Maryland Fur Trappers

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2025 Maryland Fur Trappers Convention

Maryland Fur Trappers 2025 Convention

On August 1st, 2025, the convention grounds opened at 8:00 a.m., and by mid-morning, the place was alive with energy. Folks arrived steadily throughout the morning—friends greeting friends, families exploring together, and first-time visitors eager to see what the day would bring. The rows of vendors offered something for everyone, with dealers showcasing a wide variety of outdoor supplies, trapping gear, and unique finds. From seasoned trappers to outdoor enthusiasts, the air was filled with conversation, laughter, and the shared excitement of another successful gathering.

Demonstration Areas

The demonstration area was alive with activity, featuring three unique demo stations showcasing different trapping skills and techniques. Friday’s sessions kicked off at 9 a.m., drawing an eager crowd. Our new bleacher system provided plenty of comfortable seating, giving everyone a perfect view of the action. (From left to right, Roy Stanley, Mark Weiss and a pick of one of the demo areas.)

 

 

 

Live Trap Line

On Friday around 2 p.m., we gathered the crowd and loaded two wagons for a special trip to set a trap line, which would be checked the following morning. Each wagon was filled with folks eager to learn more about canine trapping. The demonstration was led by Robert Colona, a well-known expert in canines and a respected wildlife biologist. At each stop, I explained the location and its importance in detail. Several trappers, including Tommy Bryant from North Carolina, worked alongside us, setting traps and sharing their knowledge.

On Saturday morning, after breakfast, three wagons carrying seventy-four people set out to check the trap line. During the trip, conversations flowed easily among the group, mixed with instructions and tips from the trappers who had set the traps the day before. We stopped at ten different locations along the line. While no animals were caught this time, the lessons on how to set, check, and maintain traps were well received and appreciated by everyone.

Crab Feast & Live Music

The Crab Feast was a big hit! The all-you-can-eat crabs kept everyone busy cracking and laughing, while the live music set the perfect mood. One Last Stand delivered a great performance, and folks had a blast tipping the band and soaking in the evening’s fun. It was a night full of great food, great music, and even better company.

Q & A for the Attendees

From left to right, Robert Colona Ron Leggett and John Pingly.

Skinning Demo

Dakota Flowers, 9-time World Muskrat Skinning Champion (in the black shirt), joins 2025 Women’s Junior Muskrat Skinning Champion McKenzie Yinger for a live muskrat skinning demonstration. The crowd gathered to watch these champions share their skill, speed, and precision in action.

Kids Corner Inspires the Next Generation

The 2025 Maryland Fur Trappers Convention saw the “Kids Corner” bustling with excitement, as more than 65 future trappers explored hands-on activities. Young visitors were able to touch and handle a variety of trapping-related items, sparking curiosity and a sense of wonder about the outdoors. Laughter and questions filled the air as mentors shared stories, answered questions, and encouraged learning. Each child left with a deeper appreciation for the skills and traditions that keep our heritage alive. The youth truly are the future of protecting and preserving the time-honored tradition of trapping—and this year’s “Kids Corner” proved that future is bright.

Heartfelt Thanks for Making the 2025 Maryland Fur Trappers Convention a Success

Dear Friends and Fellow Trappers,

I want to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the 2025 Maryland Fur Trappers Convention. Your presence, participation, and shared passion are what made this year’s gathering such a remarkable success.

To all who joined us—whether from across town or across state lines—your enthusiasm for our craft and commitment to preserving the traditions of trapping were truly inspiring. It was a joy to reconnect with familiar faces and to welcome new friends into our community.

A special thank-you goes out to our vendors and exhibitors. Your products, demonstrations, and shared expertise added immense value for both seasoned trappers and those just starting their journey. You help equip our members with the tools, skills, and knowledge that keep our heritage alive.

To the volunteers and organizers—your dedication behind the scenes ensured everything ran smoothly from start to finish. From setting up the grounds to guiding attendees through the event, your hard work and attention to detail made all the difference.

And to our speakers and workshop leaders—thank you for sharing your wisdom, stories, and experience. Your teachings not only educated but also reminded us why we hold trapping, wildlife management, and conservation so close to our hearts.

This year’s convention was more than an event—it was a celebration of community, tradition, and the future of trapping in Maryland. Together, we continue to pass on our knowledge, protect our resources, and inspire the next generation.

I look forward to all we will accomplish in the year ahead. Until then, keep your lines tight, your skills sharp, and your passion strong.

Warmest regards,
Dan Baker
President, Maryland Fur Trappers, Inc.