I am proud to announce our 3rd Annual trapping event. The event will be held on the first weekend of February. I am once again asking for donations for the event. You ladies and Gentlemen have graciously been very supportive and I appreciate all you folks do to help us with this event. I well know we have all been thru some tough times in the last 4 years us included. But when you sit across the table from some of these guys and gals and see that far away look in their eyes it makes our troubles seem very small. So Anything you can do to help us is Hugh. You will receive a cap and a T shirt for your support in this trapping event.
Thank you My Adress is.
Terry Dowden
1153 highway 451
Moreauville LA 71355
Please Call me if you
have any questions.
cell # 318 240 3041

Terry and Kimberly Dowden

Glad to help again. Great T-shirt & cap Terry &Kim!

Our sportsmens club provides deer hunting for veterans every year at Camp Ripley. Some of them are disabled vets so trapping probably might be a little too tough.

Too many Vets' disabilities are found in the head, the rest of them is usually OK. My VFW post just sponsored a fishing day for the guy's at the local Vet's Home, a great time was had by all.

Had trapping camp for disabled vets this year at Camp Victory in Wisconsin. This was sponsered by Wisconsin Trappers Assoc

We do get some guys with some disabilities and we work thru it. Anything you folks can help us with will be appreciated. This will be our 3rd annual event and we will be actually trapping everything from mink to coyotes so any lures, traps or equipment new or used will be great. And too hard in don't think so sir. Like I told one of the guys last year if he crawled on his belly dodging bullets for my (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) i can crawl on my belly to help him set a (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) 280 conibear to catch an otter. You evidently don't know me too well. There ain't no can't. Anyway this is an event my family and I enjoy doing this for the sole purpose of having a good time with the people who fought for our country and you and my rights to live in a country that we can trap in. Would you moderators please move this to the top for me. Thanks

Mr. Dowden I'll be sending you some stuff again. Thank you sir for doing this.

Terry is my partner and a good friend this is absolutely 100% legit. He goes above and beyond to help these guys with whatever disability they have. He spends a good bit of his own time and money doing it just because it’s such a good cause and that’s the way he is. He does the same thing taking these guys hunting and fishing. It’s up to the individual vet to decide what he can or can’t do. Terry doesn’t force them to do anything-just helps and supports . If they just want ride along and stay in the truck that’s fine, at least they get outside. If you’re not here to help or have nothing good to say then mind your own business and scroll on past. Put up or shut up. Thanks to all who have helped and for your continued support for this great cause. I’ll be supporting them again also.

Count me in also Terry! It is a great thing you are doing for our vets!

I'll put together a package from the FTA - Do you roughly have any idea how many vets and volunteers you'll have?

I was one of the veterans that attended the first event. It changed my life, for the good. I used to trap before I joined the Marines and got away from it. After the event I jumped back in feet first and have been going at it full bore since. Now I’m a life member of the LTAHA and teach trapping. I run traps in multiple states. I helped TD last year and will be there this year. Why is this event so important you might ask? Let me use myself as an example and hopefully you will understand it from a veteran’s prospective…
I did 20 years as a trigger puller in the Marines. I served all over the world and the last time I was wounded was two months before I retired, I was wounded multiple times on that day. Besides the normal injuries from bullets and shrapnel, my helmet was blown off my head by an explosion. I ended up with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). Over the years I became more recluse, only leaving the house when I had to go fishing or hunting. I was getting to the point of not wanting to be around anyone. My brain started to shut down as I wasn’t really using it. I wanted to try trapping again and out of the blue I got a call to see if I wanted to go to a trapping event. I jumped at the chance.

TD, his friends and family was exactly what I needed. No questions about what injuries I had or my limitations, just honest people letting me be me. I didn’t have to put on a show, nor did I feel like I was being used, unlike other veteran organizations I tried. I was immersed in something I used to love doing and it started to come back to me. I didn’t want to leave TD’s as his family and friends had become my family and friends. I had been united with my first love, trapping, again. I had the traps and gear needed to start trapping. I was off and running! Within a couple of days of leaving TD’s I was running a trap line with the gear that was donated. I know I drove TD crazy with pictures, text and phone calls. I caught bobcats, coyotes, mink, otters, beavers, fox, and possums. I was out from sunrise to sunset, getting exercise and using my brain. At night I would work on old traps, flesh hides and put up fur.

I ended up joining the LTAHA and now I am an instructor for the joint clinics that LTAHA and LDWF conduct. I spend countless hours helping young trappers that are just getting started. My phone is getting a workout from other veterans who attended the trapping events. The calls are not just about trapping; some need someone to talk to. In just two events we have had combat veterans start a little contact group and are on standby for each other. I am active now, spending time in the swamps of south Louisiana trapping, hunting and fishing. My brain is working again and I can actually focus again.

Not every veteran that goes through one of the events will go on to become a trapper, and that’s okay. But they do go out and spend time in the woods now. They maybe only catch a coon or two getting into the feeder, or try to catch a fox eating the neighbor’s chickens. But that is more than they were doing before, and they are using their brains. They get to meet other combat veterans and can share experiences. At TD’s they are surrounded by people who really care about them and accept them for who they are.
Every night I pray and give thanks for TD for getting me back on track. Every time I use a trap or a piece of gear that was donated by someone on Trapperman I thank God that some unknowing person donated it, and hope they realize how they made a big difference in my life.

To everyone that donates each year I want to personally thank you! I owe my new fantastic life to you guys.

Terry my pleasure to help again this year. Trappers let's get behind this great cause!

You bet will gather things up and get things sent. You're doing a great thing!

There will be 4 veterans at the event. For 2 reasons we put them up in our outdoor kitchen and when we get out there wollering around in these fields and swamps setting traps We can pair them up and I can take 2 guys and Gunny can take 2 guys and we can cover more about the animals we are setting for the traps we are using and so on. And with 4 guys they can sit around and talk about whatever they like and be in a family oriented atmosphere. That's when I sit back and do the listening. It is amazing what these guy's went thru and I have learned myself that when they are discussing their demons it's their floor.
So i will continue to say Thank each and everyone of you guys and Gals for your support. And I feel like I will always owe them a debt I cannot repay. But I will continue to do my best. Thank you

Is there anything in particular that you need?

Anything you can part with will be great. we will be in the field trapping everything from mink to coyotes Anything will be fine. your support is much appreciated.

Terry,
Will you be accepting monetary donations also?

Yes sir that will be fine. We appreciate your support. Please send me your mailing address and shirt size caps and shirts will be sent out the first week of February.

How about payments via paypal?

sure
tkgcdowden@yahoo.com for PayPal
THANK YOU

Are you putting up the fur. Maybe some rat stretchers?

No sir my friend owns a Tannery he is going to take them green and tan them.

Some folks have been looking for another tannery. Especially if they do beaver tails. Care to share his information?

There is a box full weighing almost 15 pounds headed your way.

ENJOY!!!

Thank you sir please send me a pm with your shirt size and mailing address please.

All you guy's and gal's that donate to our trapping event please send me a PM with your mailing address and shirt size we will be sending t shirts and caps out around the first week in February. Thank you for your support.

I will be posting my buddies information for his tannery soon sir.

Paypal sent.

Terry thanks for putting on this event again for our vets! Happy to help will get something in mail.

My MI traps legal in your neck of the woods? I have several types new (sadly never made it to the line). Give me some ideas what your have be setting trap wise. Also, prep supplies needed? Think I have wax, dye, etc.. I asked this before and never got a package your way. I am willing to double down this year. Keep on helping our vets!

Yes sir they are legal. Anything you send will be muck appreciated. Thank you.

td you are over on your pm limits

I don't know sir I will check. You can text or call me at 318 240 3041

UPDATE...I have finished handpicking and interviewing the four veterans for the event. All four have seen some serious combat and have served our country honorable. Each one has wanted to get into trapping for a while and they are excited to be given the opportunity to be part of this event. They are all advid outdoorsmen and I have spent time with each on hunting trips in the past and I can say that they are going to take what they learn and do great things!

I'm exctied as these guys want to stack some fur! I have spent time one on one with each one of them and they are great guys, really solid dudes. This is going to be a trapping event to remember!

Just letting everyone involved know that we have four amazing Americans who are excited for this adventure. Thank you to everyone who is helping with this, it means a lot.

Gunny

If you can find a Market (craftspeople) for your "Tanned" pelts? That Might be better Money than selling to a "raw" Fur buyer? Your fleshed and dried animal "skulls", and teeth have "Niche" Markets also. And of course, Beaver casters. In order for Todays Trappers to even make Expenses, they Must "Think Outside the Box"!

Amen, Sir. Veterans, watching out for Veterans!

WOW! That is so Cool, Gunny! I have some business I must attend to soon and I must travel, but I would be able to Contribute " a little" something to those 4 American Heros later in February 2025. Maybe a Good Quality Rabbit in Distress Call? I'll bet they don't have one of them, but I'd bet they have a 12-gauge shotgun or similar? (#1 or #4 Buckshot traveling at 1,350 feet per second at 10 yards, will Really make the Fur Fly! LOL.) They'd Love the Excitement of that Experience! Plus Rid their neighborhoods of a few pesky Coyotes, Fox and even Racoons. And add a few more Critters to their Fur checks? I can be reached at, jness55944@gmail.com. We're having a Full moon here on the 12th of February. (Hopefully there'll be snow on the ground, or fresh snow a few days before and after the Full moon?) I'm going to eliminate a few Coyotes around here during that Time period with my "old, trusty" Browning A-5 12-guage. I'm going to try a new Call brand (Red River. Anybody ever heard/tried them?) around the 12th of next month, Full moon, and if it works? (I can make the Hair stand-up on the back of your Neck when I blow a Good, Handheld Rabbit in Distress Call. LOL.) I'll purchase 4 more of them for our New Trapper Buddies, (A Call brand/model, that I've Personally Eliminated Predators with. The Call Model has been Proven to Kill Predators.) and ship those New in the box "Predator" Calls to whom-ever? Maybe if I mention to Red River that those four Predator calls are going to American Combat Veterans....Maybe they'd give me a "Bargain"? I Wouldn't be Surprised! Regardless of what some people are saying? Theres a LOT of Really Good People in the United States of America! RIP. President Jimmy Carter. When I was in the USMC for 4 years......President Jimmy Carter was my Commander in Chief for nearly 4 years!

Hi Trappeur Gunny. I ordered a 3-call set of Red River Predator Calls and I wanted only the one model. But I got a "GREAT DEAL" on 3 calls plus a 6-call holder lanyard for $39.00. (Also, a Primos, Randy Anderson Coyote vocal call) So, I'll have "2" of those Predator Calls (Jackrabbit Distresses) I've Promised you for your "4" Combat Veteran program. I can send them Mid-February 2025. We have a Full Moon here on the 12th of Feb. so I'm going to Call some Coyotes with those calls and "try" them out during that Moon Phase.

got a package headed your way, Will get it in the mail Monday or Tuesday. Thanks for the great work!

Thank you sir. This is gonna be one them 4 guy's won't forget. We will definitely be hitting it hard on the trap line. we have a lot of good sign to set on. We are definitely looking forward to it. All made possible by All of you great people Donating to the event. Thank All of you for your support.

Thank you for taking up the challenge with these 4 vets.
God Bless ALL OF Our Veterans!

Call TD, he posted his phone number and address. You send anything to TD and I will ensure they get to the vets. TD handles all of the logistics and consolidation of supplies. I'm the officeal "cat herder" and focus on the veterans.

The VA could learn a thing or two from TD's "Outdoor Kitchen". Before any of you start thinking the vets sleep outside, let me tell you the outdoor kitchen is a closed in room with a head (toilet for you land types), full kitchen, fridge, bar, old boxes of shotgun shells, a big round table and...TD and I don't mess around when it comes to trapping. We are up early go full bore and when the work is done at night crash out. So when the work is done we shower, eat and crash. It is amazing to walk up at night and hear the boys up laughing, crying and BSing all times of the night. Last year the first night I was thinking these guys are going to be hard to get up in the morning. Wrong! They get up fired up as they have cleansed the demons and have bonded. You fill them up with coffee and a biscuit and BOOM! They are off and running, which pushes TD and I more. Once they catch on you simply stop, they start looking and go to work, they start to get that longline trapper drive. Last year TD made the mistake of showing them how to make cable restraints (snares). After the work was done they spent most of the night in the shop making snares, using the sand box to practice bedding coil springs, practice setting bodygrips, tuning up traps you guys sent, BSing until the God knows when. The next morning they were fired up again! Even the ones with mobility injuries slop around in the mud. If the VA would get an Outdoor Kitchen and put two crazy trappers in charge of it they would never have to pump drugs into our boys to make them "normal". You can be yourself and you find out that you are actually normal.

TD and his wife are the two most amazing, and loving people you will ever meet. They open their house to the vets and I mean actually open it. They really show interest in each one, really caring about them. Everyone that the vet meets on this event really appreiciates what they have done. The first one I went on it was humbling, but no one goes over the top. No one ask the stupid questions like "Have many people you kill?" or "How did you get wounded?" .

Trust me everyting that is sent for the vets goes to the vets and more. I can't even imagine what TD and his wife spend on this event, as I know last year I spent a small fortune out of my pocket last year. Heck, TD and his wife does a lot more than just this trapping event.

Gunny

I would like to end this post by saying Thank you to all of our fellow trappers. Ladies and Men yall are the biggest reason this event is a success. There has been a tremendous out pouring of support. We wish all of you could be here it's a good time for our veterans. I scouted a new piece of property we will be setting yesterday. I can't wait to get them hands in there. They are gonna wear some otter, mink and coons out in there. Kim my wife will need a couple weeks to design our Logo for the shirts,caps and banner. We will be sending the shirts and caps out around the first week in February. I believe we have everyone accounted for. Please contact me text or call me if for any reason you don't receive them. My cell number is 318 240 3041. Again Thank you. Gunny and I will do our very best to teach these guy's everything we can in 3 days. If any of you guy's or gal's would ever like to come down and trap with us you got my number and you are welcome to come down. We will be posting pictures from beginning to end of the event. Thank yall so very much and if there is anything we can ever do to help any of you we certainly will.
Thank you
Thank God
Thank our Veterans
And God Bless America