HUMBOLDT — Trappers from across the province came to Humboldt enjoy a 15-vendor trade show, workshops, live demonstrations, and competitions
The Saskatchewan Trappers’ Association held their convention March 13 and 14 at Jubilee Hall.
Al Killoh, regional director for Zone 15 west of Prince Albert, said he was surprised by the turn out but was happy that people decided to venture out and enjoy the weekend, including young trappers. He was also happy that some of the older trappers decided to stay home since Killoh doesn’t want anything to happen to these trappers and their wealth of knowledge.
Wrangler Hamm, the association's president, said the association is seeing a growth of members which is encouraging to see, especially the growth in young trappers.
The association also brought forward five resolutions during their annual general meeting, including one that supports a coyote hunting season.
Providing more regulations on coyote trapping is important, Hamm said, since they want to ensure that trapped fur is utilized. It’s not all about just taking animals for the sake of taking them, he said.
“This isn’t so much to the respect of the trappers, it’s about the public as a whole understanding that these resources are here and we should utilize them when we need to.”
Kevin Harrison, a conservation officer based out of Prince Albert, said conservation officers have been working with the Saskatchewan Trappers Association for a while and have always made themselves available as part of their education mandate.
Having conservation officers in a public forum gave a great opportunity for everyone to ask a variety of questions when it comes to trapping, seasons, and regulations.
“It’s for us to meet the stakeholders that we see on a daily basis out in the field and for us to meet people, answer their questions, hear their stories, it’s good for everybody.”
Having the conservation officers give a public presentation was a great addition to the convention, Killoh said. During previous conventions, Killoh said trappers would have the opportunity to talk with officers one-on-one in a more relaxed setting.
With this year’s public question and answer session still offered that relaxed atmosphere because trappers want that good working relationship with officers, Killoh said.
