ESCANABA — Sarah Gomez (along with eight other trapping experts) will be giving a demo on trapping muskrat and raccoon at the 60th annual Trappers Convention/Outdoor Expo. This event will take place at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba on July 15-16. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. There is an admission fee for adults and kids 12 and under are admitted free. Joining Gomez in the demo lineup are: Mark June, Jeff Hagerty, Ed Schneider, Red O’Hearn, Jeff Dunlap, Bob Steinmetz, Ryan Koivu, and Al Dubord. Capturing and caring for the fur of most furbearing species will be discussed by these experts.

“I really am pleased to know that all of the presenters not only teach on how to catch the animal but stress the importance of safety, legal methods, sportsmanship in the field and striving to make a humane catch‚” said Bob Whitens, longtime member of U.P. Trappers District 3.

Jeremy Lundin, treasurer of U.P. Trappers District 3, echoed Whitens’ comment. “The methods, advice and secrets of trapping do not remain secret at these demos. The presenters willingly share information they have gained through lots of experience. And I agree with Whitens that all trappers should strive to make legal sets, humane captures and practice safety and sportsmanship in the woods,” he said

Sarah Gomez will be taking the stage at 1 p.m. Saturday. (For a complete list of presenters, times, days, topics along with other event info, go to www.uptrappers.com and click on convention). She grew up in Iowa, became interested in trapping at the age of 5 and soon headed to the sporting goods store for her first dozen (dog proof coon traps). Local trappers readily offered her tips and advice and she was on her way. In her first season she captured nearly 200 raccoons. She still averages about 200 racoons per year. Now as an accomplished trapper, she wants to help others (as many helped her) and is doing so by giving demos at 14 to 15 trappers conventions each year.

After becoming an expert coon trapper she ventured on to other species. She now puts up incredible numbers of coyotes, bobcats, fox, beaver, otter, muskrats and weasels. She has trapped in Iowa, Michigan and Louisiana. In 2019 she started her own trapping supplies and apparel business and her own line of lures. Her products will be available at the expo.

Along with all the trapping demos and trapping gear for sale, lots of other outdoor equipment vendors and tailgaters will be on the grounds. Many will be offering convention special prices on a wide variety of products and of course no shipping charges. There will be raffles going on, kids games and prizes along with the ever popular free fishing for the kids event in the pocket park. Concession stands will be operating. The Annual Friday Night Fish Fry will be held. Seating for this is limited so contact Roy Dahlgren at (906) 399-1960 or trapperroy@outlook.com to make reservations.

For more information contact Dahlgren at the above number or email address. Camping is also available on the grounds.