| The West Virginia Trappers Association will hold our 52nd Annual Convention on Friday and Saturday,
September 17 & 18, 2021, at Barker’s Field at 969 Prunty Road, Smithville, WV. This is a one-time convention move from our usual location in Glenville, WV.
Our event is semi-primitive this year, and we encourage families to camp on-site and enjoy learning the skills of yesteryear. There is no gate fee, and all events, demonstrations, education classes and workshops are free for everyone. We do have a $5 per night camping fee, and the campground is equipped with hot showers and pit toilets.
In addition to hourly trapping demonstrations both days, we have as our honored guests the WV Muzzleloaders Association, who will teach tomahawk throwing and muzzleloader shooting to all ages. Firearm safety is of the utmost importance, and all young shooters must be accompanied by a parent. We will also have a Civil War Living History Encampment in which visitors can learn more about life during the Civil War.
Other opportunities for learning include free trapper education classes for beginners and intermediate levels, blacksmithing demonstrations, traditional Appalachian basket making, bowdrilling a fire, turkey calling, bushcrafting skills, beekeeping, roots and herbs, trotlining, turtle butchering, coonhunting with hounds, and more. We will also hold a benefit auction on Saturday. Trappers are welcome to bring their traps for tuning, dying and waxing. There will be fur fleshing demonstrations as well. Our trapping demonstrations will be geared toward a variety of furbearers from beaver
and coyote to bobcat and mink.
We have several vendors reserved, which include trapping supply dealers, snaring supplies, chainsaw carvings, outdoor furniture, turkey calls, fishing lures, West Virginia honey, plus many more. Meals will be available on the grounds from a variety of food trucks and vendors. In year’s past, our attendance has ranged from 800 to 1,500 so be sure to mark your calendar for this big event!
Gates open at 10 am on Friday, September 17. A complete schedule of events and vendors can be viewed on our website at wvtrappers.com
We hope you will join us as we celebrate the traditions of our ancestors, and pass along the skills of the past to a new generation.
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