News | Fur Takers of America

Official voice of the Fur Takers of America

Jason Wisniewski is a wildlife biologist, trapper and current president of Fur Takers of America (FTA). Jason joins Chris on this episode of the Houndsman XP Podcast on the new Xtreme Performance Outdoor Network to discuss managing, hunting and trapping of fur-bearers.

The Sportsmen's Voice host Fred Bird is joined by John Daniel, President of the National Trappers Association, and Jason Wisniewski, President of Fur Takers of America, to talk about the history and necessity of fur trapping as a predator and furbearer control mechanism.

The presidents of the two largest trapping organizations in the United states: NTA and FTA are interviewed in an NTA Podcast. Details a great conversation about how FTA and NTA work together to help protect your trapping rights.

FTA Business Executive Cristina Jones joins The Trap House Podcast to talk about the Fur Takers of America and the FTA Trappers College.

Trappers are under fire more than ever! Join The Trap House Podcast as they chat with Fur Takers of America President Dave Hastings.

FTA 2024 Sweepstakes Winners

Antique Bear Trap: M. Mason - Slingerlands, NY
1. Grand Prize Trapper College or $750: R. Andryzeck - West Suffield, CT
2. $1000 Cash: L. Houberg - Reddick, IL
3. $500 Cash: T. Warner - Mifflintown, PA
4. $500 Cash: J. McGurk - Pittsburg, PA
5. $500 Cash: D. Whitaker - Goreville, IL
6. $500 Cash: D. Stowers - Rochester, MN
7. Johnny Thorpe DVD Collection: M. Stuckey - Mazon, IL
8. Johnny Thorpe DVD Collection: W. Bush - Pike, NY
9. Duke #15 Bear Trap: L. Geigle - McIntosh, SD
10. Framed Bobcat Print: R. Miller - Horse Cave, KY
11. $250 Cash: A. Breland - Wiggins, MS
12. $250 Cash: B. Fischer - Courtland, MN
13. 1 Dozen NO BS K9 Extreme: J. Hagadorn - Rhinebeck, NY
14. $250 Cash: G. Anderson - Paxton, IL
15. $200 Cash: O. Nelson - Ironton, MN
16. $200 Cash: M. Sells - Washington, IA
17. $200 Cash: T. Mozena - Orland, IN
18. Snow & Neally Ax Combo: H. Kinnison - Greenville, OH
19. $150 Cash: A. Browder - Fort Smith, AR
20. $150 Cash: H. Bloom - Moores Hill, IN
21. 4 – 4 oz Pingley’s Professional Lures Bait or Lures: J. Ergen - Clearwater, MN
22. 20” Sterling Pack Basket & DVD: T. Bray - Gurdon, AR
23. 1 DZ Bridger 1 ½ Coil: R. Reid - Independence, KS
24. 1 DZ Bridger #2 Coil: M. Cunningham - Ethel, MO
25. 1 DZ Bridger #2 Dogless offset from MTP: M. Moberg - Baker, MT
26. 5 – 4 oz Jameson’s Ultra Blend Predator Food/ Curiosity Lures: B. Steinmetz - Escanaba, MI
27. 5- 4z Jameson’s Ultra Blend Water Trappers Pkg.: W. Suronen - Barnum,MN
28. 4 – 4 oz Jameson’s Ultra Blends Predator PKG: D. Greth - Rio Rancho, NM
29. 12 Dobbins Books: J. Curlee - Cook, MN
30. 1 DZ Bridger 1 ¾ Reg Jaw from MTP: H. Meier - Hastings, MN
31. $100 Cabela’s Gift Card: R. Witko - Putnam, IL
32. $100 Cash: K. Quillin - Lancaster, PA
33. $100 Cash: W. Tompkins - McConnelsville, OH
34. $100 Cash: W. Valburg - Murdo, SD
35. $100 Cash: A. Steffan - Dickinson, ND
36. $100 Cash: M. Rourke - Jefferson, MD
37. $100 Cash: J. Lewis - Winslow, AZ
38. $100 Cash: D. Sult - Bloomsburg, PA
39. $100 Cash: B. Sprague - New Bremen, OH
40. $100 Cash: D. Heft - Mayhill, NM
41. 100 Cash: N. Trenker - Dunbar, PA
42 $100 Cash: P. Huffman - Little Cedar, IA
43. $100 Cash: M. Pilcher - Paxton, IL
44. $100 Cash: D. Davis - Norfolk, NE

45. $100 Hoosier Trapper Supply Gift Card: T. Toole - Hemphill, TX
46. $100 Cash: T. Standhart - Middleburgh, NY
47. $100 towards Southeastern Outdoors Supplies: K. Jackson - Alto, TX
48. $100 Cash: S. Coale - Livingston, MT
49. $100 Cash: L. Stoltman - Winona, MN
50. $100 Cash: M. Loftin - Sedan, KS
51. $100 Cash: D. Moore - Las Vegas, NV
52. #9 Bridger Brawn Laminated Offset Wolf Trap from MTP: L. Young - Alliance, OH
53. 4 -16 oz Jameson’s Ultra Blend Predator Baits: D. Alberts - Curtis, NY
54. 4 -16 oz Jameson’s Ultra Blend Predator Urines: K. Salmon - Mercer, PA
55. $75 Hoosier Trapper Supply Gift Card: B. Kees - Durand, WI
56. 1 DZ Bridger 110 Body: D. Russell - Columbia, MO
57. NY Anniversary Trap from NY State Trappers Assn.: F. Faerber - Kerhunkson, NY
58. Trappers Print from NY State Trappers Assn.: C. Kennedy - Pittsburgh, PA
59. Master Trapper Book: S. Lalonde - Tupper Lake, NY
60. 3 Dog Proof Coon Baits & DP Book from Renno’s: L. Jensen - Lena, IL
61. Master Trapper Book: J. Gibbs - Rockville, NY
62. 3 4 oz Renno’s Animal Canine & Cat Lures: R. Knoble - Boscobel, WI
63. 1 DZ Bridger #150 Magnum: B. Smith - Murray, IA
64. Pure Fun & Water Trapping DVDs: G. Armstrong - Roseville, IL
65. Pure Fun & Water Trapping DVDs: J. Shoultz - Newburg, IN
66. Master Trappers Book: R. Edlund - Bemidji, MN
67. $50 Schmitt Enterprises Gift Certificate: M. Kohler - Minerva, OH
68. $50 Hoosier Trapper Supply Gift Card: M. Hayes - Farnham, VA
69. $50 Schmitt Enterprises Gift Certificate: C. Wilki - Elmhurst, IL
70. $50 toward Keg Creek Supplies: P. Bowers - Milford, IL
71. $50 Schmitt Enterprises Gift Certificate: B. Smallwood - Cocomo, IN
72. $50 towards Keg Creek Supplies: T. Witthuhn - Black Creek, WI
73. $50 Schmitt Enterprises Gift Certificate: Wood Boy - Mitchell, IN
74. Game Wardens Case Logs 1 & 2: R. Rhodes - Lewistown, IL
75. Game Wardens Case Logs 1 & 2: R. Woodall - Brown City, MI
76. Trapline Trail Cams DVD: B. Larson - Kiel, WI
77. Trapline Trail Cams DVD: D. Barber - Jamestown, NY
78. Trapline Trail Cams DVD: P. Polansky - Greensburg, PA
79. Flat Iron Book: T. Martin - Ashkum, IL
80. $25 Cumberland’s NW Trappers Supply Gift Card: R. Wiege - Hebron, ND
81. $25 Hoosier Trapper Supply Gift Card: J. Casserly - Napoleon, OH
82. $25 Cumberland’s NW Trappers Supply Gift Card: M. Tackett - Kendallville, IN
83. Beaver Business Book: M. Carricato - White Haven, PA
84. $25 Cumberland’s NW Trappers Supply Gift Card: E. Fedora - Clarksville, PA
85. Beaver Business Book: A. Backus - Freeport, IL
86. $25 Cumberland’s NW Trappers Supply Gift Card: J. Barski - Powell, WY
87. $200 Cash: G. Bigham - Fairgrove, MI
88. $100 Cash: R. Zullinger - Millerstown, PA

FTA 2024 Call For Nominations

It is time again to call for nominations for the 2024 election. This year, the election rotation cycle is for the President, Treasurer, and five (5) Governing Board Members. These individuals will be elected in the fall of 2024, and their term will start on January 1, 2025.

Please submit your nominations to CORY VAN DRIEL, PO BOX 516, ISLE MN 56342.

Please be sure to include contact information for both the person nominated and the person doing the nominating.

NOMINATION PROCEDURE: Any FTA member in good standing may submit a name for nomination. A short statement of qualifications, why they are being nominated, as well as what position should be included. This will be considered a reference. Nominations must be received no later than May 1, 2024. Call for Nominations will be placed in The Fur Taker. After receiving nominations, the Nomination Chair will send their duty and obligations information and accompanying resume sheet to be filled and returned no later than May 15, 2024. If information is not received, to be considered for a place on the ballot the person will have to be present at the National Council Meeting and be nominated from the floor.

The Nomination Committee will screen the information received. If paperwork is returned with adequate answers, it will be considered. If any nominee’s application is deemed questionable, they will be referred to the Ethics Committee for an opinion/recommendation. Copies of accepted resumes will be sent to the Executive Office and Governing Board Members. If there are concerns about any of the Nominees, and it is something that should be investigated, it should be reported to the Ethics Committee immediately. The Governing Board will make the final decision regarding the next steps.

The Nominating Committee will present names to the Governing Board for confirmation during their meeting at the convention.

The evening of the National Council Meeting will have a call for nominations from the floor; nominees must be present. The nominee will need to fill out the necessary paperwork and return it to an FTA representative on Saturday–no later than noon. Anything received after that time will not be accepted. At the National Council Meeting, a vote from the National Council will be taken to accept a ballot subject to additional names nominated from the floor after receipt of paperwork and approval by executive officers.

Canadian Trappers Help Fisher Program

From 'Let's Go Outdoors': The Fisher (part of the Weasel family) has been all but extinct in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. To re-populate the Fisher species, officials from Washington reached out to Alberta Trappers for help. This documentary film is the story of how a number of trappers have utilized their skills to help with this significant conservation effort. It also shows the coordination and participation by organizations like the Calgary Zoo.

FTA Lifetime Membership

Did you know the FTA offers a Lifetime Membership?!

With your $1,200 investment you will receive a patch, a subscription to The Fur Taker magazine, you will be a voting member, and more!

Lifetime Memberships also make great gifts for the trapper in your life.

Please address lifetime membership questions to:
Cristina Jones
Phone: 908-982-8753
Email office@furtakersofamerica.com

Trapping in Schools Project

The FTA has set a project in motion to enhance the teaching of Trapping in schools. A great variety of data and formatted materials are now available, and we encourage any and all to put them to good use in public schools, trapper education, and any venue that will further share the truth about trapping and wildlife management.

At the January 2014 FTA Executive Council meeting it was decided it would be highly desirable to get trapping information in the schools across the nation. Governing Board member, Rick Schoonover, Vermont, was asked to head up this project. The project has developed into 3 phases.
Phase 1 was accomplished with 2 teams. The teams decided the target audience would be high school age young adults and the adults they interact with. They also developed the messages and delivery systems. Phase 2 was producing the video “Trapping in Today’s World” and an accompanying website www.furbearereducation.org . Phase 3 is dissemination which is ongoing.

Conservation Groups Come Together

The NTA, FTA and FBU presenting the Sportsmen’s Alliance with a $15,000 donation towards establishing high school clubs highlighting outdoor activities.
Left to right: Sportsmen’s Alliance President Evan Heusinkveld, Sportsmen’s Alliance Associate Director of State Services Jacob Hupp, NTA President John Daniel, FTA President Dave Hastings, and FBU President Mike Sievering.

FTA & International Trapper Communications

In 2014, the Fur Takers of America hosted a Spanish trapper to FTA Trappers College. In 2015, we were invited to attend the second International Trappers Conferece in Toledo, Spain, hosted in part by the Spanish Trappers Association. Read about our amazing time in the international trapping world.

Trapping Policy Formalizes Partnership

“The Fur Takers of America are very proud to be forming alliances with important conservation groups such as the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation,” said Dave Hastings, president of FTA. “We see that all traditional conservation factions share in managing wildlife successfully; we are all part of one big puzzle, and we also see that traditional conservation methods groups have a clear need to be working in concert."

Read the full press release here.

CONTACT FTA

Business Executive:
Cristina Jones - 908-982-8753
office@furtakersofamerica.com

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