The 2008 National Council meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2008 at the Main Building on the grounds at Columbia, MO. Following a delicious meal, President Chick Andres called the meeting to order. Thanks were expressed to the Missouri Trappers Association, our convention hosts. A moment of silence was observed in memory of all trappers and friends who passed away this past year as well as those men and women who are currently serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Chick introduced Frank Price from USSA, Robert Wilson, President of Missouri Trapper’s Association, and Ron Pantry FTA/NTA Alliance representative.

Virgil Schroeder, representing NAFA, made a donation to the FTA legal fund in the amount of $1000. Rich Tenpas, vice-president of IL Chapter 17B, presented FTA with a check for $2500. Pennsylvania Trappers Association represented by Bill Kasten also made a donation in the amount of $5000. Al Kisamore gave a donation in the amount of $1000 to FTA from Ohio Fur Taker Chapter 8. Chick thanked all of these groups for their generosity and that they can be assured FTA will put the money to good use.

Chick then introduced the executive officers, governing board members, and committee chairmen as well as Dave Hastings, editor of the Fur Taker. It was noted that several changes have been made including Tim Rose, chairman of the board, Dave Hastings, FTA/NTA representative, Carol Krumwiede, treasurer, and Paul Ellsworth, secretary.

A motion was made, seconded, and passed to accept the secretary’s minutes without reading them at this time. Carol Krumwiede reported that the financial status of the organization remains steady and we were able to operate in the black this past year. She also thanked Shelly Julien for updating the financial computer system during her time as treasurer. Roy Greenfield, General Organizer, reported that we currently have 22 Chapters and 42 Affiliates.

Chick thanked Robert Wilson, Robert Waddell, and all the members of MTA for putting on the Rendezvous. The FTA has become more pro-active the past couple of years by intervening in the Maine and Minnesota lawsuits. The Maine lawsuit has been settled with the Maine trappers still having all their trapping rights. The MN lawsuit is continuing on, with USSA lawyers filing a proposal on June 2^nd. It was with regrets that Chick announced that starting January 1, 2009, FTA membership dues would be raised to $30. With costs rising as they are, the board had no choice but to make this decision.

Roy Greenfield, general organizer, and Carol Krumwiede, secretary, called the roll with 40 chapters and affiliates represented either in person or by proxy.

Carol Krumwiede, acting nomination chairman, reported that the following had accepted nominations for the Governing Board— Jerry Joe Barnett, Rick Benson, Gene Dabrowski, Don Hoyle, Kenneth Jones, Jim Mahoney, & Gene Purdy. The nomination of Steve Craig for the Governing Board was received from the floor. He accepted and paperwork was returned so he will be added to the slate of candidates. A motion was made and seconded that nominations be closed. Motion carried and the slate was accepted.

A thanks was given to long-time nominations chairman and election teller, Dean Mitchell for his many years of service in those positions. Matt Bailey has been named as our new nominations chairman. Chuck Lowe and Matt Bailey were nominated for the position of Election Teller. A vote was taken and the winner was Matt Bailey.

As was decided by the National Council last year, the 2009 FTA Convention will be held June 11-14 in Mena, AR. A presentation was made by the Pennsylvania Trappers Association and Indiana Chapter 7B to host the 2010 FTA Convention. Following their presentations a vote was taken by the national council representatives and as a result of their vote the 2010 convention was awarded to Indiana Chapter 7B and will be held in Columbus, IN.

The following donations were made by FTA with Frank Price accepting on behalf of USSA.

$5000 to USSA

$2000 to Trailblazers

$5000 to USSA Lawsuit Fund.

The following awards were made:

Charles Dobbins Scholarship Zach McBee from Missouri

The following qualified for a free membership/sustaining donor as a result of our membership contest:

NW IL-17B, Central IN-7B, Cumberlands, NE Ohio-8, KY Trapper’s Association-12, West TN-24C, South Dakota-29, Southern IN-7C, East Central IA-16, North Central Il-71I, MN Trapper’s Association-25, East Central IL-16, Gene Beeber, North Dakota Trappers-3A, Robert Wilson, NJ Fur Harvesters-14D

The winner of the drawing for a trip to the Trapper’s College was: North Central IL, Chapter 17I

FTA National Awards were given to:

Major Boddicker---Hall of Fame

Paul Brown--- Hall of Fame

Ken & Elaine Schwarzhoff---Hall of Fame

Paul Kelley---American Heritage

USSA--- American Heritage

Tim Rose--- Fur Taker of the Year

Dan Schweisthal--- Distinguished Service

Chapter 7B Central Indiana Fur Takers---Chapter of the Year

Affiliate 30 Maine Trappers Association---Affiliate of the Year

Tim Rose---Organizer of the Year

A motion was made and seconded that we adjourn. Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Krumwiede, Secretary

For those who are interested the Dutch Ovens were won by Robert Wilson & Jennifer Schafer.