what are your thoughts on nta membership , do you think everyone should be a member , my thought is even in this bad market , a person can sell a few coons or a few skunks or muskrats , to pay for there membership!!!!. if you golf, bowl, trap- shoot, or many other things you have too be a member of a league or club?, why do trappers not want to join a club that fight for what they love to do ?

Memberships at most every level are tanking Roy. It's the way of things now-a-days because groups are "bad" and only the individual is "good." Groups try to make you do things you may not want to do. As individuals we can be free as a bird to fly, baby, fly where we want, however we want.

I'm an NTA member and always will be.

Blessings and best of luck in your candidacy for the top spot!
Mark

Every trapper should be a member of the NTA, FTA and their state association - at a minimum.

I'm a relative newbie with the NTA and joined a couple years back as an old retread trapper. I would wager a guess that a great many trappers don't join due to a lack of perception of what their role means as a member. The American Trapper does a good job detailing what the organization is doing, but it's a "preaching to the choir" situation, IMHO. Word needs to get out into other information stream venues to reach more of us hobby trappers.

gwgjr I agree we need to get the word to the non-members,

just some ramblings---

theres no shortage of groups attempting to attract members so that might be part of the issue at least for some. i can think of about 10 organizations that are routinely sending me renewals, etc. after awhile i tend to start becoming annoyed by it all so im not sure its about the money exclusively. i usually end up maintaining membership but often it makes me take a look at whether i think the organization is still something i believe in

id say that historically trappers have been somewhat independent and that may have made them less likely to participate in an association. obviously as the markets have declined essentially for 30 years theres been a loss of some trappers. but there's a whole bunch of new people that set a few traps that have kept the suppliers in business over that time. i suspect these folks tend to be young and if that is the case computer based reach-out in some form of social media is likely the primary contact for them. plenty of solid research showing younger folks are less likely to have group/face to face contacts so the old versions of reaching them by paper, or in some person to person convention or even on an old school electronic platform like this isnt very good .

For anyone that likes to stay informed, the NTA is a joke. They shroud themselves in secrecy, look down on anyone that asks questions, and have others censor info. Just like the MTA and now FHA.

Examples?

Look for YOUR info at FHA right now. Try to call or email them. Nothing.
Ask about the current NTA lawsuits
Why no nonresidents in Minnesota.

Thanks. All legit questions.

Roy, Stanley and I have worked the sport shows promoting our state trapping association (MTPCA) for quite a while.
When we ask trappers if they are a state member or NTA, FTA member if they say no. I would ask if they would like to join. One of the first things they ask is "what do I get for my membership ". Most are expecting a hat, bag or some other goodies. Those are all nice bonuses to get, but they come with a high cost. When we explain what they get for protecting their trapping rights to help changing bag limits and season dates they get a better understanding of where their hard earned money goes.

This should be the same at the local, state and national level. Sometimes if we just explain what they get for their membership, we may gain a few more members. State membership drives as well as national membership drives take a lot of planning, organizing and the people to do it. But, if done correctly I believe we can gain more members.

joe I believe you are right , we need to reach them at every show , weather its hunting ducks or turkeys or deer, We the nta has done this for years with the nwta , I believe we need to do more of this , on local state levels , and yes I believe that the nta can let out more information

I have been fortunate enough to be invited to several organizations to have a trapping booth or be a guest speaker. From QDMA chapter banquets, to church groups and Safari club banquets. Getting the CORRECT and TRUTHFUL information about trapping makes a huge difference. It's not so much a membership drive, but it does get the "fence sitters" a chance to hear the truth.
To be honest, I've never seen a real aggressive membership drive from the NTA. I'm not saying it hasn't happened, I've just never seen or heard of one in the last 10 years. As you know, the MTPCA ran a "special " membership drive. If people were not a member of MTPCA they could get a 3 for 1 deal. Which if the signed up as an MTPCA member, the MTPCA would pay for a free membership to the NTA and FTA. It was very a very successful drive. I even posted here on Trapperman.com. our membership secretary was excited to get out of state members.

Ok. My 2 cents. Having been a member for years, and a director for a couple years in the past, there is simply way too much secrecy and scandals and that is why your membership numbers are dismal.

I am not currently a member. Now, Roy, if you run for President and win, and after a couple years I see the association is headed in the right direction, with no big scandals having occurred under your Presidency, I'll be happy to rejoin.

How many members know about the current lawsuit against the NTA? If they don't, why don't they?

I am a member, and know nothing about the lawsuits. I'd like to know more. I do know that NTA has dropped liability insurance coverage to state affiliates...or so I hear.

You won't get new members until you clean your house up.

good post ang

Every NTA member should sponsor a newbie with a one year membership and involve them in the activities.

Once they get involved I believe many would desire to return.

Lack of interest and education has to be a big Deterrent in recruiting new members.

As noted above by Big Joe
Get aggressive !!!
( you can build on a offense platform / strictly defense is a losing strategy )

JMO

A couple of you mentioned NTA scandals, my head must be in the sand. What scandals are they currently involved in?

Almost all the trappers in Ontario are members of the federation I believe well over 80%
The reason is that the federation provides something with the membership-a 5 million dollar 3rd party liability insurance policy which is required to do nuisance work for many companys in Ontario.
You should look into something like that to boost your membership.

It's like they all consult with the same legal team or something................

I don't think every trapper should be a member. I was a member for probably 30 years. I decided that the goals of the NTA were not mine and their strategies and thinking were more east coast lower 48 geared. I saw little value in being a member to benefit my goals. I did not renew. I think each trapper should become informed before joining or supporting any group.

i use to think the same but not sure anymore. i've sponsored two within the last 4-5 years that have trapped with me. one for state association and another for nta. neither renewed. guess we cant base much off just 2 people but it is one small data point

Some excellent points. Very good post.
Mac

Thanks for the feedback.

My response would once again be Proactive.

I would start with New Member welcome committee.
To spend tine with sponsored or any other first time members .
Maintain a contact after the initial contact / involvement is over.
( you know a welcome and is there anything i can help with ? Questions ? We do care about you after we cash your check. May sway things our way on occasion)

Expand as needed for gathering info and suggestions to consider for improvement.

Anything is better than ending in future failures.

Or just let it dry up and blow away.

And i'm sure your effort was appreciated, Thx for trying.

JMHO

I am a member and plan on continuing, but would like to see major change. I believe Herbert Lenon was one of the first ten members I would have to dig in my files. I have had many discussions with you in the past Roy and I think you have a lot to offer the Association. Lenon's is going to be a 100 Years old in 1924 so it would be very cool to have a yooper as the president of the NTA.

That would be nice.

What does one get for being a member of the local or national associations? I am a member of both and also sponsor guns for the local banquets as well as donate new traps and gear for the giveaways at conventions. I couldn't even get a thank you and when I tried to get my kids involved with helping out we were informed they had a system and they didn't want help. We always hear about needing money to fight the antis but never hear about what we are trying to gain. Why would I continue to donate and sponsor events when it doesn't seem appreciated? It would appear the leadership and logic has not kept pace with the current trends and markets. I am grateful for what we have and those who put in the time but if we aren't working towards common sense regulations and limits then why would I "want" to keep throwing money at it? After my dealings at conventions and taking a "trapping" class this year I can tell you the leadership or at least the older volunteers are more interested with there titles and chest pounding than actually helping or teaching anything meaningful.

I messaged those who asked about the lawsuit out of respect for Paul's rule about not bashing trapping associations on here.

How is disseminating factual information bashing?

Agreed.

My fear is this thread or threads like this will die. Instead we'll talk about what we had for dinner tonight or how tough Wordle was. Trapping is in trouble, and without strong representation at state and national levels it's all going away. Isn't that why we're here to begin with?

I have real issues with my state organization, but I can't air those for fear of being banned? By a trapper?

The antis are consistently strengthening their ranks...we stick our heads in the sand and prefer not to worry about it, don't p(This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) people off. Or we say "well that's just the way things are now, people don't join".

When you see people on this thread say.."well I used to be a member, I need to see change before I join again"...does that not indicate that change is needed? How do we evoke change if we can't discuss our issues with the organizations openly in a trapping forum?!

Rant over

Not "a trapping forum". This is " The Trapping Forum". By far.

I don't have to agree with someone's opinion to respect it. If a friend invited you to go to his hunting camp, but told you beforehand that talk about Wordle was strictly forbidden, would you accept the invite and then start talking about Wordle? This website is Paul's hunting camp. If it were MY hunting camp, talk about trapping politics would be encouraged. But it's NOT my camp, it's Paul's... so if he doesn't want the nitty gritty dirtiness of trapping politics in his camp that's his choice and I respect that.

If he reads this post and says he wants the details of the lawsuit posted here, I'll post 'em. Otherwise I'll respect his wishes and keep it in private messages.

Keep in mind, this is a public forum. ANYONE can see it. Why would anyone want to publically aire the dirty laundry. Not saying the factual information shouldn't be disseminated and discussed; but be discreet. Thank you Yotetrapper30 for enlightening me!

Ding, ding, ding, we have someone who gets it.

Thanks Angela for respecting my desires on this.

Y'all can PM each other to your heart's content, I just don't want detrimental stuff aired publicly where our enemies can use it against us.

I respect Roy's approach where he threw his hat in the ring in order to make substantial changes. As the NTA President, he will be a great asset to all of us.

How many on here have helped put on a convention? They don't put themselves on.We NEED new blood to help keep trapping alive. New ideas to help promote it is in bad need. If the organization isn't headed in the direction you think it should be by all means let them know. Your idea may of just not been thought of. Join up and get involved. It is a lot easier to get change from the inside. Find out when the meetings are and attend them.

How many that are members have attended the meeting at the NTA conventions? How about the board of directors meeting?

I have been heavily involved in trapping and the trapping supply business for about forty years. My thoughts, as follows are not specific to any certain association, but a statement about trapping associations in general, both state and national.

I used to think that all trappers should join their state and national associations. I've changed my thinking on this 100% over the years. As a member, if your association advocates for policies that directly contradict their stated mission, what should one do? Especially if you make a good faith attempt to try to change things from "within" but if your concerns are not addressed your only recourse is drop your membership and not join that association.

I have seen first hand how politics, resistance to change, and not being responsive to members can hurt an association. Secret meetings and trying to keep things hidden are the kiss of death to any association's attempt to increase membership. In my opinion an association should be as transparent as possible. Financial statements that are in public tax filings should be printed in the magazine to keep members informed. Lawsuits should also be disclosed to membership. As is often said, the coverup is worse than the crime. When associations withhold information, rumors and assumptions will fill in the gap. No thinking person would expect an association to lay out their strategy publicly, but issues such as lawsuits can be addressed in the association's magazine by simply stating that the association is engaged in litigation related to "issue x" and "issue x" is being handled by our legal team and will have no effect on ongoing operations. This would certainly reduce if not eliminate the rumors going around about the issue, show that the association is taking the matter seriously, and show that the association is doing everything they can to keep their membership informed.

That said, trapping associations can be powerful advocates for trappers, support your associations, but conversely pay careful attention to what they are doing and if they are going in the wrong direction make your concerns known to that association's leadership. You can't force or shame trappers into joining an association. A well run association will have people wanting to be members and signing up on their own.

Jtrapper will be happy to discuss his negative experiences with the NTA via Private Message - Paul

Thank you for enlightening me I always thought most did not join cause they couldn't afford the dues

Great post Gerald, and as well Jtrapper (saw it before being pulled down).

I'm of the mindset that I will try to do whatever I can to keep the NTA going and improving, we need a voice a strong voice. the people in Idaho don't care what the u p trappers have to Say BUT THEY WILL LISTEN TO THE IDAHO TRAPPER AND THE NTA IF WE ARE STRONG. we need to get people to join, because they want to help make it better [NTA] if we can say we represent 20 thousand trappers that's way better than 10 thousand.

Roy, do you know who you'll be running against yet?