Renowned trapper Mark June among presenters next week at National Trappers Association Convention and Outdoor Show in Escanaba
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Nationally renowned trapper Mark June, a Michigan native who has moved back to the state in recent year, shows his 2018 bobcat catch. (Photo courtesy Mark June)
The show, expected to draw 8,000 to 10,000 outdoors enthusiasts, will be held at the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds from Thursday through Saturday, July 27-29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Admission is $10 for a one-day pass, $20 for all three days, with children under 12 admitted for free. Camping on the grounds will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The big-name trapper is Mark June, who will make presentations about bobcat trapping.
He began his trapping career as a young boy catching muskrats, mink, beaver and raccoons before going to school each day in Michigan, according to a news release from the U.P. Trappers Association. He used proceeds made from selling mink and red fox hides to pay for his college education.
Later, he became well known around the state as a young man who laid a load of well-handled pelts on the table at fur auctions.
Then he started trapping in Nebraska in the 1990s, moving there in 2004, and has been a trapper in 18 states. He's known as a diligent, humble but confident trapper who enjoys teaching others how to trap predators in their areas.
June's experience in coyote research projects dates back 40 years as that expertise helps him answer many questions that trappers typically have about coyotes and other predators.
Mark June's Lures, a company he founded in 1984, is listed as one of the country's largest suppliers of lures, baits, urines and DVDs.
"We are excited to have Mark's demo in our NTA demo lineup, as he is always a crowd pleaser, sharing why predators do what they do, in addition to showing methods that help you catch more coyotes and bobcats," said Duane Halvas, a longtime member of U.P. Trappers, in their news release.
June has moved back to Michigan, graduating from the Dallas, Texas, Theological Seminary in 2022 and becoming an associate pastor at the downstate Grayling Evangelical Church.
The NTA Convention and Outdoor Show not only features presentations, but more than 100 trapping and outdoor equipment vendors, according to event organizers, with most offering convention price specials. The grounds are also expected to host nine food vendors and numerous tailgaters.
Some of the highlights planned for this family-friendly event include visits with Marty Meierotto of the History Channel's "Mountain Men" reality show and multiple cast members from the popular cable TV show "The Last Alaskans."
Many other locally and nationally known trappers will conduct demos every hour throughout the three days of the convention -- 24 demos in all that include The SHE Side featuring 14 demos made by female presenters. Some demos are only open to NTA members, though memberships will be on sale at the NTA and U.P. Trappers booths.
Attractions include The Kids Cave and the U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Antique Village. There's also a Saturday night dance featuring OZ The Band.
For more information on the convention, go online to www.uptrappers.com/nta-convention, or contact convention coordinator Roy Dahlgren by calling (906) 399-1960 or emailing him at trapperroy@outlook.com.
Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.