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ESCANABA -- The 59th Annual Trappers Convention/Outdoor Expo is set for July 9-10 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Trapping demos by some of the best trappers in the country will be going on for both days, organizers said.
One of the experts is Lesel Reuwsaat. He is a self-taught trapper from South Dakota who racks up phenomenal numbers of coyotes, especially for a guy who has only been a full time professional fur trapper for a short time. During one season he harvested 432 coyotes and broke his own record the next year with a record 458 coyotes. And mixed in with his coyote catch, he racked up 300 plus raccoons, a very respectable number of bobcats, and numerous badgers, foxes, skunks, etc. Lesel owns 10 freezers and still has to rent a pallet slot at a cold storage facility. Lesel has also had the opportunity to participate in the F&T Freedom Outdoor TV program.
At this year's convention he will be doing a demo on bobcat trapping. Attendees will see how he makes his sets, places his lure and baits, and how he chooses locations.
Along with the educational seminars, the family friendly event offers lots to do and see, according to organizers. Vendors will offer trapping supplies. Non-trappers will be able to find homemade bread, jams and jellies, guns and holsters, socks, knives, crafts, and more. Food is available on the grounds.
"Games, prizes, raffles will interest all members of the family. And the free kid's fishing, pellet gun shooting, and archery at the Pocket Park is adult supervised and always a big hit. And new this year, kids will be helping to build their very own muskrat colony trap, which will be theirs to keep. This trap building workshop will be on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM. Parents should attend with their sons and daughters to learn how the traps are made so perhaps they can build more traps with their youngsters at home," organizers said.
There will be a Friday Night Fish Fry/Fund Raiser (reservations are needed- contact Roy Dahlgren. There is a a gate fee and youngsters 12 and under are admitted free. Camping is available on the grounds.
For a more detailed list of activities, presenters, vendors, etc. visit www.uptrappers.com and click on the Convention link or contact Event Coordinator Roy Dahlgren at trapperroy@outlook.com, or at (906) 399-1960.