I am a young trapper, and started trapping on my own last year for an FFA project. When I was little I used to run a raccoon line with my father, and I still remember catching my first ever raccoon in a Duke Dog Proof that I set in a tire in a culvert (I have it tanned and hanging in the living room). So by getting back into trapping, I have rediscovered a passion for the outdoors, and I have even managed to get my dad riding with me on my trap line. This past weekend, My dad and I went to the FTA Rendezvous up in Spencer Iowa, and I truly cannot say this enough: Thank you.

I have never in my life learned more about trapping. The people, the stories, the tips/tricks. It was all so amazing. I will never forget my first FTA Rendezvous, as it is one to remember. I can now also say that I am proudly a member of the FTA, and plan on becoming a lifetime member soon! So thank you to everyone who was there, whether you helped to put it on or showed up to partake in it. And a special thank you for everyone who spared a bit of their time to stop and talk to a kid with a whole lot of questions and not too many answers!

A very heartfelt thank you to the following people who talked to me and answered my questions:
- Jason Wisniewski, FTA President
- Dale Billingsley, Billingsley Brand Lures
- Keith and A.J. Arvin, Arvin's Wildlife Solutions
- Jeff Dunlap, Dunlap Lures
- Mike Yancey, Pine Hollow Trapping and Supplies
- Leon Windschitl, Top Lot Stretchers
- Clay Creech
- Stu Miller, Coon Creek Outdoors
- Justin Deaver, Iowa Trapper
- Next Gen Trapper
- Anyone else who put on a demo!
- The cameraman who filmed the demos

Thank you all for all of your wisdom and knowledge, as I can't wait to put it to practice out on the line. I look forward this year to posting some awesome catch & check pictures, and hope for some tight chains!

Glad to hear you enjoyed it! A lot of work goes into putting on a trappers convention. A thankyou means a lot to the people that make it happen. I too remember my first convention as most of us do. Hope you continue to participate and best of luck on your traplines!

This post made my day. We need young folks joining the ranks, and it’s great to see examples of that happening.

Mine too!

I wonder if Coonman 220 was there.

Agree with trapdog1 and Lug nut.....and once again the importance of a Father/ family member or friend getting a person started in this activity is often times all it takes.

You are welcome.
Stay in touch.
You all are welcome to come ride along this winter.
We aren’t that far from one another.

Thank you for sharing!! I love hearing stuff like this, and if you ever have any issues or questions regarding your membership, the organization or anything in that regard, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Hope to see you in Macon, MO next August.

We need young folks like you to get involved in our state association as well!

Thank you! I hope you have some tight chains too come this season.

I'm just glad to have found a passion for trapping. It honestly makes my day when a old trapper spares me a few minutes of his time for some solid advice.

Glad to have helped make a day for someone, or as it now seems to be the case, multiple someones!

I cannot thank my dad enough for all he has done for me in helping me discover my love for the outdoors. Whether it was that first fish, deer, or raccoon, he has always been there right beside me.

I will have to take you up on that! I'll try and coordinate something with you once season starts, and I am very grateful for the opportunity!

I also forgot to mention it, but I became a member of the Missouri Trappers Association while I was up there! Hoping my FFA project goes good, I will be reaching out to them about doing a demo for new youth getting into trapping, and my perspective as a very young trapper.

Of course! I couldn't help but to share my great experience with others, and I look forward to being involved in the FTA!
I will be there in Macon! Missouri is more my neck of the woods anyway