Walter L. Arnold, trapper, and one of the founders of the MTA, at his cabin in northern Maine in 1977.             photo by David Hiser
​     The Maine Trappers Association was established in 1947 to provide an organization by which those with a common interest in the sport of trapping could come together to discuss their common goals.
     Meetings of the Executive Committee are held 4 times per year. Membership meetings are held twice each year - on the first Sunday in May and in the month of September.
    A newsletter, The Maine Trapper, is published quarterly and sent to all current members. If you'd like to join the MTA, go to the membership page for information.
    The MTA has a proud history of bringing about changes that have enhanced the image of trappers and trapping. We have been leaders in supporting the development of traps and trapping techniques that are effective and humane. We have successfully supported legislation that has made trapping more acceptable to the non-trapping public, including mandatory trapper education. We have successfully opposed legislation when we felt that the changes would be harmful to the future of trapping or to the furbearers we harvest. 
 Maine Trappers Association History

      In the late 1940's, Maine trappers were dissatisfied with the trapping season. The Legislature set the season at that time. Clyde Wells of Saco and H.E. Ford of Berwick thought that unifying the trappers in Maine was a necessity.  
     On September 1, 1947, the Maine Trappers Association (MTA) was formed. Luther DeVoe was elected president, Elwyn Smith was elected vice-president and J. Cliff Francis was elected secretary-treasurer. It seems that this meeting took place without the knowledge of either Mr. Ford or Mr. Wells. Membership dues were set at $1 per year.   
​     Continued on the MTA History Page.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Reports are published in the quarterly MTA newsletter  (October, January, April, July). See the Legislative Page for current news.

NEWSLETTER:  The deadlines for the MTA newsletters are:
MARCH 15  -  JUNE 15  - SEPTEMBER 15  -  DECEMBER 15
Please send your submissions to Pat Favolise  See Contacts Page

LURC Jurisdiction - 5 Day or 3 Day Checks

The $100 Club

MTA receives 5% of sales placed through this link >

Trappers Line Cabin 

   This cabin, constructed in the 1980's by the Maine Trappers Association at Leonards Mills in Bradley Maine, was typical during the early days of trapping. The line cabin was designed for an overnight stay while checking the trap line. It was very simple and meant to provide temporary shelter only. Trappers could cache food supplies, fur stretchers, extra traps and tools needed to maintain his equipment in the cabin. 
  Leonards Mills holds their Living History Days each year on the first weekend in October. They are open year round for self guided tours, picnics and hiking on their nature trails. Check their website for other events, more info and directions to the Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonards Mills.
www.maineforestandloggingmuseum.org

Established September 1947
How to release a dog from a trap.
30 Gun Raffle Winners

Congratulations to all the raffle winners for 2023. 
We appreciate your support of the Maine Trappers Association.

Printable list

ADC Rule-making Finalized February 5, 2019
Notice of proposed rule making:  Chapter 16 Furbearer and dates

Notice of proposed rule making:
Chapter 17 Furbearer beaver and coyote
Event Calendar​
2024
Shows-Auctions-Meetings-& More

  • February 25, 2024 Executive Committee (Directors) Meeting 9 AM at Veazie Salmon Club 30 Old County Rd, Veazie, ME 04401
  • March 15 to 17, 2024 MTA booth at PCCA Eastern Maine Sportsmen's Show
  • April 19 to 21, 2024 MTA booth at 42nd Annual State of Maine Sportsman's show, Augusta Civic Center
  • April 21, 2024 Central Maine Chapter Fur Auction, Palmyra Community Center, Palmyra, Maine.
  • May 17 to 19, 2024 MTA Spring Fling and Rendezvous at Brooks Community Park, 521 Purple Heart Hwy, Brooks Maine. 
  • July 25 to 27, 2024 The 65th Annual National Trappers Assoc. Convention, Sioux Falls, South Dakota at W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, 100 North Lyon Blvd, Sioux falls, SD 57107
  • October 5 to 6, 2024 Leonard's Mills Living History Days, Bradley, Maine.  10am-3pm, MTA Trappers Cabin





​Trapping Education Course dates are listed on the Maine IF&W Website
Tri-fold brochureprint and hand out.