Just got back from the 21st annual Youth Trapper’s Camp, located near Havre, Montana. We had about 55 kids who were taught by some fantastic instructors. Some of the classes included, but we’re not limited to: land sets and snaring, water sets, skinning and fur handling, ethics, diseases associated with animals, survival, fur bearer identification, regulations (taught by a game warden), calling, stretcher making, and tons more. Students from age 7 and up were able to skin, flesh, and board several critters and we had a bunch of parents who were there learning as well. The advanced students were able to go into the field and set a line with instructors as well. The food was good and the organization it took to start passing the reigns from Jim and Fran Buell to Sean and Trina Davis was fantastic. There are so many who participated in making this a success that I dare not even try to mention everyone. Some of the instructors came from out of state and brought great experience with them.

I’d like to thank Paul Dobbins for providing each student with a bottle of lure and a few with signed books! Much appreciated, sir.

Bill Duke provided each student with a 1.5 coil spring.

J&M furs out of Winnett, MT donated a bunch of Big Sky Bait and Bridger 110s as well!

The kids were beside themselves with big smiles.

Thank you to all who made the weekend a success. Most of those future trappers will never forget this experience. Here’s to next year!

Here’s my two boys, my neighbor’s three boys, and my other friend’s girl, holding up their lure and trap.

Those three boys on the right, 7, 9, and 11 can rope cows better than most grown cowboys, too. Boys are tough.

Yes, another great youth trapper camp is in the books. Good eats, good people and a lot of happy trappers. I hope everyone made it home safe. Thanks for posting pictures.

Thank you for all you do to help advance our heritage to the future generation.

John, that's incredible. Good job and thank you and all that instructed and helped that class

Thank you John and everyone else who helped make this event happen. This is exactly the kind of thing we need to be doing to keep our trapping heritage alive. Seeds were planted and there is a good chance that some of those kids will develop a passion for trapping as a result of this event.

Great job folks!

Fantastic job on the land trapping and snaring, Tater.

Here’s Bob mentoring some youth and parents.

Couple more. Don’t mind that beaver there. It was done by 7-10 year olds. The one flat one the table was done by a 15 year old kid with a Post fleshing knife. He didn’t put a single hole in it. Not a nick.

On the way home, the boys and girl begged me to stop so they could jump in a lake. Clothes were everywhere. Looked like a gypsy camp behind the truck. Lol.

Looking from one of the main buildings down into the cabin area. We did a flag raising each morning followed by the ledge of allegiance. You can see the flag pole in the right third of the picture.

Couple of kids fleshing beavers. Ages 9 and 7.

7 year old Hank rocking it on the fleshing beam with his miniature apron.

For anyone interested in the YTC you don't have to be a Montana resident to attend this camp , during my time with the YTC there were kids from all over the USA . This camp is a great addition to any family vacation to attend a Western NTA Convention and the National Parks with some great fishing opportunities also .

Looks like a great time. I'm sure those kids will remember that for years to come.

Good stuff John!!!!

Good stuff!