skinning, and trapping of various animals.
The Fur Institute of Canada will also talk about trap research and how it makes sure traps are humane for the animals that are harvested.
Hamm said the association has come a long way since it was founded in 1969. It now represents between 4,000 and 5,000 trappers in Saskatchewan.
鈥淚 think it goes to show that the support of the trapping industry is here and strong and we continue to work for the trappers of the province.鈥�
It鈥檚 also the 18th year the association has held its convention in Humboldt, something that began at the Bella Vista Inn and ended up becoming big enough to require the room at the Uniplex.
Hamm said Humboldt is a great central location for its members to travel to while avoiding the extra costs of the big cities.
鈥淲e鈥檝e always had great support within the community there and, of course, we always welcome everybody from Humboldt and surrounding area to come and spend a day or two if they want and hopefully get a good education and get experience about the trapping industry.鈥�
The convention starts at 9 am on Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16 at the Uniplex. On Sunday, March 17, the association will hold its annual general meeting at the Bella Vista Inn starting at 9 am.
