How many have been? How many are going to this years?

Has anyone on here ever been there besides me? I know Nittany Lion has and a couple of others. I here there are some pretty big names in trapping that are going to be there.

I have been there 4 times and going again this year

Four times for me when I used to live in Pennsylvania. Great event run by Don Powell. Not just about mink but everything about trapping and more.

This one will be my first.

I've missed ONE...due to a beach vacation (her last) with my elderly Mom.

While I have never been to Olson's, Graham's, etc...I can say without equivocation, that you would KICK YOURSELF if you knew what you are missing by not attending Don's MinktoberFest!!!

I have been wanting to attend for many years however my wifes health has stopped my traveling. Don puts on a first rate event. Maybe one day I can make it there.

Just to think it started out with the first one with about four trappers attending about 12 years ago for a round table type discussion at Don’s place and transformed into a national event.

A top notch event for sure. I can't imagine the time and effort Don puts into making this a spectacular event.

Been 5 times. Best of all the event I been to. Don Powell a great man.

What would you say is your favorite part? Porter house steaks on Saturday night? Bonfire bull sessions? Demos from the master trappers? Meeting new friends?

I like them all, Larry. Hard to say which is the favorite. I really enjoyed meeting the “real” Punxsutawney Phil and one of his handlers a few years back. Also, learned a few things about groundhogs I didn’t know.

Larry you going? Talking with the people. I miss Bob Best .

Been there twice. Best part for me has been making new friends. Don goes out of his way for details. Food alone is worth it. Got to pet Punxy Phil a couple of years ago. Exchanging ideas is great, "two sticks" is just one example.

Not this time Linvol. My wife went and had a little boy two weeks ago tomorrow. I was signed up but had to cancel. Don said I had to find a person to fill my shoes but I'm still looking for someone as humble as myself to take my spot. I will even include customized pointers for first timers if someone wants to go.
All kidding aside I will sorely miss all of my trapper brothers. Will you be there with Norm? After he shared that tip about the wire screen on the pan I started using it and started calling it '' the Norm''. I miss Bob Best too. Thank you for your friendship. I will be making more trapper events when the little one gets bigger.

Fisher Man Larry ''Two Sticks'' is a good man. I can't tell you how many good ideas I learned just talking and visiting with others there. The bon fire bull sessions are a hoot.

I hope no one has a problem with this- if you do please tell me and I will take these pictures off. Minktoberfest is about promoting trapping and digging the well deeper for others. These pictures only show small parts of it. There are the best trappers in our industry there and they share tons of knowledge. It is a very relaxing time where you get to meet trappers who wrote and write article we all read. They share freely and answer tons of questions. The stories are a lot of fun. When you get this many trapper together in a spot like this it is much like a family reunion. This is a good one guys. Don't miss it. Bring your waders for the stream walk. The first time I went there I met a trapper I idolized as a kid. All I could is think to myself I'm not worthy to be standing here next to him. He got up as a speaker and asked all of us if we had any questions. After a long silence one of the guys said '' what color socks do you wear ''. Don't miss it. This is our heritage.

I like the sign behind the one picture “Carman Stadium.”

Do any of you have any pictures to share?

I was amazed to learn the difference between ranch mink and wild mink -same with ranch fox and wild fox. Huge differences in the size and fur.





The food is great. This was spaghetti night. Where did they find those Italian sausages? Not only were they delicious they were huge!



Here is Big Pat sharing his top edge techniques and tips in the barn. One thing I like about all of this is that any time you want to ask or share you can.

This will be my first, and I’m SOOO excited!!! If anyone has any tips/suggestions for a first timer please either post them here or PM me. I have something(s) for the gift exchange, lots of trap tags, and a cot… Don also told me to be sure to bring my equipment and a few traps. I have to admit, I think the most valuable things I will be bringing is a notebook and pen!!! What time are y’all getting in Thursday?

This will be my first time as well. Planning to pull in Wednesday evening. Looking forward to it for sure!