So this is a silly question but for those of you who trade traps at state conventions how do you do it. Just walk around with traps and ask people and vendors to trade with you or is there something I’m not aware of? I do t want to look stupid.

Don't worry you will fit in.

Some tailgaters will trade used traps with you if they are in the sideline of selling trapping supplies. Others are selling off traps that they no longer need or use. Sometimes tailgaters sell off traps for an estate of a trapper who has passed away so they will not be interested in a trade. But a convention is a great place to find good user traps. Always carefully look at the condition of every used trap. I have seen some that are so rusty they should be sold for scrap. Also, check to see if they have strong springs.

Pretty much carry the traps around and when you see something you want to trade for, ask politely if the person wants to trade. If they say no, move on.

From my experience , it wouldn’t be a trapping convention if folks weren’t carrying traps around. I still remember Paul’s comment about me carrying traps at the convention in Berian Springs, Michigan a number of years back. He said something to the effect that it wouldn’t look natural if I
Wasn’t carry traps. LOL

Ok so I get it just walk around and ask, simple.

You may even have people ask you if the traps you are carrying are for sale. I know I ask if someone has a bunch of something I am looking for. Especially if they are heading in from the parking area and not going out to it.

Yup and if you have a lot to get rid of get your self a little cart of some sort or a wagon and walk around. Saves on the fingers and makes it easier if someone asked if you have a specific trap they are looking for. You won't have to set them all down and root through them. You can just look in the wagon/cart and show them. It also helps if you are making a lot of purchases.

You could also try the "trap Shed" on this site.Folks trade traps in there all the time.

I made a pretty good deal in just the manner that upstateNY mentioned.
I responded to a trap shed posting for sale or trade at the WTA convention.
Maybe post for sale or trade at the event that you will be attending and you might even be able to set something up before you even get there.

If you are wanting to trade traps with tailgaters who are into reselling traps, whatever you are wanting to trade needs to be something they can move. I have guys at conventions all the time wanting to trade #1 Longsprings for MB’s or 330’s (just an example). They can’t trade traps that they can sell easily for traps that they have to set on for a long time.

^^or his state forum too http://www.ohiostatetrapper.org/forum/

Lets see trading traps. If you trade with someone you most likely will get leaser value traps In return. You might be better off just selling the traps you don't want and buy what you need.

Make sure you wear a "CoonSkin" cap. LOL

I'd just sell them. Might see if a tailgater will sell them for ya. Since you're a kid they might... I would. If not just plop yourself down under a tree with a sign saying for sale where people will walk by ya... hopefully the event volunteers won't bother a kid selling a few traps.

Nancy,
That was me and it was Marshfield, I think! LOL

Rally - you commented also. Can’t remember where - all past conventions are a blur at this point. It could have been Marshfield - I did that,convention several times. I know Paul commented too and I know that was Berian Springs. Were you there?