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Arizona Trappers Association

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Colorado Trappers & Predator Hunters Association

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

VICTORY! VICTORY! VICTORY! As short as it might be, celebrating the recent defeat of Colorado Senate Bill 22-031, which would have stopped all harvest of bobcats and mountain lions, we realize that we only pushed the dragon back, as it will inevitably attempt its tyrannical attack in the not so distant future.

The four to one vote against the bill was the culmination of an expedited defense that happened in just over 19 days with an all-hands-on-deck approach from 20-plus conservation/hunting, fishing and trapping organizations, that came together for a common goal to not only support science-based wildlife management, but to also defeat the bully on the conservation block, the Humane Society of the United States.

This is the fourth time in four years in Colorado that we have defeated such lunacy. Three times at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission and the latest being at the Colorado Legislature. While this shows just how powerful the hunting and angling and trapping community can be, it also shows that the opposition will never be satisfied. They will never be satisfied with the answers or the results. Even if they are victorious on one issue, they will continue to attempt to devour, like a cancer, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. The American Conservation Funding Model. Responsible, science-based wildlife management. All forms of hunting, trapping and fishing along with any low-hanging fruit regarding domestic or agricultural livestock. All species. All methods of take. All seasons in all states across the country. We realize that this, for the last 10 years, is only the beginning and the foreseeable future is only what we can look to address. Wins and losses of the past, are just that. Either we brush ourselves off or clean the dust off of recent trophies, but either way, every fight is like a new season and we have to maintain success and momentum and finish the game.

As far as the organization itself is concerned, the Stock Show booth was a success and the Fur Auction in February was as well, given the current landscape and market conditions. Next on our list is more Gold dome issues. The Partners Conference in Vail in April. The Sportsmen Banquet April 16th in Grand Junction, along with monthly Legislative Caucuses and a plethora of other engagements and interactions.

Hopefully the raffle is up and running in March and we preparing for the convention in Craig during Labor Day Weekend.

Look at the website and/or Facebook for the most up-todate information, also go to savethehuntcolorado.com which is the Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management website to stay up to date on Colorado issues, as well.

As always, if you are engaged, up your game. If you are not, get into the game.

President Dan Gates

SECRETARY REPORT

Hi everyone! We would like to welcome our new members Josh Ketels, Lamar, CO; Rylee Nelson, Simla, CO; Nicholas Anderson, Monument, CO; Cody Heitschmidt, Florence, CO; Michael McKeever, Larkspur, CO; and Brad Ruff, Hanston, KS.

Our Sportsmen Banquet is scheduled for April 16th, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Contact Kandy Herrman at 970-379-6024 for more information on how you can help. Don’t wait for somebody else to do it. Step up. It is always a great time.

Chris Jurney is currently working on the Convention this year, which will be held at the Moffat County Fairgrounds, 640 E. Victory Way, Craig, CO 81625. September 1-4, 2022, during Labor Day Weekend. Will keep you and the website updated with the most current information. If you have not already ready received a Vendor/Sponsorship Sheet, please let me know and I will send you one. Let’s make this year’s Convention bigger and better!! This is a huge fundraiser for the Association, so please attend and join the fun.

I would like to remind everyone, please continue signing up new memberships. This has always been important, but especially now.

Please make website. You can renew your membership or join our association. We also have merchandise that is available for purchase. This tool has been very effective and efficient so far. Please make sure you continue to check out the website for updated information. This will be the most current.