NYS Trappers Convention

Hello fellow NYSTA members!

As I write this, we are less than 2 months from our 88th annual convention. With fur prices heading in the right direction, this year’s convention promises to be a good one. As you can imagine, things are getting quite busy on my end with all the preparations that need to be done to insure we continue to hold one of the best conventions in the country. As with every year, dealers come and go. Some of this may be due to health issues, while others choose to not set up for other reasons. Maybe they feel that they didn’t get the business from previous conventions that they thought they would, so they feel it’s not worth it for them to return. I want to remind everyone that we routinely have between 150 and 200 dealers on site during the 3 days of our convention. We have three buildings, numerous pavilions and the infield of the grounds are full of tailgaters. I encourage everyone that attends to make sure to visit all of these dealers, because without them, we wouldn’t be able to put on the convention we do.

Since we’re on the subject of dealers, we still have plenty of tailgating spots available for this year, as well as several inside spaces available in building #3. I want to stress that I get asked all the time about getting into building #1 or #2, and all I can say is that you need to get on the waiting list for an open space that would fit each individual dealer’s needs. You can’t attend one convention and expect to get into building #1 the following year. Sometimes it takes several years of attending before a space opens up that would fit your needs. I hate to be like this, but it is the only fair way for everyone.

If you are interested in a spot, here are the price breakdowns for inside vs tailgating. Inside spaces are 10 x 10, and include one 8′ table and chair for $80.00. If you require a corner spot, (which are limited) they are still 10 x 10, but they include 2 tables and a chair, and they are $95.00. Each additional space is $65.00, and include a table chair if needed. We do not normally put chairs at everyone’s booth unless they ask for them, since most people bring their own, more comfortable chairs. Tailgating spots measure 20 x 20, and they are $70.00 regardless of how many you need. We do not supply tables and chairs for the tailgating spots and dealers must supply their own way of covering their products in case of inclement weather.

This year’s convention is dedicated to the memory of Toby Edwards, and once again, I am planning to have the limited-edition metal signs available. Once again, there will only be 25 of these made, so if you purchased a certain number last year, you’re going to want to try and get the same number this year. We will once again have the first three signed signs sold through various auctions. #1 will be sold at the Flat Iron auction on Friday evening. #2 will be sold at NYSTA’s auction on Thursday evening following the pig roast dinner. #3 will be sold through silent auction at the NYSTA booth. Winner of that will be determined at the close of business on Saturday @ 3:00 pm. There will also be our annual gun raffle tickets available this year, which includes a second prize of a crossbow outfit. Tickets for the gun raffle are available from several officers and directors ahead of time, if you are unable to make the convention. Need not be present to win, but must be at least 21 years of age to win one of the gun prizes. Otherwise, winner can take the optional money alternative.

I mentioned the pig roast earlier, and I still have quite a few tickets available for that. I want to point out that I only have 100 tickets for the pig roast, and we are more than half sold. Last year, we sold out three weeks before the convention, so don’t wait and expect to be able to get yours at the convention. If you want tickets, or to inquire about getting a dealer space, you can email me at greeleyjim307@gmail.com, or even call me @ 518-605-0569.

I know there is a lot that I haven’t covered here. One of which is the demo schedule. That is included in a separate attachment. Feel free to contact me with any questions about the convention that I haven’t covered here. I look forward to seeing everyone soon. The convention will be here before we know it.

Yours for the future of trapping,

Jim Greeley, NYSTA vp

Dedication, Preservation, Conservation and Education.

We are an association comprised of men, women and children who are dedicated to protecting and preserving our heritage as well as the tradition of trapping in the State of New York. To ensure that, NYSTA employs a full time lobbyist who actively engages the legislators on our behalf in Albany. Our members have shown their support and loyalty by proving time and again that they are willing to stand up and let their voices be heard on issues that affect their right to trap.

New York has a long, rich history with the fur trade. When the Europeans first came to North America, they depended on our plentiful furbearer resources. It is one of the major reasons for the early settlements here. Albany, formally known as Beaverwyck, still to this day has a picture of a beaver cutting down a tree on its official seal. This image and former name attest to the volume of fur that came from and through this area, as well as the significant role trapping played in the development of New York. Today, we strive to preserve this long, rich history and we whole heartily look for opportunities to share and pass this cherished legacy on to others, especially the younger generations.

Trapping is one of the most important conservation tools available today. Thanks to sound wildlife management over the years, large populations of furbearers still exist. The New York State Trappers Association works closely with the Department of Environmental Conservation on all aspects of furbearer populations. We work very hard to ensure this renewable, natural resource remains healthy and is not depleted.

Our association is full of trappers and trapping instructors who willing give their time, for free, to educate the public. Numerous classes are given all over the state, demonstrations are done, conventions take place and statewide we have 17 affiliate groups. All of us are passionate about teaching and educating the public on the benefits of trapping. We want everyone to have a better understanding of why trapping is a necessary conservation tool. We also want people everywhere to learn how and why trapping contributes to healthy environments and continued renewable, healthy furbearer populations.