Photo courtesy of Laura Gidney Fox, raccoons, coyotes, otters, bobcats and more. Laura and Zac Gidney can catch them all. They will give demonstrations at the Trapper’s Convention/Outdoor Expo this weekend.

ESCANABA — Motels are filling up for the annual Trapper’s Convention/Outdoor Expo in Escanaba. The show will be held Friday and Saturday at the Ruth Butler Building at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Outdoor gear vendors are expected to be on hand with many offering lower prices on special convention items. This event offers not only trapping gear but there will be all kinds of goods for sale, especially unique items from the “tailgaters.” For more information and possible last-minute changes, visit www.uptrappers.com, and go to the convention page. Also, if further information or “last minute” booth space is needed, contact Convention Director Mary Theoret at 906-241-6155 or mltheoret@gmail.com. “This is my first time heading up this event and I hope to keep things going like Roy Dahlgren has done for many years,” said Theoret. “As we all know it takes a lot of manpower to put on an event like this, and that manpower is 100% voluntary. I am asking for anyone out there who may want to help to contact me. We do need more volunteers.”

U.P. Trappers will host this Annual Trappers Convention/Outdoor Expo on July 11 and 12 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days (all times EDT). Admission is $10 for both days. Kids twelve or under are free. Camping is available, and food and refreshments will be for sale on the grounds. There will be lots to see and do, including many activities for the kids. This convention is a family friendly affair.

The Friday Night Fish Fry is happening again. (Donated locally caught bluegill with all the “fixings” is on the menu). Raffles, drawings and other entertainment add to this delicious dining experience. You don’t have to be a trapper or attend the convention to enjoy this fish fry but you do need to reserve your spot before the Miracle of Life building fills up. Call Julie Gartland at (906) 786-1227 for reservations (cost is $25).

There will be live demonstratiocgf0s given during the two days. The presenters include Don Nyman, Les Johnson, Jeff Hagerty, Laura and Zac Gidney, Jeff Dunlap, Dave Radandt, Paul Antczak, and Jim Churchill. Their days and times can be found on U.P. Trappers website.

On the agenda will be a mother and son team. Laura & Zac Gidney from New York: 12:00 PM, Friday, July 11 – Fox & Coyote Trapping. Laura will be running solo on July 12 – 8:30AM – Skinning and Toeing out a Fox to Increase Pelt Value. Laura is the current Treasurer for Fur Takers of America and a Master Trapping Instructor for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Zac is a Junior Trapping Instructor for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Laura and Zac teach Trapper Ed Classes. In 2021, their 10th season of trapping, they captured 100 canines and 50 beavers. In 2023, their land season total on canines was 244 with 117 raccoons, 22 bobcats, and 33 skunks. Numbers like that prove they are experts! This will be a great demo. Also Check out Laura’s demo on fox pelt handling as she shows how to leave the feet and toes on the pelt to greatly increase fur value.

“Here’s wishing that all attendees enjoy the event and have safe travel to and from the convention,” said Jimmy Fornetti, alongtime member of UP Trappers.