November, 2025 President's Report

Greetings all.  As I write this, convention concluded this past weekend. Chris Grillot was unable to attend convention due to a health issue she has been dealing with. I talked to her Tuesday before convention, at that time she was feeling and sounding much better. Get well soon Chris!!

Convention nights were cool, but the days were a perfect temperature. Attendance was down from previous years, I attribute that to FTA holding their rendezvous 5 weeks prior in the same quadrant. Even though attendance was down I believe overall convention was a success. Some vendors I talked with were happy with sales, while others were low.  For those that may have noticed, there were also a couple people walking around with a camera. The ITA hired a videographer to record all activities over two days of convention. Video was recorded during demos, during contests to walking around dealer and tailgate areas getting footage on the grounds. Those videos and pictures will be utilized to assist with footage for our ITA YouTube channel as well as promote convention and our association. Thank you to Cody Hutton for all the work he put in to make this happen. For those who could not attend convention, expect to see short blips of different activities. Stay tuned to our channel to view those excerpts from convention.

During convention we signed up 16 new and 7 lifetime members. New lifetimes who signed up during convention are Sarah Ruegsegger, Clay Creech, Christian Kapler, Aaron Stanton, Dakota Nelsen, Robert Waddell & Jeff Hoose. Lifetimes who joined since my last report were Raelynn Mae Dilley, Joel Golish, William Christman, Paul Antczak, Hunter Kalter & Bruce Hamblen. Thank you to all who joined as new members, those who renewed their membership and our lifetimes for all your support as it is greatly appreciated. Also, thank you to everyone who helped with setup, tear-down, donated auction items or assisted with other functions during the weekend. We have great support from our membership when and wherever needed as well as those talented members who make and donate items for our auction, thank you all!!   

Our Board meeting was held Thursday evening September 4^th with about 40 Board and members present. Guests were Sandy Eckhardt, Judy Sells, Bruce Hutton, Nathaniel Udderback and Bret Smith. Highlights from the meeting were as follows, Tom Walters was re-elected to his position on the Executive Council.  Craig Eckhardt and Mike Sells were re-elected as Directors at Large.   

In my last report, I reported our membership at just under 1500. Due to some mis-clicking when accessing those numbers we found our true membership number had been exaggerated. Our current membership, after convention is at about 930 with 577 lifetime members which is still far better than many other associations around this country. With those numbers we are still around the top 5 or 6 associations for membership. I will bet that not many, if any, have more lifetime members than we do here in Iowa. With our current numbers about 60% of our membership are lifetime members. I know for a fact that many associations around this country don’t have 500 members let alone that many lifetimes. Whether you are a new, yearly renewing or a lifetime member of this association, your support is greatly appreciated – thank you all!!

FTA  General Organizer Robert Waddell has asked if there is a possibility of ITA hosting FTA Rendezvous in 2027 again in Spencer. At this time the Board is seeking information from past rendezvous’.

Friday afternoon, Tom Walters, Craig and Sandy Eckhardt and myself left convention to attend visitation of longtime Board member Jim Noneman in Woodbine. Jim has been an ITA Board member and Director for District 13 for 30 years. He assisted at the Harrison County Welcome Center and attended about every FBU/ITA banquet the past 23 years. While talking to family, members still plan to attend the banquet to fill Jim’s 2^nd sponsor recognition plaque which has a yearly tag that must be applied. That year tag was a must getting to Jim so he could get it applied. There were times when Jim could not attend a Board meeting, he would call me to apologize for not being there. I told him it was ok to miss one, but he was so dedicated he felt bad for not being there. Jim will be greatly missed by those of us that knew him along with his smiling face and his passion for trapping, especially muskrat and beaver. RIP Jim.

With Jim’s passing, that will mean District 13 is open which includes Crawford, Harrison, Monona & Shelby counties. Details for the position are as follows,  shall be paid-up member in good standing, shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, receive and report input from members in the district., may appoint a county leader from each county in the district to assist in carrying out duties as District Director, The appointed county leader shall be a paid-up member in good standing, a District Director or his/her alternate shall attend two (2) Director’s meetings within a twelve (12) month period or their position shall be deemed vacant.  If you are a member who resides in one of these counties and would be interested in the position you can contact me for any further information.

Our General Membership meeting was held Saturday afternoon September 6. Before that meeting began Kristie Lambert, Jodie & Allen Sayre, Hannah Manning Charise Oser and Tracy Hutton held a special presentation. Each had donated funds to present each current officer  an individual stepping stones which had our ITA logo, officers name and position painted and embossed in the stone  Brad Mitchell and Hannah Mitchell Manning also received a stone for their late father. Randy was our past Vice President who passed away in August 2021. All this was done by these folks to show appreciation for the officers of our Board. Each officer greatly appreciates this kind gesture, so we thank each of you for this special gift. I personally have received this stone and a chainsaw carving of a bear with my name on it over the years. It so happens, the carving was done by Chris Kilmer and he presented that bear to me at convention in 2020 at Cherokee as well. I looked back in my reports and have never publicly thanked Chris for doing this for me – Thank you Chris for this thoughtful gesture my friend!!

Now back to the meeting report. During the General Membership meeting Cody and Kristan were re-elected to their current officer positions. Scholarship winners this year were Olivia Winter, Madison Burmeister, Corinne Griebel and Madilyn Rowson, each received a check for $750. Congratulations to these 4 young ladies on receiving scholarships this year. Roger Hutton was the 42^nd inductee into the ITA Hall of Fame for all his work for the association over the decades. Congratulations Roger on this much deserving honor.

The proposed bylaw change to Article IX was approved by the membership. That section which currently covers Affiliate Directors and Directors-At-Large by adding language for the Social Media Director position and adding sections 7, 7a & 7b wording to our current bylaws. This change will allow the social media director to have a voting position on the ITA Board.

Article IX will now will read as follows:

ARTICLE IX    AFFILIATE DIRECTORS, DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE, Social Media Director

Sec. 1 The I.T.A. may affiliate with other organizations, state and federal, who operate under goals and objectives consistent with that of the I.T.A. The Board of Directors by majority vote of those present and voting, shall decide when and with whom to affiliate.

Sec. 2 The Board of Directors shall appoint the affiliate director who shall be the I.T.A’s representative to the affiliated organization. Affiliated directors shall be an I.T.A member in good standing.

Sec. 3 The affiliate director shall be a non-voting position on the board of directors.

Sec. 4 Affiliate Director shall report to the I.T.A. Board of Directors and membership the results of meetings and action of the affiliated organization.

Sec. 5 Affiliated Director shall serve at the pleasure of the I.T.A. Board of Directors and can be terminated as deemed necessary by majority vote of Directors present and voting.

Sec. 6 The board shall consist of Seven (7) Director- At- Large positions.  Six (6) Director-At-Large positions shall serve three (3) year terms with staggered expiration years.  These Director-At-Large positions will be designated as “Director-At-Large/year of appointment”.  The yearly appointment will be at the I.T.A. Fall Convention, in the I.T.A. Directors meeting.  In the event there are more than two candidates for the expiring Directors positions, an election by the General Membership of the I.T.A. at the General Membership meeting during the I.T.A. Fall Convention shall be held.  The three (3) year term begins at the conclusion of the fall convention.  In the event a three (3) year term is NOT completed, the expiration date of said Director-At-Large position shall not change.  A Replacement may be appointed to finish the Director-At-Large/year term.  If a Director-At-Large Position is vacant and with NO viable candidates names available at the I.T.A. Fall Directors Meeting, the I.T.A. Board of Directors may appoint a Director-At-Large/year replacement at any I.T.A. Director meeting.

The First Director-At-Large position shall be designated Director-At-Large/Past President.  Term Limit will be until the current I.T.A. President would become the I.T.A. Past President.   The Director-At-Large/Past President may also hold another position on the I.T.A. Board of Directors or Officers, but will only have ONE (1) vote.

All Director-At-Large would be a voting position on the I.T.A. Board of Directors.  I.T.A. Director-At-Large/year position would also be held to the same standards as I.T.A. District Directors with direct responsibilities and duties, as needed.

Sec. 7 A Director of Social Media may be appointed by the board of directors by majority vote by those present and voting

Sec. 7a. Social director shall be held to same standards as district directors as written in Article VIII and with direct responsibilities and duties as needed.

Sec. 7b. Social director shall hold a voting position on the ITA Board of Directors.

Saturday evening was the white elephant auction. This year, for the first time I can remember, we actually had a white elephant to sell thanks to Sarah Ruegsegger. We had many unique items for sale along with other items thanks to our many generous donators. The auction went very well overall with funds that were received. Since 2018 our auction has generated funds unlike any before that time. The many people who stay to make the auction what it has come has been awesome to see. Again, thank you for that generous support!!

Now to go back in time on the calendar, July 13^th Tony Evans & I left to attend the NTA convention in Harrisonburg, VA. Since this was my 3^rd trip in 6 years, twice in the past year, I kind of know my way around town, plus got to see the VTA guys and gals again. The NTA Board meetings were held over 2 days prior to convention. Much discussion occurred, nominations and voting on positions to the Board as well as individuals for all the different committees. After the voting on Wednesday, I was elected to serve as a NTA Director at Large and member of the Executive Council, which I found out requires a suit to be worn. Me in a suit, order your picture now before they are all gone!!  As most know by now, Rusty Kramer is the new President due to John Daniel being term limited out. Rusty will do well in this position as John has. I see good things occurring down the road.

On page 77 of the Sept/October issue of American Trapper there is a ballot for a proposed amendment change to the bylaws. This amendment, if passed, would add an Associate Affiliate member option. In simple terms an organization who is an affiliate of the NTA, their members could become “associate affiliate member” of the NTA upon request with no dues. There would be no voting rights with this kind of membership, but they would receive any notices or updates the NTA electronically sends. Also, with receiving only electronic notices, there would be no actual cost in servicing this type of membership and it would increase membership numbers. Read the full details as explained on page 77, remove that page and mail to the NTA office before October 15^th.

Convention was hot and/or wet for the most part, but all endured. Tony & I was tasked with overseeing the trap setting and skillet throw contests. Part way through the trap setting contest, we had to move indoors due to a heavy rain. Between Hunter Kalter and myself we represented Iowa well in the multi and 330 trap setting contests as Iowa has in the past. Next year NTA National will be held in Richmond, IN July 23-25th.

We left Virginia Sunday morning arriving back home in Iowa about 10 P.M. for Tony and midnight for me. I washed clothes, mowed yard then left at 1 P.M. for FTA Rendezvous in Spencer to assist Mike and Kari Mazur with setup. The Iowa gang got tables setup on Wednesday, I attended Governing Board meeting Thursday and added myself to a couple committees there as well. As it goes hot and muggy was the weather conditions, but inside vendors were in AC which helped. Mike and Kari did a super job in organizing the event, even though Mike stated a few time over the past year “What did I get myself into”.

Congratulations to Mike and Kari on a well ran rendezvous. Next year the FTA Rendezvous will be held August 7 – 8^th in Macon, MO.

Sustaining patch sales are doing well. As I write this we have sold 75 of the 100 available. Since my last reporting those who have purchased patches are Tony Oden, John Newlin, James Blauwet, Tracy Hutton & RJ Barclay. I will have them on hand at Chadron, NE for their convention. If you are attending and would like one come see me, cost is $25 per patch. This sustaining donor patch is not a membership, but an avenue for those which wish to further assist the association financially or for those who  collect different patches. Please contact me or send your requests and payment to 1825 Kirkwood St. St. Charles, IA 50240. Make checks payable to the Iowa Trappers Association or ITA please. Thank you to everyone who has purchased patches in support of the ITA.

During August I was able to attend a couple Beginner Trapper classes in Exira and Mason City. Thank you Justin Deaver and his crew for organizing and covering these classes. I think so far the average attendance has been about 25-30 per class with all ages attending. Classes remaining are September 27^th 8 A.M. at the Henry County Nature Center in Oakland Mills/Mt. Pleasant and October 18^th 10 A.M. at Hutton Valley School of Taxidermy in St. Charles. To register for the October beginner trapper class, you can go to the link below, go to the DNR calendar, click on event date then click on “go to event” to register!   https://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/Calendar.aspx

The ITA Fur Auction will be held January 10, 2026 at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Boone. Dave Phipps or I will begin accepting seller numbers starting Dec 1st as in the past. You can contact Dave at 515 491-8214 or myself at 515-306-9385 to get your selling spot.  As in the past, when you get there you will receive a card with a number, this number will be your seller number for the auction. This system helps with the lotting process as Dave, Cody and myself no longer have to inquire which seller number we are currently on and much easier to keep track of. Also, the issue we see most when lotting in fur is ‘bad” pelts mixed with good. If you have blue or damaged pelts put them on a separate string. Those blue or damaged pelts will only downgrade the value of your good pelts if they are mixed in. Once your fur is lotted in, all fur MUST cross the buyers table before it can be pulled for “No Sale”.  Let us know when we are lotting in your fur the minimum price you are wanting so that can be written on the seller sheet.  For any “No Sale” fur, the commission is calculated off the last bid received. Commission as in the past will be 3% for “No Sales” and 5% for sales. Payment of commission will be cash or check only as we will not be able to accept debit or credit cards. After paying your commission, a sheet will be given for you to take to the buyers which purchased your fur. Doors will open at 7 A.M. and auction will begin at 9. Something new, we will take a short break during the auction about 10-10:30 then again about noon for lunch. This is to give Bret a break as well as the buyers present to stretch their legs.  There will be doughnuts, pop and coffee as well as food for lunch. Hope to see everyone in Boone!!

Mark your calendar for our 24^th Annual NTF/ITA banquet which will be held March 14^th next year. Our early April date is out due to that weekend being Easter. As in past couple years, it will again be held at Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel 1800 50th St in West Des Moines. See you there!!

I know it is early, but make plans for September 11-12, 2026 at the Floyd County Fairgrounds in Charles City. This is going to be another great location for us with easy access off Hwy 218 at Hwy 14. Motels are located about 5 miles south of the fairgrounds off Hwy 218. All buildings are recently new due a tornado hitting the grounds in 2019. The 2 dealer buildings and demo area are about 50 yards from each other, tailgating area just north of those buildings. There will be plenty of electoral, about 8 – 50amp, 35 - 30 amp and 60 -110v and plenty of primitive camping space with only a few small trees. There will be locations where access to water can be had to fill camper tanks. There is no dump station on the grounds, but one is located nearby.

I think that is about it for now. Trapping season will soon be upon us as it will open on November 1^st. Enjoy that time outdoors, relay that info or take other people along who wish to partake. 

Til next time - Craig