The West Virginia Trappers Association began with the dreams and ideals of a few industrious men: Don Hunter, Tom Batten, Olston "Nick" Wright, Jim Williams, Charles Richmond, Paul Larrowe, Robert Merrill, and Robert Butler. In 1967, the group met and formed the corporation of the West Virginia Trappers Association, Inc., in Grafton, WV. The ideals for which the corporation were formed read as follows: " •To develop leadership for the advancement of the best interests of the trappers and the fur industry as a whole. •To inspire in our membership a desire to practice the ethics of true sportsmanship toward others who may wish to enjoy the recreation and pleasure of the outdoors. •To impart adequate knowledge to our youth concerning the necessity for conservation. •To operate with duly recognized conservation organizations in the furtherance of the trapping association. •To advocate a comprehensive research program regarding the conservation of native furbearing animals. •To cultivate a feeling of goodwill and mutual understanding through a proper respect for the rights of landowners at all times. •To eliminate unnecessary cruelty to animals in the employment of traps. •To discourage unjust and eliminate fradulent trade practices in the marketing of raw fur. •To aid and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in bringing about the apprehension and just punishment of trap and fur thieves."
All trappers are encouraged to particpate in the Trapper's Survey and our state furbearer projects. Current projects include bobcat, fisher, muskrat, otter & spotted skunk.
Furbearer Projects
Defending and promoting the ethical harvest of furbearers in the State of West Virginia.
Trapper Education
Annual trapper education classes are free to all ages. Various events throughout the year help add even more experience for our trappers.
All trappers are encouraged to particpate in the Trapper's Survey and our state furbearer projects. Current projects include bobcat, fisher, muskrat, otter & spotted skunk.
The West Virginia Trappers Association began with the dreams and ideals of a few industrious men: Don Hunter, Tom Batten, Olston "Nick" Wright, Jim Williams, Charles Richmond, Paul Larrowe, Robert Merrill, and Robert Butler. In 1967, the group met and formed the corporation of the West Virginia Trappers Association, Inc., in Grafton, WV. The ideals for which the corporation were formed read as follows: " •To develop leadership for the advancement of the best interests of the trappers and the fur industry as a whole. •To inspire in our membership a desire to practice the ethics of true sportsmanship toward others who may wish to enjoy the recreation and pleasure of the outdoors. •To impart adequate knowledge to our youth concerning the necessity for conservation. •To operate with duly recognized conservation organizations in the furtherance of the trapping association. •To advocate a comprehensive research program regarding the conservation of native furbearing animals. •To cultivate a feeling of goodwill and mutual understanding through a proper respect for the rights of landowners at all times. •To eliminate unnecessary cruelty to animals in the employment of traps. •To discourage unjust and eliminate fradulent trade practices in the marketing of raw fur. •To aid and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in bringing about the apprehension and just punishment of trap and fur thieves."
Our annual WVTA Convention will return to the Gilmer County Recreation Center in Glenville (Gilmer County) this year. As you may know, our 2021 convention was held at a different venue last year due to numerous Covid-19 restrictions. Since restrictions have been lifted, we'll return to Glenville, where our conventions have been held for nearly 20 years.
We realize gas prices have risen, but encourage each of you to attend this event. Save high postage costs by purchasing your trapping supplies on site during the convention. We'll have numerous trapping demos in addition to our annual trapper education classes. Best of all, there's no admission cost and all the convention events are free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!
If you have questions or would like to reserve vendor space, please feel free to call or text me at 304-997-1863 or email info@wvtrappers.com