ESCANABA — Jim Comstock, known as one of the better animal damage control trappers in the country, will be among the many experts presenting at the National Trappers Association’s 59th Annual Convention/Outdoor Show at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba on July 26-28. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. all days.

Comstock’s passion for exploring and trapping really intensified when he visited the legendary trapper Johnny Thorpe in 1966. From there it was trapping in Virginia, Alabama, California and other states. He earned his living trapping bobcat and beaver along with writing articles for outdoor magazines. In the 90s, Comstock expanded his trapping interest to include animal damage control. After capturing and relocating hundreds of nuisance beaver, he provided live otter for the New York State Otter Restoration Project.

With his welding/engineering skills, he has patented cage traps which are now widely used live traps not only for damage control use but for wilderness trapping as well. Another one of his inventions is the “swim-thru” beaver cage trap. This trap works on land or in water, can be set horizontally, vertically, sideways and even upside down! He catches 95 percent of his beaver in the safe, “swim thru” cages. He has also built traps for everything from chipmunks to mountain lions. In the state of California, in one six-week stretch, he and his wife Judy live trapped 111 bobcats, using trail setting with no bait or lure. He will be showing his techniques, inventions and ideas at the convention.

Hundreds of sporting good, trapping, hunting, fishing equipment dealers, tailgaters, and others will be on hand. Many food vendors offering local and U.P. cuisine will be on the grounds as well. Raffles, kid’s games and a free youngster’s fishing pond will keep the youngsters entertained.

The rustic camping areas are currently being expanded so more people will be able to camp on the grounds.

“The attendance at this event is expected to be over 8,000 people,” said Jim Fornetti, a longtime member of U.P. Trappers. “Jim Comstock and the other outdoor experts are sure to please and educate the attendees. That, along with the great food, and great deals on equipment make this event a must for all trappers and outdoor persons and their families this summer.”

For further information, contact Convention Coordinator Vickie Wright at (231) 907-0977, vwright@nationaltrappers.com or Roy Dahlgren (906) 399-1960