Jeff Dunlap with two coyotes.

ESCANABA — Expert trapper Jeff Dunlap will return to give a presentation at the 59th Annual U.P. Trappers Convention /Outdoor Expo. He will be joined by other outdoor experts who will be presenting. (Including local experts Roy Dahlgren and John Gunville).

Dunlap has trapped in Michigan, Louisiana, Arizona, Ohio, Indiana, Alabama and Texas. His favorite method of operation is to “state-hop” and go where the fur is plentiful. His capture numbers are outstanding. Numbers such as the following prove he is an expert in his field: One season: 1,105 muskrats, 495 raccoons, 76 otter, 326 beaver, 25 grey fox, 21 bobcats, three red fox, and 18 mink, and many coyotes.

He traps full time seven months of the year and in his non-trapping time he travels the country speaking at conventions, producing Dunlap’s Lures, and appears on numerous trapping shows on television and radio. His first demo which will concentrate on coyotes is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today. Dunlap will then be joined by Sarah Gomez to speak on beaver trapping at 2 p.m. Saturday.

“I am pleased that Jeff will speak at our event. He always does a great job. He engages the audience and willingly shares his secrets and techniques. All who attend his demo will be glad they did,” said Mike Lewis, a longtime member of U.P. Trappers. “It is also great to have a couple of local trappers taking the stage as well this year; I know that Dahlgren and Gunville will give excellent demos,”

This family friendly event will take place at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba today and Saturday. Hours are, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission covers both days and youngsters under 12 are admitted free. Camping is available on the grounds. Many food vendors will be present offering a wide variety of local favorites. Lots of vendors/tailgaters will be on hand offering their goods for sale. Trap dealers, hunting/fishing suppliers, crafters, firearms, quilters, and lots of knife dealers will be in attendance. New this year will be a “Mini Workshop” where youngsters will build their own muskrat colony trap. Also for the youngsters, there will be supervised fishing, archery, games, etc.

Event organizer and president of District 3, Roy Dahlgren added “Organizers of this event make a great effort to offer something of interest to not only trappers, but all outdoorsmen and their families. I anticipate record setting attendance as I have been getting contacted by folks all over the USA and Canada. With the wide variety of countless items for sale or trade along with all the other activities you are sure to have an enjoyable time in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan! Come on out and enjoy it, you will be happy you did.”