Check for current news and a new map of Minnesota,  down below.........updated  4-16-2012      Find the convention news after reading the important item below....and.. news below describes what we need for the 5 Districts of the organization.....The district boundaries are shown on page 3 of this site.

 

 

      The Minnesota Forest Zone Trapping Association  {MFZTA} was formed by a group of trappers that decided it was time to have a 'voice' in the management of the sport. 

      The forested region of Minnesota has dense cover and abundant water.  This region has distinct climate variations from the rest of the state.   Freezing temperatures and snow can come at any time during the season start in late October.   Trappers have to have the ability to recognize potential problems, as mentioned above,  and have the equipment needed to be able to get to their trap line, regardless of the weather.  It takes an experienced trapper to be able to handle what nature puts out.

 

      The MFZTA will  have a number of programs that will enhance the sport of trapping in Minnesota.   We will educate all new trappers and the public on the values of trapping.  We will promote good sportsmanship,  good trapping ethics, and safe trapping practices.  We support wildlife research and  provide information to wildlife biologists.  We support the enforcement of regulations,  and will promote trapping methods that will prevent incidental catches of non-target fur-bearers.  Trapping instruction classes are another item on our agenda.   We will have classes for trapper certification.   We will promote trapping for youths.   The MTA trapper certification courses will be used and taught by MTA certified instructors. 

 

   We have a lot of trappers in the designated  Lynx Management Zone.  The western boundary of this zone follows State Highway # 53 from Duluth, north, to International Falls.  All land east and north of this line,  is the "Lynx Zone";  therefore,  trapping regulations have been modified to restrict, or eliminate the incidental take of Canada Lynx in this area.  The www.dnr.state.mn.us  has more information about this zone.

 

   The National Forest Lands in Northern Minnesota are open to many public uses, including trapping.  There are many special designated areas within the National Forests that have additional restrictions on the use of the lands.  OH V's  (4-wheelers) are banned in all of these designated areas.  A trapper has to be familiar with 36 CFR Part 261,  to trap in these areas.  It takes a lot of dedication and knowledge of the sport,  to pursue any type of fur-bearer in the Forest Zone.

 

   This new organization is going to work hard for the rights of trappers in the Forest Zone,  and will work with the MN DNR to enhance the trapping experience.  We need you as members to make the organization as strong as possible....Please join today. 

 

 

   The MFZTA was  'formed';   and we are gaining members steadily as other trappers hear about us, and understand our commitment to trapping in the state of Minnesota.

 

     We support all areas of the state in maintaining resident trapping rules and regulations.   You can be a member no matter where you live,  your membership status is a 'supporting member', and all that means is that you cannot vote on issues in the Forest Zone,  unless you live in the Forest Zone.   We will listen to your ideas no matter your status.

 

  If you are a member of the MFZTA,  get your friends, your neighbors, your family  to join us...

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Above map courtesy of St.Louis Cty., MN. and  MDHA     Around 90% of all public land in Minnesota,  is in the Forest Zone.  

 

 

*** If you have not seen a new DNR Hunting and Trapping rule book,  there are a number of changes that affect trapping in the state.   The first is the fisher/marten limit is still 5,   but only 2 can be fisher.....and at registration,  you must bring in the fisher head, as well as marten heads...Also, the DNR set  April 30, 2011 as the last day of spring beaver season.  . We are waiting for the new Hunting and Trapping rule book from the MN DNR,   All the new changes for this coming season 2011/2012  should be in the new book.........

 

 

 

  It is not too late to join,  you can be a member of any organization that you want to belong to.  please join today.  We do have a strong voice,  and we will get stronger,  with a lot of support by the forest zone trappers........If you have never been a member of a trapping organization,  now is the time to join us.....I know we can do it.........Ken

 

 

If you do not receive the 'Trappers Post',   It is a good magazine and a lot of other trapping organizations are joining in and offering it to their members.   It is only $11 a year for our MFZTA members. 

 

 

 

 

 

  We have added our own bobcat and raccoon to our wildlife display.   An otter like this one is being mounted for us also. 

 

 

 

 

The otter and beaver are on display at our booth at the various shows.   This display is growing. 

 

 

 

 

 

  I will put in a new membership application box on the next page. We now have a new mailing address

It is MFZTA,  Box 367,  Hibbing, MN. 55746   There have been some problems downloading the large page.   Hopefully,  you should be able to print out the application..... High lite the smaller application, go to File,  then click on print. contact me if it doesn't work yet...or you have not heard from us.

 

 

    The Earth Fest in Mt. Iron will be the next event for the MFZTA.  (Sat. April 21)  The whole display will not be set up.  Just a couple of mounts,  some tanned fur,  and traping method displays for everyone to look at.   MDHA will be there also,  + other outdoor activities will be on display. 

 

We still have the green T-shirts with the MFZTA logo for sale.  They are a bargain and are good quality.   Also the MFZTA  patch is still available.....You can help support our group by contacting me and ordering some. 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 Beaver and otter trapping in the northwest and northeast zone (WI) opens on Nov. 5. 

 

  ""Otter trapping remains open in all zones and closes (ends) on April 30 in the north zone,  and through March 31 in the central and south zone. ""

 

 

 We are always seeking donations for our tanned fur display......tanned fur,  and/ or animal mounts are what we are looking for.....We  will use them for public education on the types of animals found in the Forest Zone.     Please contact me,  Ken,   call me or use the email address for MFZTA,  if you have something for us.

 

......John A. from the east range area let us use 5 of his tanned furs for display.  thanks  John

 

 "The Trappers Post" magazine is what we are offering for our members.  It is only $11 per year with a paid membership to the MFZTA. 

The website is www.trapperspost.com 

 

  On the 3rd page are pictures of the MFZTA districts  in the Forest Zone of Minnesota.   I am working on getting better pictures;  if you have a 2011 deer zone map from the Hunting & Trapping rule book,  you can find the exact lines on the map from the pictures...... 

 

 

 

   We now have directors for zones 1, 2, 3, and 4.  We need someone from  5 to come forward......Plans are being made for district meetings. you may get a call from the new directors.....

 

 

 

Our fur-bearer/wildlife display was set up at Giants Ridge on Thur. Nov. 3,  2011.    The Minnesota Governor's deer hunting opener was set in the Biwabik area this year,  with headquarters at Giant's Ridge.   The MDHA and the MN DNR has been working on the activities and schedule for the event and it was a lot of fun for the youths. 

 

  The trailer and fur bearer display was at the main lodge.  We also had a part in the youth day activities on Friday morning, Nov. 4.    Our participation  was at the  'Hides of Minnesota" station.  We had fur's of Minnesota animals and the youths  identified them.   Other stations were;   Archery,  Make'N Tracks, Outdoor Safety, "OH Deer", and an obstacle course.  

 

    The MFZTA was invited to talk about trapping at the Hibbing/Chisholm MDHA Youth Day {Aug. 6, 2011} at the shooting range outside of Hibbing.  There was over 90 youths split into groups that had different presentations on outdoor activities.  shooting, archery, clay shooting, air guns, waterfowl, muzzle loader.  etc......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See page 2 for information on these wolf stretchers.......

 

 

   Some members have not sent in their dues.   Please contact us at mfzta@q.com ,  or  218-969-3425 , or  218-865-4323   Your continued support is needed.  We have been working hard on trapping issues.   We have been to Legislative meetings at the state capitol in St. Paul.  A lot of miles have been 'racked-up'.   It has been well worth the effort.   We will always work hard for trapping rights;  we need your continued support.  

 

 

  The MN DNR has a fee increase proposal in front of the Senate and House Natural Resource Committees.   Some fishing and hunting license's will be really high,  boat license's will be a lot higher,  $37.50 for a 12 ft. boat,  (3 years), snowmobile license from $45 to $75.

 

  Whitefish/cisco netting license from $10 to $18,   married couple sports license from $38.50 to $59,  individual sport license from $29.50 to $43, 

 

  From what I can gather,  the only licenses that are NOT going to increase are:  Wild Rice license, special goose season, pheasant stamp, duck stamp, sturgeon tag, turtle license,

(there is one instance of a license decreasing.  youth small game (16 to 17 years old),  from $12.50 to $11

 

Talk to your elected legislators about these fee increases. 

 

 

 

Presidents column...........

 

 NORTH STAR FUR   was at the "Sawmill Bar"(Mt. Iron,  Mn.)  Highway 53, on Sat. April 14.    John Paul reminds all beaver trappers that he wants the beaver hides folded and then frozen, so he can get a quick inspection of their quality.  

 

 

  

Here is some great news.

 

   The 'MTA'  put in some long hours at the Senate Natural Resource's Committee meeting in St. Paul yesterday.(March 6).  I was told it was adjourned at 9:30 pm.   A new body-gripping bill  (SF 2265)  passed this committee.  We had some input and agreed with the MTA on the provisions,  and the MTA put in the time and testimony to get this passed.  Thank you !!  This bill was not a MN DNR bill.  It was a bill by the trappers.

 

   Another bill before the Senate committee was (SF 1945) allowing wolf hunting and trapping regulations;  this also passed.

 

 

   We  (MFZTA, MTA,) met with the DNR  on Sat. Feb. 11, and again on Tues. Feb. 21, 2012 (both meetings in Grand Rapids)

 

The MN DNR went over the list of trapping rule changes that we sent to the DNR for discussion at the Feb. 11, 2012,  fur-bearer committee meeting.

 

#1: change the 9 am opening day start of trapping to be consistent with all other seasons, like fishing, hunting;  1/2 hour before sunrise or earlier.

 

#2:  eliminate or modify trap checking hours.  currently you can only check between 5 am and 10 pm.

 

#3:  Why do we need site coupons?

only certain animals have to be registered anyway. (DNR response: The coupons are used to maintain individual harvest quota's.)

 

#4:  Trappers want a 3 day check on using cable restraints in the northern zone. {DNR response:  NO}

 

#5   Count incidental spring otter in the trappers limit if the 4 otter limit isn't filled.  (Not brought up)

 

#6:  The DNR had proposals for the wolf hunting/trapping season.

 

 #7.   Both trapping associations agreed on body-gripping restrictions.  We presented our methods to the DNR. 

 

The trappers need to have more input on trapping rules.

 

  I testified on the Wolf Season Proposal at  the House: Environment, Energy, and Natural Resource Policy and  Finance Committee meeting on Thur. Jan. 26, 2012 in St. Paul.   I also  testified at the Senate Natural Resource Committee meeting later in the day.  You can listen to the entire meetings in the House and Senate.

 

 

You can use the address above to obtain all the testimony at the 'house' meeting, click on 'senate' tab to find the senate testimonies.  You will have to look under archives or January meetings.  The date was Jan. 26, 2012. 

You can listen to everything rather than me writing about it. 

 

   The MFZTA Winter Trappers meeting was held in Hibbing on a cold snowy evening. {Jan. 18}  It was well attended.  We set up the wildlife display so that all members could see it.

   The MFZTA gives a large "THANK YOU"  for the donations of trapping supplies by the following list of supporters:

 

Smokey Red's,  

Joe & Barb Edminster,  

NAFA, 

USA Foxx & Furs, 

Karen Spotts,

L & M Supply in Hibbing,

Pizza Ranch in Hibbing,

Pizza Hut in Hibbing,

Dave D'Aigle, 

Bob Noonan & Trappers Post,  Trapper Art's, 

 and Cumberland's Northwest Trappers Supply. 

 

 

 

 

  Congress considers testimony on Lawsuit Reform.

 

   In testimony before a Congressional committee,  Boone and Crockett President emeritus,  Lowell E. Baier,  told committee members that H.R. 1996,  the Government Savings Litigation Act,  will help America's fish, wildlife, and natural resources agencies do their jobs. 

   The legislation will benefit conservation and sound wildlife management, by bringing fairness, transparency and accountability to the Equal Access to Justice Act.  (EAJA)

   EAJA is an historic law that allows plaintiffs to recover attorney fees and other expenses from the federal government when they prevail in lawsuits against the government.

   In recent years, animal rights and environmental advocacy groups began using lawsuits to protest lawful decisions that they happen to oppose.  The groups use EAJA to recoup their legal costs.  The most frequent abuses include suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on minor procedural decisions, then collecting settlements and EAJA reimbursements. 

    These private groups are collecting taxpayer dollars and consuming agency resources that could have gone toward wildlife management and conservation programs. 

 

You can go to the website www.boone-crockett.org for a lot more information on the ongoing loss of taxpayer money to pay lawyers fees,  instead of funding  fish and wildlife programs.  . 

 

   Contact your states Federal Legislators and urge them to support this bill......H.R. 1996

 

 

  

  

 

 

    We spoke with all the vendors and decided to stay in the same place and same time,  for the 2012 Convention. 

 

 

 

coming soon

 

 

Pine View Inn, 9 Ave. & 17 Str. North, Virginia........218-741-8918 About 23 miles

Super 8 Motel, Hi way 53, Eveleth.......218-744-1661 toll free 800-800-8000 About 26 miles

Babbit’s Red Carpet Motel, 11 Babbitt Road, Babbitt 218-827-3152 About 15 miles

The Alder Place Inn. 13 Alder Rd. Babbitt, 218-827-2220 About 15 miles

Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort 6325 Wynne Creek Dr., Biwabik 218- 865-3000 About 19 miles/10 miles some gravel

Grand Ely Lodge, 400 N. Pioneer Dr. Ely 218-365-6565 About 29 miles

Holiday Inn Express, Mt. Iron Mn. Toll free 800-465-4329 About 24 miles

Fortune Bay Resort & Casino 1430 Bois Forte Rd, Tower, 218-753-6400 www.fortunebay.com    (22 miles)

 

Campgrounds:

 

Embarrass township campground Call 218-984-2084

Birch Lake RV Park & Campground, 2015 Hwy 623, Babbitt, MN. 218-827-2342 16 miles

 

  There will  be room for some campers/RV’s on site..... We are working out the details with the fair board and the cost.......Check back with us on this option......