Team Fur News
Back in the Saddle Again
By FUR-FISH-GAME Editor, John D. Taylor
Editor Taylor and his horse Ribbon work through some serpentine cones in an arena, the first ride since Taylor’s hip replacement in February. On Ribbon, he felt like the King of the World.Photo: Nancy Whiting
Last fall, following English setters 13-year-old Ellen and less than a year-old Theo across western South Dakota’s prairies, I had little trouble from the arthritis that was corrupting my right hip joint. Sure, when I hopped out of the truck and walked around back to put e-collars on the dogs, cut them loose to find and point birds, I experienced a twinge of hip pain. Yet following the dogs, I couldn’t honestly notice anything all that painful. At the day’s end, when I came home and repeated of the exercise of letting the dogs out, my hip felt like it had been “rode hard and put away wet,” to put a Western spin on it. Yet an ibuprofen or two, and by the next morning, things were usually back to pretty close to normal.
Same last summer while replacing the big deck/front porch of our house. I could tear the old deck apart, haul lumber for the new deck, then crawl around building the new deck, sinking screws with the drill-driver, even using a digging iron to pry loose the huge, 85-pound stone slabs that bordered the former deck, then move them into place for a new deck border. Sure, I felt the exercise later, but it wasn’t like I was crippled.
However, put me on my Tennessee walking horses, 15-hand Ribbon, or especially 16-hand Big Jack, for more than about half an hour, and I could barely hoist my right leg over their back and the saddle to get down. It really, really hurt.
For a while, I couldn’t understand why. And it worried me that I’d never ride again, something that I absolutely love doing.
It was thanks to a horsemanship Pilates class offered by farrier Mark Jakopak that I learned my problem might be my hip. Mark and his wife Summer invited Pam, a Colorado Pilates instructor and well-known horse trainer, up to their large indoor arena to share her knowledge with a group of riders wishing to ride better, gain better connection to their horses. Pam shared a lot of great ideas about how to better relate to our horses focusing on leg use, knees and hips. (For non-riders, much horse-rider communication takes place between the rider’s legs and the horse’s flank. I can guide Ribbon almost entirely by pressure applied by my legs, no reins, although both working in unison make riding navigation seamless.) Then we did a bunch of Pilates exercises and Pam worked individually with each person.
Pam noticed my hip pain when riding and she tried a few things that helped, like padding to make me sit the saddle somewhat differently and lowering my right stirrup a notch or two. It helped some, yet riding was still very painful. She suggested getting my hip checked by a doctor.
I’d waited a long time – 34 years to be exact – for a horse of my own and I didn’t want to give up riding after only a short but mostly wonderful time with Ribbon or Big Jack.
A doctor visit produced X-rays that showed severe arthritis in my right hip, and riding a horse was the ultimate driver of the hip replacement surgery I had in mid-February.
After it was done, recovery involved couple weeks using a walker, then a cane and physical therapy. Within about a month, I was walking the setters as I’d done before the surgery, doing a mile every morning.
South Dakota’s spring gobbler season was the proving grounds for my hip replacement recovery. I was putting in 10 to 15 miles worth of walking over broken terrain every weekend of the season. And there was that episode along the creek bottom – turkeys on the other side of the creek, me wanting to get to them – with quicksand I shared in May’s column. Thank heavens for the willows, or I’d still be up to my thighs in that muck. And I didn’t get my vengeance there, but I did tag a couple of gobblers as the season progressed, one a three-bearded bird with inch-long spurs, uncommon for a Merriam’s subspecies. I suspect he was the boss gobbler.
My last physical therapy session took place at the end of May. Teresa Luek, the PT coordinator, cleared me for riding horses. She stipulated that I shouldn’t be doing anything stupid like trying to ride bucking broncs or doing 50-mile endurance rides, which I found quite sensible. Neither Ribbon or Big Jack are cut out for that sort of thing, we just like quiet trail rides in the Black Hills or simple Western pleasure rides around home, no agenda, just fun. Keep the first sessions short to see how things go, I was told.
Wednesday, June 3, Ribbon and Big Jack were scheduled for a hoof trim and potential shoeing with Mark at his farrier business about 20 minutes from home. Wednesdays also just happened to be the day Mark and Summer open their arena, when not hosting special events, for other people to ride for a small fee.
Since Ribbon had only been ridden once last year – a short trail ride in Custer State Park’s special horse area – I figured it would be a great opportunity for me to get back in the saddle and for her to get used to being ridden again. She was getting a bit cresty-necked (overweight) and a sweaty saddle pad would do her a world of good. And if she balked, or I fell out of the saddle, soft arena dirt would be a far better place to land than the hard-pan, rocky hilltop we live on at home.
After Mark put shoes on her and was working on Jack, I saddled Ribbon, and my wife, Nancy, and I led her into the arena, in front of the mounting block. To be honest, I was a bit trepidatious about getting on her. No way did I want to fall off or something, bust up my hip, and have to go through another recovery. Once was enough. But the joy of riding overcame any fear, and while Nancy held the halter rope, I climbed the mounting block, stuck my foot into the stirrup and climbed aboard Ribbon.
Ribbon earned her Lakota name – Sunka Wakan Sa Waste, good red horse – like she always does. She didn’t get jumpy, jerk around or act goofy, she simply started walking around the arena while I collected the reins and settled into the saddle. A couple of loops around the arena and I remembered the lengthened right stirrup. It was getting uncomfortable. So, I brought her back, dismounted without any pain at all, and reset the stirrup to equal length of the left side. I climbed aboard again, and we set off for some more loops around the arena. We practiced moving (leg pressure) through serpentine cones and did some other turns and corners.
This wasn’t a couple hour trial ride with the scenery the Black Hills has to offer. Early June is a magnificent time to ride Paha Sapa, the Black Hills. The warm – but not hot – air rolls across a park-like sea of grass under a ponderosa pine forest carrying with it a piney, natural scent that will blow your mind. The blend of sunshine and shade are just perfect, and the scenery of mountain peaks, clear streams and blooming plants is simply outstanding. Riding in that pleasure dome seems like heaven on Earth to me.
Our ride wasn’t much more than a horse and rider reacquainting themselves with each other for 20 minutes or so. Yet it was a wonderful thing. To be back in the saddle on a fine horse made me feel like it always does, like the King of the World.
Spring Turkey Season Roundup
Ohio spring turkey hunters bagged 15,887 birds in 2026.
Four states have shared preliminary spring gobbler harvest numbers:
• Missouri - Preliminary numbers from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) show turkey hunters checked 45,475 birds during Missouri’s 2026 regular spring turkey season, April 20 through May 10. Top harvest counties were Macon with 979 birds harvested, Callaway with 926 and Franklin with 879. Young turkey hunters also harvested a near-record 5,255 turkeys over the spring youth weekend, April 11 and 12, bringing the overall 2026 spring turkey harvest to 50,730. Top harvest counties were Macon, Callaway, and Franklin. Good gobbler carryover from the 2023 hatch and a decent 2024 hatch resulted in a strong population of adult birds this year said MDC Wild Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley. Last spring, hunters tagged a total of 51,011turkeys. Visit huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.
• Ohio - Turkey hunters bagged 15,887 birds during the spring 2026 season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). This includes 2,058 birds taken during youth-only hunting. The three-year average for the spring season (2023 - 2025) is 15,743. The top 10 counties in the 2026 season were Ashtabula (500), Tuscarawas (433), Belmont (418), Monroe (413), Trumbull (410), Highland (407), Adams (401), Gallia (397), Guernsey (383) and Brown (358). Following strong brood production summers in the last few years, biologists expected a high proportion of adult birds. Hunters checked 2,285 jakes in 2026, representing 14% of birds taken. Turkey hunters also checked 161 bearded female turkeys (hens) this season. Shotguns accounted for 98% of the total harvest (15,631 birds) this spring. The remaining 256 birds were taken with archery equipment. ODNR issued 52,799 spring turkey permits for 2026. Visit ohiodnr.gov
• Wisconsin – Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) preliminary totals for 2026’s spring turkey season bag was 47,725 birds, 8.6% above the 5-year average of 43,953. Turkey numbers continue to remain stable and are now found in all 72 counties. Visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey
• West Virginia – The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR) says spring gobbler harvests increased 12.3% in 2026, with all six districts showing increases and the statewide total topping 5-year and 10-year averages. Turkey hunters tallied 12,006 birds this spring, with 2026 topping the five-year average of 10,812 by 7.3% and the 10-year average of 11,243 by 6.8%. Harvests in all six districts increased, with District 1 tagging the most birds (2,838) followed by District 6 (2,072), District 4 (1,983), District 5 (1,981), District 3 (1,783) and District 2 (1,394). The top five counties were Mason (523), Preston (436), Jackson (404), Harrison (372) and Marshall (335) counties. Youth hunters bagged 875 turkeys a 28.3% increase over the 2025 season. Visit WVdnr.gov.
New York DEC Proposes Deer Season Changes
New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation wants to increase antlerless deer harvests. Photo: Prazanthy Ramesh/Unsplash
New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced several proposed regulation changes to increase antlerless deer harvests and improve its ability to manage abundant deer populations. Deer numbers are growing in many areas, and increased harvest of antlerless deer is necessary to keep deer populations healthy, in balance with available habitat, and at levels publicly acceptable. Recently, fewer than 15% of licensed hunters harvested one antlerless deer and only about 3% harvested two or more antlerless deer. The proposed change would modify DEC’s Deer Management Permit (DMP) issuing process to increase permit availability. Currently, Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) have unlimited DMPs. The proposed regulations would create a second pathway for DMP issuance in units without a quota, allowing hunters to simultaneously apply for two DMPs in WMUs without a quota and two DMPs in WMUs with a quota through the typical lottery process. Hunters could potentially get as many as four DMPs when they buy their license. Also, hunters who harvest and report antlerless deer using DMPs in any of the WMUs without a quota would automatically receive bonus DMPs, allowing them to continue harvesting antlerless deer. Plus, DEC could add or remove WMUs to the list of units without a DMP quota. In addition, the proposed changes would allow an unlimited number of DMPs to be transferred between hunters, expand the nine-day September antlerless season, establish an earn-a-2nd-buck system, and reclassify the bow/muzzleloader -sex deer tag as a bow/muzzleloader antlerless deer tag. Visit dec.ny.gov for more information.
PA Deer Hunters Had Good Season
Pennsylvania hunters harvested about 6% more deer in the 2025-26 hunting seasons than in 2024-25. Photo: Jessica Cogar/Unsplash
Pennsylvania deer hunters tagged 6% more deer in the 2025-26 hunting seasons than they did in 2024-25, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) estimates. The statewide 2025-26 deer harvest was 505,600 deer, 185,310 bucks and 320,290 antlerless deer. By comparison, the statewide 2024-25 harvest was 476,880 deer. It’s notable, PGC says, however, that 2025-26’s antlered deer harvest was up about 9% more than the three-year average, and the antlerless harvest was about 17% higher. This was partly by design, Deer and Elk Section Supervisor David Stainbrook said. The objective in most of the state’s 22 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) was to reduce deer numbers, either because deer were negatively impacting forest health or Chronic Wasting Disease is present or both. Increasing the harvest might slow CWD’s spread and reduce deer numbers. The meet this opportunity, PGC offered additional antlerless licenses. Statewide, some 29% of deer hunters took an antlered deer, the highest success rate since 2007. These bucks were also older deer, with two-thirds at least 2.5 years old. Also, 25% of hunters filled their antlerless tags. Firearms accounted for 299,230 deer, 89,980 bucks and 209,250 antlerless. Archers took 182,190 deer, 94,290 bucks and 87,900 antlerless. Muzzleloader hunters got 24,180 deer, 1,040 bucks and 23,140 antlerless. Visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/wildlife/discover-pa-wildlife/white-tailed-deer.
NEW F-F-G Ceramic Mug
Introducing our latest ceramic camp-style mug. Larger 14-ounce size for plenty of coffee to get you going on the trapline. Our 2-color logo is printed on BOTH sides, so you'll never miss it. And what's more, it's made in the USA from start to finish. $18.95 each, or a set of 4 for only $68.00. Order here: www.furfishgame.com/store/new_products.html
New Mexico Urges Caution After Aggressive Wildlife Report
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife (NMDW) urges outdoor recreationists to be cautious following two incidents involving unusually aggressive behavior by a bobcat and a fox in Catron County. Photo: nikolay-tchaouchev/Unsplash
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife (NMDW) urges outdoor recreationists to remain cautious following two incidents involving unusually aggressive wildlife behavior in Catron County. In different incidents, a bobcat and a fox approached and engaged with hikers and campers within the Gila Wilderness. Though nobody was bitten, these reports raise suspicion of rabies infection and come after a bobcat tested positive for rabies in Sierra County in March. Rabies has been diagnosed in both bobcats and foxes in New Mexico. Rabid animals may be aggressive and unafraid of humans, or they may be unusually quiet and tame. Report a potentially sick wild animal to an animal control officer or NMDW. NMDW and the state’s Department of Health recommend the following to keep you and your family safe from rabies: Keep pets on a leash, up to date on their rabies vaccinations and wearing current license tags on their collar. If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, especially by a wild animal, call your pet's veterinarian even if the wound is superficial. Horses and other livestock should also be considered for rabies vaccination. Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not attempt to feed, approach or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children. If you or someone you know is bitten by an animal, or comes into contact with an animal's saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water. Be sure to report the bite to local animal control and seek medical care as soon as possible. Contact the Department of Health’s Helpline at 833-SWNURSE (796-8773).
Enroll Land In Open Fields And Waters
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) is encouraging landowners to provide additional hunting and fishing opportunities on private lands through its Open Fields and Waters Program.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) is encouraging landowners to provide additional hunting and fishing opportunities on private lands through its Open Fields and Waters Program. Landowners willing to allow public walk-in access for hunting or fishing can receive annual, per-acre payments through the program, get liability protection through the Nebraska Recreational Liability Act, and can receive additional financial incentives for habitat improvements, such as Conservation Reserve Program enrollment or management upgrades. NGPC is primarily seeking the following types of enrollments, but all properties offering high-quality hunting or fishing opportunities will be considered:
• Conservation Reserve Program – CRP fields provide excellent hunting opportunities for upland game birds and acres in any part of the state will be considered. Landowners can receive up to $20 per acre for CRP, depending upon location and habitat quality.
• Wetland Reserve Program easements – Landowners who have Wetland Reserve Program easements can earn up to $15 per acre for accessible portions of WRP easements with suitable habitats.
• Grasslands – High-quality grassland habitat that provides mixed-bag hunting opportunities for upland game birds and big game species are being sought statewide. Properties in the Sandhills supporting prairie grouse, mule deer and/or antelope are a priority, along with sites in southcentral and southeastern Nebraska that offer quail and/or white-tailed deer hunting opportunities.
• Woodlands – Heavily timbered areas along riparian corridors and those with canyon-like topography are being pursued in many areas. Rates for high-quality woodlands range from $3 to $25 per acre, depending on habitat quality and location.
• Fishing access – Ponds, lakes, warm-water streams or rivers and cool-water streams with trout are potential targets. Payment rates are per surface acre on lakes and ponds and per stream mile on streams or rivers.
Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Open Fields and Waters.” Interested landowners should contact their nearest NGPC district office or service center. Since 2016, more than 235,000 acres have been added to Open Fields and Waters.
First Sea Turtle Nests of 2026 Reported in South Carolina
A Cape Romain turtle nest. Photo: Billy Shaw
Sea turtle nesting season got underway earlier this summer in South Carolina, with the first two loggerhead sea turtle nests reported at Edisto Beach State Park and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Sea turtle nesting season in South Carolina runs from May 1 through October 31. The nests were located by trained specialists conducting early morning beach patrols under South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The discoveries mark the beginning of another busy nesting season for the statewide network of more than 1,500 volunteers and biologists who patrol South Carolina’s beaches each year to locate, document and protect sea turtle nests through October. SCDNR biologist Michelle Pate, who oversees the sea turtle nesting program, asked beach residents to help protect the turtles by turning off beachfront lighting. Four species of sea turtles nest on South Carolina beaches: loggerheads, green turtles, Kemp’s ridleys and leatherbacks. All are protected under both federal and state law. Loggerheads are responsible for the majority of nests and are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Loggerhead clutches average about 120 eggs and typically hatch after about 60 days of incubation. The females don’t nest every year. SCDNR counted 8,775 loggerhead nests in 2019, the most on record. In 2025, that tally was 3,902.
Minnesota’s Moose Population Stable
Minnesota’s moose population appears to have stabilized, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Photo: Madhu Shesharam/Unsplash
A recent Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) moose population estimate tallied 4,470 animals. Results suggest that after a steep decline from a population of 8,000 in 2009, Minnesota’s moose population appears to have somewhat leveled, fluctuating around 3,700 animals in recent years. Despite recent estimates suggesting relative stability in the population and reproductive success, MDNR researchers point out that Minnesota moose remain at risk. Climate change, parasites, habitat loss and predator impacts on calf survival all play a part in the long-term survival of the moose population. Ongoing research by MDNR and the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa aims to better understand reproduction and survival. Collaborative landscape-level habitat work with state, tribal, federal, county and non-governmental organization partners also continues. These partners are looking to address barriers to habitat management and implement habitat work within three core areas of approximately 50,000 acres each in St. Louis, Lake and Cook counties. The moose survey is available at mndnr.gov/moose.
North Carolina Sets New CWD Management Areas
North Caolina counties shown in yellow are new CWD Management Areas, counties shown in pink are new CWD Surveillance Areas.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has affirmed chronic wasting disease (CWD) primary and secondary surveillance areas for North Carolina’s 2026-27 deer hunting season, effective May 1. A proclamation signed late in April includes Edgecombe, Martin, Pitt and Halifax counties as the state’s surveillance areas, and removes 11 other counties from the list. Deer Biologist April Boggs Pope noted that 33 deer tested positive for CWD during the 2025-26 hunting season, bringing the total number of positive deer to 67 since CWD was first discovered in North Carolina in 2022. Four of the positive deer were found in Edgecombe County, making it necessary for NCWRC to proclaim Edgecombe as a primary surveillance area and Martin, Pitt and Halifax counties as secondary surveillance areas. After several years of intensive surveillance, CWD has not yet been found in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Bladen, Davie, Guilford, Iredell, Harnett, Hoke, Rockingham or Robeson counties, so NCWRC lifted secondary surveillance on them but will continue sampling in these areas and across the state. Cumberland, Forsyth, Sampson, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties have been established as CWD Management Areas due to the presence of deer infected with CWD. Hunters in these counties will have some additional hunting opportunities this fall with a special early season in late August and, in some counties, an earlier opening day for firearms season. NCWRC suggests hunters participate in voluntary CWD testing across the state. All regulations related to CWD will be published in the 2026-27 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest in August and posted on ncwildlife.gov/CWD.
Alabama Needs Public To Count Turkeys
The key to stable wild turkey populations are the survival of enough poults. Photo: ADCNR/Ricky Wood
For the first time, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is asking the public to help count wild turkey broods. The annual brood survey, started in June and ends on August 31. Caleb Blake, ACDNR’s Upland Game Bird Coordinator, said previously the survey was done by ACDNR staff and trusted partners, however, with the slow decline of turkey populations in the South, ACDNR is asking for assistance from private citizens to try and gather better data to understand what is affecting those populations. To participate, private citizens can visit www.OutdoorAlabama.com/WildTurkeyBroodSurvey for details on how to report observations and the information needed to track brood sightings. This includes information on submitting the observations online, through the Survey123 field app or by paper form. Blaek says the app is easier to use than paper forms. The brood survey essential data includes sightings of gobblers, hens with poults, hens without poults, poults, and size of the poults. Also important are the county and location to understand regional and geographical trends. Blake said estimating turkey populations is very difficult for Eastern birds.
Spouses, Dogs Most Common Camping Companions
Spouses and dogs were the most common camping companions, according to The Dyrt. Photo: Victor Larracuente/Unsplash
According to The Dyrt, an RV and camping app, nearly half (49.7%) of campers reported camping with dogs in 2025, by far the most for any type of pet. The most common type of human co-campers are spouses and partners at 72.2%. These statistics are from the 2026 Camping Report Presented by Toyota Trucks, which is compiled from the results of surveys conducted with thousands of members of The Dyrt Community, a representative sample of U.S. residents, and camping property managers across all 50 states. In addition to dogs, 4.9% of campers reported taking their cats to the campsite. Other animal companions that enjoyed a camping adventure in 2025 included parrots, guinea pigs, hamsters, horses, rabbits and ducks. While nearly three-quarters of campers took trips with their significant others in 2025, 38% of survey respondents said they camped with friends and 29.7% reported camping with their children. As for solo campers, 29.2% of all campers took at least one trip alone in 2025. Read The Dyrt's 2026 Camping Report at thedyrt.com/press/camping-report/
Wardens Seize Illegally Trafficked Newts, Stop Disease Spread
An Anatolia newt, only found in Turkey, could have spread a pathogen to native newts and other wildlife if not for the efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police recently seized 16 illegally trafficked newts carrying a potentially transmissible disease from an Everson, Washington, man. State law prohibits the Anatolia newt and marbled newt from being possessed, introduced, or trafficked without authorization in Washington. These newts are prohibited Level 3 invasive species and pose a moderate-to-high risk to native newts and the environment and require management to prevent their spread. Late in 2025, WDFW learned of a potentially transmissible disease affecting amphibians in the U.S. pet trade. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), a Boston amphibian dealer and breeder had been unlawfully acquiring federally prohibited species carrying the unknown pathogen/virus from Europe. Research suggests these pathogens can spread through direct contact and contaminated environments, with significant mortality rates and risk to native species. The Boston trafficker’s facility held as many as 500 amphibians and reptiles exposed to this deadly pathogen, which had not been found in the U.S. This trafficker sold and shipped numerous amphibians across the country to other breeders and buyers including a breeder in Washington. USFWS worked with Massachusetts to address the trafficker and quarantine the facility. Meanwhile, WDFW Police identified the Washington buyer, got multiple search warrants identifying where the illegal newts were located. The newt breeder was charged with two counts of unlawful use of invasive species, a gross misdemeanor. If convicted, this could result in a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail, and/or a fine of not more than $5,000 for each count. Coordinated state and federal efforts prevented the introduction and spread of a high-risk invasive species and a potentially devastating amphibian pathogen in Washington. If introduced to the wild, either could have caused severe ecological damage and triggered costly long-term management efforts.
UPCOMING EVENTS
New England Trappers’ Weekend – The New England Trappers’ Weekend will be held August 13 to 15 in Bethel, Maine. Contact Neil Olson cell - (207) 749-1179, home (207) 875-5765
Pennsylvania Trappers’ Association - The Pennsylvania Trappers’ Association, District No. 10, will hold their fall convention September 11 and 12, at West End Fairgrounds, located at 570 Fairground Road, in Gilbert, Pennsylvania. For more information call Bob Counterman (610) 759-9203.
West Virginia Trappers’ Association - The West Virginia Trappers’ Association will hold their annual convention September 18 to 20, at the Gilmer County Recreation Center, 1365 Sycamore Run Road, Glenville, West Virginia. Gates open at 9 a.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. Saturday. The event includes demonstrations and seminars at various times both days, food and vendors. Free Trappers Education Classes begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, with registration at 8:30 a.m. Primitive camping is available. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Visit www.wvtrappers.com, the WVTA Facebook page, or contact Jeremiah at (304) 916-3329.
Vermont Trappers’ Association - The Vermont Trappers’ Association will hold its annual rendezvous September 19 and 20 at the Orleans County Fairgrounds, in Barton, Vermont. Visit www.vttrappers.com or call Ben Vicere, (802) 779-7021, for more information.
North Carolina Trappers’ Association - The North Carolina Trappers’ Association convention will be held September 25 and 26 at the Johnston County Livestock Arena, located at 520 County Home Road, in Smithfield, North Carolina. The event features trapping and fur handling demos, a trappers’ auction Friday afternoon followed by a fellowship meal that night and kids’ contests Saturday morning. There’s a one-time admission fee of $5 for those older than 15. Call Tommy Bryant (252) 915-0627 or Matt Bishop (910) 545-7760.
South Carolina Trapper’s Association - The South Carolina Trappers’ Association will hold its trappers’ convention October 2 -3 at Camp Woodie, 8444 Old River Road, in Pinewood, South Carolina. The event features trapping classes, youth events, demos, games for the kids and a live trapline set Friday and checked Saturday. The event opens at noon Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday. Vendors and tailgaters are welcome. Contact Eddie Jackson (803) 235-5787 or Joe Leonard (803) 507-4940.
Connecticut Trappers’ Association - Connecticut Trappers’ Association will hold their Fall Rendezvous October 10, at the Tolland County Agricultural Center, 24 Hyde Ave, in Vernon, Connecticut. Gate opens at 8 a.m. The event features vendors, demonstrations, a trap setting contest, raffles and more. Contact Cameron Kelsey (619) 997-2345 or Scott Kneeland (860) 234-3192.
Texas Trappers’ and Fur Hunters’ Association - The Texas Trappers’ and Fur Hunters’ Association will hold their Fall Rendezvous October 16 and 17 at the JLK Event Center, 2200 W. Ranch Road 152, in Llano. Contact Phillip Woods at woodscattlecompany@gmail.com, (713) 208-3517.
Coming in our August 2026 Issue
Features
• Honeymoon Antelope - Jim Vaughn tells how he and his wife, Mickey, shared a honeymoon antelope hunt in Wyoming in a ranch calving shed and loved it.
• Black Cat Conundrum - Cary Rideout tells trappers how they can locate better fisher traplines by investing some time scouting watersheds and other habitat.
• Clearing The Bar - Phil Goes, a former high school pole vaulter, set his bar for catfish high, at 50 pounds. Here’s how he cleared it.
• The Inevitable Sprint - Eric Viall drew a coveted North Dakota elk tag and spent a fall on a quest for elk. Here’s his story.
• Zack’s Moose - Casey Freise’s 15-year-old son, Zack, drew a rare Wyoming moose tag, and stalked a big bull with his bow for a successful hunt.
• Bucket List Virginia Black Bear Hunt - Ohio’s Jerry Gladieux sought out a Virginia black bear hunt over hounds as one of his bucket list adventures.
Other Stories
• Pennsylvania Beaver Trapping Adventures – Robert Sellers shares his mountain man-style adventure trapping beavers with a partner during the 1970s in Pennsylvania.
• The Fallen Tree Set – Serge Lariviere shares how to make this simple, yet effective set.
• Wilderness Hunts – Jim Zumbo shares what to expect on a wilderness hunt for big game.
• Back-To-Basics Otter Trapping - Cameron Kelsey explains how he uses basic sets to catch more otters.
• Terrestrials For Late Summer Trout – Jeremy Grady says terrestrials – ants, grasshoppers, beetles and the like – are where it’s at for summer trout fishing.
• Bull Creek Days – Larry Feltman shares his Alaska adventure.
• Sitka Alaska Blacktails – Justin Fisher tells how he hunts Alaska’s Sitka blacktailed deer, a mule deer relative.
• Fishing For Carp With My Brother – Noah Davis, trout angler, shares some special time with his carp-loving brother.
End of the Line Photo of the Month
Jayden Hanson, Pikwitonei, Manitoba, Canada
Subscribe to this newsletter
Put Subscribe in the subject line and include your first and last name.
SUBSCRIBE TO FUR-FISH-GAME Magazine
