Courtesy photo Youth show off prizes they received at a past trapper’s workshop.

HERMANSVILLE — The 20th Trapper’s Workshop attendees will again fill the Community Center in Hermansville on Saturday, Feb. 1. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the event will conclude at approximately 2 p.m. (all times CST). It is open to the public and there is no admission charge.

Attendees will have a busy day. Youngsters will receive free prizes, watch “how to” demonstrations by experienced trappers, talk to the supply vendor about some of the latest equipment, touch and feel tanned fur, try to identify the furs, and so much more. The concession stand will be open throughout the day. There will be a “hands on” activity in which youngsters build their own mink boxes with guidance from members of district three. All youngsters will walk away with their own age-appropriate trapping startup kit.

The demonstrations will cover weasels, squirrels, mink, muskrats, and raccoons, which are great animals to target for those beginning their life-long trapping adventures. These critters are some of the easiest to catch and prepare for market. Youngsters can expect information, tips, secrets, and advice on how to successfully harvest these furbearers. The presenters will engage the audience and answer your questions or refer you to experts in attendance that are more knowledgeable about trapping the animal in question. One never knows what surprises and fun things that these speakers have “up their sleeve.” They will also emphasize legal, humane methods of capture, sportsmanship in the field, and safety on the trapline.

Trevor Barnes of Barnes Hide and Fur will again be on hand. He will be buying stretched and dried fur and carcass ermine (weasel). He will have a wide range of trapping gear for sale. If you would like a specific item, call Trevor at (269) 967-4475.

District Three proudly announces that we now have three school-age young men who, along with their mom and dad, have become eager members and are regulars at the monthly meetings. The Blair Brothers – James, Charley, and Kevin – are a welcome addition to our club. “I really enjoyed the fall workshop and learned a lot about trapping and skinning, so I’m looking forward to the February workshop and learning even more,” James said.

“I’m looking forward to the prizes,” said Kevin. And Charlie added “I’m also looking forward to the free stuff, and I want to chat with some of the experienced trappers.”

District Three president, Roy Dahlgren, along with Workshop Director Mike Lewis, thank all the volunteers and people who donate the prizes and gear given out to the kids — which help to make “The Arduin Brothers Workshop” so successful.

For more information and the workshop agenda visit www.uptrappers.com/upcoming-events or call Mike Lewis at (906) 774-3592.