I've never been to one and this will be the first hopefully of many. I do have a couple of questions though.

Is it mainly all cash transactions or cards? I assume cash since that's how the state ones are. What do you dealers prefer?

I'm more than likely getting dropped off and will most likely not have a car for quite a bit of the time. So for the people who have this issue, where do you put your stuff if you don't want to lug around a heavy backpack all day? Is there a place or maybe a vendor I can talk to/pay to hold some?

Also, I see some of the demos are NTA members only, is it possible to sign up on site so I can go to those, or how does that work?



Anything else I should know?

Thanks in advance, have a great day or night.

Most of the vendors in the dealer buildings will take cards or cash.

In the tail gate area, cash is king.

You can join the NTA at the convention and thus go to the members only demos.

Be prepared to do a lot of walking. You won’t see everything in just one trip around.

If you see something you really want to buy and it’s a good price, grab it when you first see it. If it is a really good deal, it most likely will be sold by the time for come back.

Sorry, can’t help you with your second question. Maybe bring a small wagon to carry your purchases, but that can get a bit annoying.

Most important - have FUN!

find a vendor that youve maybe done business with in the past, introduce yourself, and ask if theyd mind if you left your pack behind their booth. convention vendors are about the greatest people on the planet, and youll find someone to help you out.

Most vendors will let you when and pick up later

You can store your stuff at my booth.

I've had ppl store stuff at my booth A&J Skinners and or buy something and leave it there for the duration also, stop by and say hi! There will.be a lot of walk and talking!!

We take cards/cash/Venmo/PayPal I'd say 1/2 is cash the rest split between the other 3.

Last year in Minnesota I was making trips back and forth dropping stuff off at the car, wife’s shoulder was getting sore from the bag…lol. I just bought stuff, then picked it up later.

If you know when your ride is is coming back, wait to do your buying till the end of the day. I usually just browse and wait till the end of the convention to buy most things. There's some things that go quickly and you might want to hit those items ASAP

And it’s a good idea to make a list of things you want. When I got home, there’s a bunch of smaller stuff I didn’t get. Some of the weird things our trapping stores don’t have up here and to get it, the shipping will kill ya

1 - Make a list of the things you need and what the price should be. Some times things are cheaper, some times not. Easy to get distracted and get off course (at least for me).

2 - If you see stuff you need, grab it. I held off one year buying chain and cable because I didn't want to haul it out to the car mid-day and was screwed when vendors started closing up shop. Thankfully Cumberlands stayed open till the official time and had stock!

3 - Take cash and card. If they don't mind doing card, use it, but definitely have cash.

4 - Slow down and wander and BS with folks. EVEN THE GROUCHY LOOKING VENDORS. Ask questions.

When I'm looking for items, I always try to support our Sponsors and our members. It would be nice to have a member booth/tailgate location compiled to help facilitate this and put a face with a name.

Its called Paul's booth

Don’t forget there’s an entrance fee

It is for Poplar Bud Oil and Back Breaker

I have no idea where my booth is located, and I won't know until I get there. I originally signed up for one building where the celebrity guests will be, and they moved me to another building.

When you come to Wisconsin Paul- you are the Celebrity

Nope, just an old worn out beaver trapper, nothing more.

I would bring cash. Everyone there will take it and you are designated to spending that amount. It's easy to swipe the card and lose track of your total. Definitely make a list of what you need

Most important thing is talk to people. I know that sounds simple, but everyone there shares a mutual interest with you. You can get some great trapping information and make some lifelong friendships by just striking up conversation

Paul made a very generous offer above to use his booth to store your purchases. Sounds like you are all set now. Have fun!

Get ready for a good time... The world's largest gathering of old guys in bib overalls and camo caps. All smelling slightly like skunk essence! It just don't get any better than that!

Enjoy!

Pete

Absolutely make a list of what you need to buy. Also make a list of what you want to buy. And a list of the demos you want to attend. Its very easy to get distracted with so much to look at.