President’s Report
Once again the September Canadian Trapper magazine is in your hands. While you sit back and enjoy the articles I hope you have already started taking necessary steps to prepare for the upcoming season. Whether you set three traps or three hundred, there’s one thing that is guaranteed for all of us – sweat equity. Wayne Gretzky said “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” and this rings true for trappers. I can recall the times I’ve grunted that extra few sets in, struggled through the tough winds or rain or snow, the late nights and headlamps going dim – only to be rewarded with some amazing results the following day. From muskrats to marten to cats and canid sets, the harder you work and the more you put in – the better chances you’ll have at catching. So get your gear prepared, tie those snares, scout your land and for the southern trappers – have your permission before the season starts. Every little bit helps.
Front Counter Service Closure
Earlier this year we received notice of front counter service closures in 19 field offices throughout Saskatchewan. This is a huge concern for trappers across the province as the limitations will affect our operations substantially.
With concerns I approached the Ministry and not only identified the risks associated as a result, but have also provided our support in any ability that we can to help minimize potential problems as we transition through the following season.
The inability for individuals to acquire their power snare permits, export permits, youth trapping license will troublesome moving forward this season. As advised by the Honorable Dustin Duncan, Minister of Environment, it is in the best interest to contact the Client Support Services office (Inquiry Centre). “Clients can access the services and information they need, including the booking of appointments with conservation officers, by calling the Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224, or by email at [email protected].”
It is probably in the best interest for any trappers who were affected by the front counter service closures to contact the Inquiry Centre as soon as possible and pick up your license and permits sooner than later. We will continue to work with the Ministry and as things continue to move forward we will keep you posted.
If you find yourself having difficulties with accessibility, whether it be for licenses, limitations to field officers, etc – please document specific details and contact your director. I believe these service limitations will not only affect the hunters, trappers, and anglers, but also strain the staff who are doing their best to assist and enforce.
Rendezvous
The 2019 Rendezvous is a wrap! A great show of presentations, awesome vendors, and amazing food. Well done to the members and volunteers who all pitched in to make it successful.
Fur Institute of Canada
In June I had the opportunity to attend the Fur Institute of Canada Annual General Meeting. Once again, strong representation was shown across all of Canada in every part of the fur industry. The meetings were dynamic, full of passion and carried great discussion on how to continue moving forward through trying times. Transparency and traceability are two words that will be forever placed within the fur trade. With concerns of humane harvesting and population management, the public want to be reassured that what they’re buying is not only ethical, but responsible, humane, and green. The International Fur Federation is moving with strong support from industry on a project call “FURMARK”. This is to build on ethical choices and policies to secure the public’s trust. Not just for trapping, this will incorporate fur ranchers, dressers, auction houses, retailers, etc. Will it be a big adjustment for us? Not entirely. Canada has some of the world’s best practices – secured with the science behind trap testing & research. We should have little concern over how much more will be asked of us and feel more at ease that we can prove that what we’re doing is done properly. This will grow consumer demand and result in better prices overall.
Trap Research & Development
I am excited to see active involvement within Saskatchewan on the Trap Research & Development. Snare testing is underway with the Ministry providing support to the lab testing right in Saskatoon. Dr. Rudi Mueller will be doing the studies during the winter months, similar to what we were shown at our last convention in Humboldt.
2019 Resolutions
I am patiently waiting for a response with regards to our 2019 resolutions that were sent to Mr. Duncan. I expect a response shortly and will relay the information to the board who will be able to provide you with further details at your Region meetings this winter. I encourage each of you to contact your directors and get to know them.
Region 13
I would like to take a moment to wish Scott Blades all the best as he moves further west. Scott has been active with the association for many years and has been an asset to the discussions and involvement at the board level. Best of luck in your future endeavours Scott.
Region 13 (SW corner) will have a meeting called in the late fall to discuss current issues, bring forward any resolutions for the upcoming AGM, and look to elect a new director for the area. If you have thought about attending a meeting or considered bringing your name forward, please do so. Any questions, feel free to contact myself.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks to each and every one of you who have taken the time to read my report, given a call or an email and have been active within the association. If we’ve never met – I hope to. This organization is the voice for you, the trappers of Saskatchewan and we want to continue doing everything that we can to keep this industry strong and vibrant.
As always, my phone is always on. Have a safe and bountiful trapping season, make sure to bring a kid along.
Wrangler
www.saskatchewantrappers.com
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