MTA

The Maine Trappers Association was established in 1947 to provide an organization by which those with a common interest in the sport of trapping could come together to discuss their common goals.

Meetings of the Executive Committee are held 4 times per year. Membership meetings are held twice each year, on the first Sunday in May and in the month of September (usually the 2nd weekend).

A newsletter, The Maine Trapper, is published quarterly and sent to all current members. If you'd like to join the MTA, go to the membership page for information.

The MTA has a proud history of bringing about changes that have enhanced the image of trappers and trapping. We have been leaders in supporting the development of traps and trapping techniques that are effective and humane. We have successfully supported legislation that has made trapping more acceptable to the non-trapping public, including mandatory trapper education. We have successfully opposed legislation when we felt that the changes would be harmful to the future of trapping or to the furbearers we harvest.

Calendar

Mar 28 - MTA Exec Committee/Directors meeting, 9:00 am, Augusta Civic Center. Annual Meeting with IF&W at 1pm.

Mar 28-29-30 - Maine Sportsmen’s Show at the Civic Center in Augusta.

April 5 & 6, 2008 — 10th Annual Presque Isle Fish and Game Club Sportsman's Show

May 4- MTA Spring Meet in Monticello, Maine.

Jun 6-7– Carrabassett Valley Trappers Clinic, Happy Horseshoe Campground. will have trapper ed course also.

Aug. 15, 16, 17—New England Trappers Weekend in Bethel, Maine contact Neil Olson 207-875-5765

Sep 5,6,7—MTA Fall Rendezvous in Sidney, Maine. (note: this is the first full weekend in Sept after Labor Day) Location: Silver Spur Riding Club, West River Rd. (more info)

Check the Calendar page for more event information.

In the late 1940's, Maine trappers were dissatisfied with the trapping season. The Legislature set the season at that time. Clyde Wells of Saco and H.E. Ford of Berwick thought that unifying the trappers in Maine was a necessity. On September 1, 1947, the Maine Trappers Association (MTA) was formed. Luther DeVoe was elected president, Elwyn Smith was elected vice-president and J. Cliff Francis was elected secretary-treasurer. It seems that this meeting took place without the knowledge of either Mr. Ford or Mr. Wells. Membership dues were set at $1 per year.

Continue with the History of the MTA on the History Page.

This cabin, constructed in the 1980's by the Maine Trappers Association at Leonards Mills in Bradley Maine, was typical during the early days of trapping. The line cabin was designed for an overnight stay while checking the trap line. It was very simple and meant to provide temporary shelter only. Trappers could cache food supplies, fur stretchers, extra traps and tools needed to maintain his equipment in the cabin. Leonards Mills holds their Living History Days each year. In 2008, the date of the event is October 4 & 5. Check their website for more info and directions to the Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonards Mills.