Does anyone else see a bleak future for “trappers” belonging to organizations? I see so much free content out there that I believe a lot equate being a part of any online group as belonging to an organization. I believe where it will begin, well it already has, is to have less clout when dealing as a group with your state wildlife agency. I think having some direct benefit like a fur sale that requires membership will help prolong a group but there’s so many now talking about “ditch pandas” and “ nest raiders” that fur put up will never attract that group.
Also seeing it common for guys to look for an excuse to get butt hurt and quit, usually blaming something or someone else.
I just see after 50 years of observation, things have changed quickly last five years or so. I know, I know, won’t come back until we have a fur market.
I also think the majority of “casual trappers” we have now will in no way fight to keep it. Their primary reason for setting a trap is to enhance hunting opportunities and I don’t see them loading up and going to fight for keeping trapping. I think they’ll accept any equipment downgrade to the point of letting it be taken away. Heck, a lot only set dog proofs anyway.
I believe for a large portion now they’d be ok with just going to thermal hunting or frog gigging and forget trapping.
I wonder how long fur trapping can sustain being picked apart from different directions. Any positive thoughts?

I think clubs and organizations themselves are falling by the wayside. These days, people are lacking time because they won’t allow themselves to have simple lives. So belonging to a true group is not something that is put on a pedestal. People are selfish and if they DO decide to trap, it’s off to YouTube they go to get some info and a quick fix, like you said, most likely to enhance the Turkey population. Not that it’s a bad thing…
But you’re probably not going to get the vim and vigor of the trapper for trapping sake these days unless you educate. And unless folks fall in love with it.
I can’t foresee most people being willing to put in that kind of work. I hope the younger generation surprises me.

Ps sorry if I sounded negative. You did ask for positive thoughts.
I try to educate others in fun ways. Perhaps we can all do a little something.
This was my idea…

https://trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/8135946/suggestions-for-wildlife-raffle
Pic of basket is on page 2

It’s not just trapping that this is happening to.

Because of health reasons, I no longer hunt or trap, seldom fish either.
But I buy my licenses every year to support the DNR.
Same with trapping, I pay my dues because there's more than just fur auctions , there's sending people to the wildlife meetings, to help prevent more restrictive laws.
We still need to support our outdoor sports , and need to encourage youngsters to get involved.

It's like planting a tree, you may never enjoy it's shade or it's fruits, but those coming after you will.

No problem. Positive or negative, honest thoughts from old trappers. Yes Hobbie, you’re right. It’s just trapping is most of us’s “thing”. It makes me sad to see it all go.
As president of our state organization I constantly think how to keep it flowing downstream. We have some real good directors here. I just want to see it carry on but before long those of us concerned will be dead and forgotten about.

Wise words.

The problem is human nature. Organizations get big, get a lot of money, and get corrupt.

Trapping takes quite the effort by itself, throw in the time of year and weather conditions and it’s even more of a challenge to get others excited about it. I wish it was as easy as giving away fishing poles and fishing gear riverside at the park in the summer when kids are out of school.

I have taken a number of kids trapping and while they are fascinated by the critters, there is little interest in how they got there.

Danny hit the nail on the head. All for the money.

No positive thoughts to add....unfortunately.

You are spot on with your assessment of what has occurred and what contines to happen.

I’ve heard about that and also theft by someone taking care of the banking. My philosophy is for us to never get too big that anything becomes too tempting. I firmly believe dues money should be used for the members. We try to have good meets, good shirts and hats, hoodies, good fur sale and we send Sportsmen’s Alliance a nice check every year because they’ve proven themselves to us already. I said a trapping organization should be healthy and moving like a flowing stream. If it gets pooled it gets stagnant and problems arise.

“Like”

Our association is pretty dead social media wise. There’s one younger guy in there about 35-40yrs old, but the rest aren’t very tech savvy. I didn’t join for the knowledge, it’s just the right thing for me to do and it’s a gouge of good people. They’re the reason I’m hanging some little kill springs for coyotes this year instead of rams. Hopefully I’ll be building some for wolves next year.

Hobbie, after us being in existence over twenty years and coming out of the gate super strong as trying to get kids involved it just hasn’t “stuck”.
I can’t name one kid we’ve gave traps to that is trapping. It sounds very harsh and uncaring but I’ve come to believe it’s not a waste of time ever to show and do for kids, it is not the answer to trapping perpetuation, sadly.
Now, if you have a kid that’s around it daily they’ll have a higher chance if sticking. If they have a parent or mentor to go with.
I find the natural curiosity about animals is just not there anymore. They care little how or why a furbearer, or deer or turkey, arrived there.just to shoot it and shake it on Facebook is the goal a lot of times I’m afraid.
I’ve about decided to devote my time and mental injury into the people that join and support the group and quit trying recruitment quite so much. Again, sounds bad on the surface. I’m just looking at reality.
I’m afraid we’re chasing our tails a lot of the time instead of worrying and working to keep what we currently have.

I’ve seen people actually use their supposed “ love for kids and trapping” as really just a desperate “ look at me” for daily adulation. If you’re having to daily toot your own horn there’s something that’s not right.

I have taken a lot of kids trapping. Only one is a serious trapper as an adult. You either have that gene or you don't. Keep taking kids trapping. Keep talking about it. We need voters.

One of the kids I took trapping, (adult now) came by the other day. Had a roadkill bobcat. I helped him skin flesh stretch and dry it in my shed. He will vote for us long as he lives. Just cause most wont trap they are still members of the public we need good relations with.

Here, again just thinking about our own little state, wildlife decisions are not decided by any kind of ballot initiatives. If I lived in a state that did I’m sure talking about it in school groups and taking them would be a good idea.
Even if however they’re decided it’s never a bad thing to take a kid with you. Well, I say that, I have stopped taking them unless deemed the right mettle, to me.
I’ve had a couple of bad results taking one or two that are bad ambassadors if they try to trap.
Someone said it’s there or it isn’t and I’m starting to see that more. It’s just too much muddy, bloody business for about all young ones nowadays.
I actually enjoy going along a day with an adult that’s trying to truly learn about as much anymore

Good thoughts on this post ...realistic thoughts.
I got involved in trapping for two reasons, one I was a fisherman and hunter and was curious.
The other...THE MONEY. Wild fur prices were high and I could reap some of my field/water time
and get a monetary reward. Later, I discovered FTA, Illinois Trappers Association and NTA and joined.
Still ater, I joined several out of state org.s for support.We have more available information on hand today
than ever before and still our trapping association numbers remain low...but so do the gun association numbers.
And there is no money given out for joining the gun associations. So I am not sure how to answer or support the
question. But I do know it is getting expensive for a young person to trap, drive, pay for fuel and then join the different
trapping associations...as it is for all of us. I guess all we can do is hang tough until something else comes along???

Yes I agree, good conversation. Thanks Mike.