Post by TrapperRon on Jan 9, 2015 16:16:15 GMT -6
www.nafa.ca/16027 (click for the pictures)
An all-star lineup with some of the industry’s most knowledgeable people was on hand at NAFA Winnipeg’s Tenth Open House, December 13th. Trappers from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Minnesota packed NAFA’s warehouse to listen and purchase those last minute supplies.
Well known BC trapper, educator and WFSC Director, Pete Wise started the morning with a very timely and interesting presentation on trapper safety. With traps becoming more powerful, it is very important to learn how to avoid the many problems that can arise due to improper handling.
Back by popular demand was Alberta trapper Albert “AJ” Callbeck, who makes his living almost entirely from the fur trade. AJ showed his coyote handling skills to the crowd and was available to answer questions from the inquisitive audience.
Also returning to the open house was Nancy Daigneault, but this time in a different capacity. Many of you will remember Nancy’s media presentation last year followed by her first attempt at skinning, fleshing and boarding a muskrat. This year Nancy represented the International Fur Federation as the Vice President of the Americas. Her presentation updated everyone on the function of the IFF and the challenges facing the fur industry.
We were privileged to have The Honorable Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship address the crowd. Mr Mackintosh stayed for lunch and spoke to many trappers during his visit. During lunch everyone was treated to a fur fashion show sponsored by the North American Fur Association. This year’s newest fur fashions were modeled by young ladies from the audience.
After lunch, there were presentations from The Honorable Larry Miller, Member of Parliament from Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and The Honorable Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament from Elmwood-Transcona. Both MP’s were presented with a muskrat forming board, signed by all in attendance, as a memento of their visits.
Anticipation had been building the entire day for the next guest, Jackie Wurz, a well-known trapper and fur handler from Alberta who has been touted as the fastest beaver skinner in Western Canada. Well, he did not disappoint. With surgeon-like precision a large beaver was skinned in just over 2 minutes, fleshed and on the board in another 20 minutes. He did this while chatting with the crowd. In case some folks missed the first beaver, Jackie did another and even had time to skin and board a coyote. Jackie’s skills are amazing and the crowd was left buzzing at the end of each presentation.
All the young trappers spent the day skinning muskrats and making muskrat floats. The youth were once again tutored by Kyle McCosh and John Christie. All junior trappers received a marten nesting box, graciously donated by Gomer Plantz.
Thank you to everyone who made this a success. Alberta Trappers Association, Grant and Hazel Armstrong, Ruby and Terry Barnes, Bee Blossom Apiaries, Neil and Anna Brandstrom, Cabela’s Canada, Calm Air, Canada Goose, Manitoba Conservation, MTA Trap Sales, WCS Canada, Ram Connection, Bill Worb Furs, Gerb Enterprises, International Fur, Donna and Frank King, NAFA, NAWFSC, Gomer Plantz, Shekman Furs, Katrina Sukkau, Tamarack Island Wilderness Lodge, Winnipeg Outfitters.
A special thank you goes to Gord Mackintosh, Larry Miller, Lawrence Toet, Nancy Daigneault, AJ Callbeck, John Christie, Kyle McCosh, Pete Wise and Jackie Wurz for sharing their time and talents.
An all-star lineup with some of the industry’s most knowledgeable people was on hand at NAFA Winnipeg’s Tenth Open House, December 13th. Trappers from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Minnesota packed NAFA’s warehouse to listen and purchase those last minute supplies.
Well known BC trapper, educator and WFSC Director, Pete Wise started the morning with a very timely and interesting presentation on trapper safety. With traps becoming more powerful, it is very important to learn how to avoid the many problems that can arise due to improper handling.
Back by popular demand was Alberta trapper Albert “AJ” Callbeck, who makes his living almost entirely from the fur trade. AJ showed his coyote handling skills to the crowd and was available to answer questions from the inquisitive audience.
Also returning to the open house was Nancy Daigneault, but this time in a different capacity. Many of you will remember Nancy’s media presentation last year followed by her first attempt at skinning, fleshing and boarding a muskrat. This year Nancy represented the International Fur Federation as the Vice President of the Americas. Her presentation updated everyone on the function of the IFF and the challenges facing the fur industry.
We were privileged to have The Honorable Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship address the crowd. Mr Mackintosh stayed for lunch and spoke to many trappers during his visit. During lunch everyone was treated to a fur fashion show sponsored by the North American Fur Association. This year’s newest fur fashions were modeled by young ladies from the audience.
After lunch, there were presentations from The Honorable Larry Miller, Member of Parliament from Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and The Honorable Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament from Elmwood-Transcona. Both MP’s were presented with a muskrat forming board, signed by all in attendance, as a memento of their visits.
Anticipation had been building the entire day for the next guest, Jackie Wurz, a well-known trapper and fur handler from Alberta who has been touted as the fastest beaver skinner in Western Canada. Well, he did not disappoint. With surgeon-like precision a large beaver was skinned in just over 2 minutes, fleshed and on the board in another 20 minutes. He did this while chatting with the crowd. In case some folks missed the first beaver, Jackie did another and even had time to skin and board a coyote. Jackie’s skills are amazing and the crowd was left buzzing at the end of each presentation.
All the young trappers spent the day skinning muskrats and making muskrat floats. The youth were once again tutored by Kyle McCosh and John Christie. All junior trappers received a marten nesting box, graciously donated by Gomer Plantz.
Thank you to everyone who made this a success. Alberta Trappers Association, Grant and Hazel Armstrong, Ruby and Terry Barnes, Bee Blossom Apiaries, Neil and Anna Brandstrom, Cabela’s Canada, Calm Air, Canada Goose, Manitoba Conservation, MTA Trap Sales, WCS Canada, Ram Connection, Bill Worb Furs, Gerb Enterprises, International Fur, Donna and Frank King, NAFA, NAWFSC, Gomer Plantz, Shekman Furs, Katrina Sukkau, Tamarack Island Wilderness Lodge, Winnipeg Outfitters.
A special thank you goes to Gord Mackintosh, Larry Miller, Lawrence Toet, Nancy Daigneault, AJ Callbeck, John Christie, Kyle McCosh, Pete Wise and Jackie Wurz for sharing their time and talents.