CURRENT NEWS

7/28/08 UPDATE:

Starting in September The MTA will be posting monthly in the trapper predator magazine and online at MTA website. Anyone who would like to submit anything for publications in either, may email to alfredaubin@yahoo.com or call me at (508)892-5422

Thank you;

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you reading this.

My name is Fred Aubin. I am relatively new to MTA. This is my 3^rd year as a member and I am proud to say I am a trapper and a member of the MTA. I have been an avid outdoorsman, hunting, fishing, trapping, & hiking the back woods of New England since I was a young boy. Nothing in my life has been so important to me then being able to spend time in the woods or on the water. That is until I had children. Now that importance is to let them enjoy the same things that I have been able too.

As becoming a member of the MTA I was excited to learn that so many trappers are still active in this state. The trappers of this state have suffered some harsh blows in the last few decades here in the Bay State, and I am glad to see that we are still strong in our beliefs and have continued to uphold our traditions.

As a trapper and a sportsman I have learned that we are strength in numbers. Multiple organizations across this state and the country have been forming alliances to help protect our rights, and some cases restore those that have been taken away. Recent victories of our rights have been achieved through the constant support and efforts of sportsmen & women from all over the country. This alone tells us that we need to stand together and compromise on our differences to achieve our common goals.

It has been long overdue that we as trappers now stand together again and move forward as an entity to reclaim what has been right all along. I know there are differences of opinions from past leaders and new leaders of the MTA. And rightfully so, there should be, that’s what helps us as on organization to become more refined and diversified and able to analyze what we are currently up against. Some advocates and politicians are hopping that we won’t be able to stay united; they prey on us when we are at our weakest. Well that needs to change. As a great president said once “ The Buck Stops Here” couldn’t prove more demanding then now. We have to use the tactics the tree hugging liberals have been using on us. We have to stand together now, while they are splitting apart, we have to put aside our differences and work together to get back what is rightfully ours and stay organized and strong to help protect it for generations to come.

I ask that all of you past, present, and future trappers come together and help put us back to were we belong. You all have something to give for this worthy cause, and you can help make the difference. No one person can do it alone, we must stand together, and the time is now!!!

Please, as you look forward in the upcoming months, think about what you can do to help keep this heritage alive. All ideas are welcome, any support is appreciated, and the dedication of the past and present are testimony to the greatness in which we can achieve if we stand united. Come support your cause in September, bring someone along. (Spouse, Children, friends) Lets make this year be remembered as the year we came together.

Thank you all for your support, I hope you are all having a safe and enjoyable summer. It won’t be long before old man winter is here. Get your traps ready, clean out the fur shed, plan your trap lines, take a youngster with you and help let them understand and appreciate the values and traditions that this great nation was founded on.

Until next time, be safe, have fun, and god bless..

Alfred Aubin
Massachusetts Trappers Association
Recording Secretary / Publications

4/28/2008
: Massachusetts Trappers Association Regular Members Meeting held at Century Sportsmen Club, Auburn, MA.  Meeting notes:

Presidents Message:
Thanks for attending the MTA regular meeting.
President welcome on behalf of MTA the new MDFW Fur Biologist (Laura Filley)
Observed a moment of silence for (Hugh) had a heart attack
Secretary Report:
Motion to accept as read. 2^nd , and all in favor. PASSED
Finance Report:
Updated MTA affiliation to Mass. Sportsmen Council
Motion to accept as read 2^nd & All in Favor. PASSED
N.T.A. Updates:
New trapping information package available from NTA
(New literature, kids coloring books, Standards, videos, brochures, etc.)
Big Raffle discussion for NTA event. (MTA to donate gun for NTA raffle)
Herb Berquist put together new package for trappers. (MTA should keep supporting his efforts) Thanks from President & MTA for you efforts Herb!!!
Old Business:
Discussion on the Coalition of Responsible Wildlife Management & active bills, also B.O.H. meeting held on North Shore and in other communities.
Motion to spend $500.00 on materials to be purchased from the NTA by MTA for trapper education information packages to be used at outings and such. 2^nd & All in favor. PASSED
Motion to spend $100 on a Bass Pro gift card & free MTA membership for 1 year to Tim Connors for his continued contributions on new package materials and expenses. 2^nd & All in Favor. PASSED
Motion to donate $250.00 to the Coalition of Responsible Wildlife Management. 2^nd & All in Favor. PASSED
Motion to pay $75.00 association fee to the Worcester County League of Sportsmen. 2^nd & All in Favor. PASSED
Discussion on fur bearers management ideas & suggestions should be directed to new fur biologist. (Possible committee needs to be formed for ideas & suggestions)
Reminder from Laura on surveys sent to trappers by state. (Please send them in)
Next meeting will be sometime in September. (TBD)