Photo courtesy of Paul Antczak “Mountain Man” Paul Antczak with a nice day’s catch of Marten and other animals.

ESCANABA — The Annual Trappers Convention/Outdoor Expo is the weekend — Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12. All indications are the event will be well attended

One of the featured speakers at the event will be Mountain Man Paul Antczak of Montana — one of the stars of the reality TV program “Mountain Men” on the History Channel. He will be showing us how to trap Marten. Paul started trapping in 1977 in Sussex, Wisconsin. He trapped rabbits and other critters until he found out from a neighbor that he could get paid for doing something he loved. His first fur check was $34.50, and he was off and running.

As of today, he has trapped in at least nine states and that probably will not be the end of his state hopping. In 2008 he decided to start his “Predators and Prey” Wildlife Control in the Smoky Mountains. Within three years they were the #1 wildlife control business in the Smokies. They did everything from bats to urban coyotes.

In 2017 he headed to northwestern Montana. He bought property and built a homestead that was totally off the grid. During the wolf season he traps for one of the biggest landowners in Montana. Paul lives about as remote as a man can live and enjoys every minute of it. Then he met Tom Oar. Tom thought Paul would be a viable candidate for the show “Mountain Men” on the History Channel. Paul’s description of his character on the show: “It is who I am. I’m a trapper. I was excited about the opportunity to educate the non-trapping public about what we do, the importance of trapping and how trappers are a key ingredient to the conservation of furbearers and predators. The income from the show allows me to live off the grid. I consider myself a blessed man.” Richard Bartoletti (member of U.P. Trappers) offered this advice — “don’t miss paul’s demo.”

There will be nine other live demos given during the two days. Camping is available and food and refreshments will be for sale on the grounds. There will be lots to see and do. Special events for youngsters – and vendors selling not only needed trapping supplies but hundreds of other items. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. Admission is $10 for both days; Kids 12 and under are admitted free.

There are only a few tickets left for the popular Annual Friday Night Fish Fry and Banquet. Locally caught bluegills donated by members of the U.P. Trapper’s Association are on the menu. Tickets are $25. For tickets contact Julie Gartland (906) 786-1227.

For further information go to www.uptrappers.com and click on the Convention Page. For questions contact Mary Theoret at 906-241-6155 or mltheoret@gmail.com. “Mary has taken over the leadership role for this year’s event. Roy Dahlgren did it for many years and did a superb job. Mary has been working hard and is sure to keep this convention going as good as ever and has included some new and unique ideas to make it even better. Thanks to both for the work and effort put forth,” said Jimmy Fornetti, a longtime member of U.P. Trappers.