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 (usually the 2nd weekend).
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.
Want info on a local chapter in your area? See the CHAPTERS page.
This page was last updated on: June 21, 2009
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.
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.
Continue with the History of the MTA on the History Page.
Newsletter :
The next deadline for the MTA newsletter will be June 20. Please send your submissions to the editor, Gary Sewell
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. In 2009, the date of the event is October 3 & 4. Other history days are July 11/12. It's open every Saturday in July, Aug and Sept. Check their website for more info and directions to the Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonards Mills.
Covers regulation changes for the trapping season that are not in the regulation book but are in the letter and are in effect.
'Dedicated to sound wildlife management through the harvesting of our surplus fur resources'
New Lifetime MTA Members:
#370 - Butch Tripp
#371 - Jerome Richard
#372 - Jason Simsay
#373 - Becky Whight
#374 - Michael Lane
#375 - Kevin Anderson
#376 - Matt Wilson
Senior Life:
#144 - Donald Smith
#145 - Harold Arey
Membership News
The country is in a recession and perhaps fur prices aren’t what you would like them to be. But like President Dana Johnson said in his column in the Maine Trapper newsletter, it is more important than ever that we stay united. The Association is shouldering the additional burden of attorney costs brought on by the anti-trapping lynx lawsuit. If you’re a life member and would like make a financial contribution you can do that though our “Continuing Support Program” (see levels on renewal form above). All these members will be recognized in our July newsletter. If you’re not a Life member or would like to send in a smaller contribution, these too will be greatly appreciated. Any donation can be sent directly to Treasurer Joe Powers (address in front of newsletter) or just include it in your renewal check and make a note.
Thanks to George Libby who has upgraded his Lifetime Membership to the Benefactor Level.
MTA FALL RENDEZVOUS
September 18-19-20, 2009
Location: Silver Spur Riding Club, West River Rd (Rt 104), Sidney, Maine, Exit 120 off I-95
