Walter L. Arnold, trapper, and one of the founders of the MTA, at his cabin in northern Maine in 1977. photo by David Hiser
The Maine Trappers Association was established in 1947 to provide an organization by which those with a common interest in the sport of trapping could come together to discuss their common goals.
Meetings of the Executive Committee are held 4 times per year. Membership meetings are held twice each year - on the first Sunday in May and in the month of September.A newsletter, The Maine Trapper, is published quarterly and sent to all current members. If you'd like to join the MTA, go to the membership page for information. The MTA has a proud history of bringing about changes that have enhanced the image of trappers and trapping. We have been leaders in supporting the development of traps and trapping techniques that are effective and humane. We have successfully supported legislation that has made trapping more acceptable to the non-trapping public, including mandatory trapper education. We have successfully opposed legislation when we felt that the changes would be harmful to the future of trapping or to the furbearers we harvest.
Maine Trappers Association History
In the late 1940's, Maine trappers were dissatisfied with the trapping season. The Legislature set the season at that time. Clyde Wells of Saco and H.E. Ford of Berwick thought that unifying the trappers in Maine was a necessity.
On September 1, 1947, the Maine Trappers Association (MTA) was formed. Luther DeVoe was elected president, Elwyn Smith was elected vice-president and J. Cliff Francis was elected secretary-treasurer. It seems that this meeting took place without the knowledge of either Mr. Ford or Mr. Wells. Membership dues were set at $1 per year.
Continued on the MTA History Page.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Reports are published in the quarterly MTA newsletter (October, January, April, July). See the Legislative Page for current news.
NEWSLETTER: The deadlines for the MTA newsletters are:
MARCH 15 - JUNE 15 - SEPTEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 15
Please send your submissions to Pat Favolise See Contacts Page
MTA receives 5% of sales placed through this link >
Trappers Line Cabin
This cabin, constructed in the 1980's by the Maine Trappers Association at Leonards Mills in Bradley Maine, was typical during the early days of trapping. The line cabin was designed for an overnight stay while checking the trap line. It was very simple and meant to provide temporary shelter only. Trappers could cache food supplies, fur stretchers, extra traps and tools needed to maintain his equipment in the cabin.
Leonards Mills holds their Living History Days each year on the first weekend in October. They are open year round for self guided tours, picnics and hiking on their nature trails. Check their website for other events, more info and directions to the Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonards Mills.
Established September 1947
How to build a Lynx exclusion device
30 Gun Raffle is starting soon for 2025.
Contact a Maine Trappers Association member for tickets.
Congratulations to all the raffle winners for 2024.
We appreciate your support of the Maine Trappers Association.
Event Calendar
2025
Shows-Auctions-Meetings-& More
- April 27, 2025 Central Maine Fur Auction Palmyra Community Center, Route 2 (768 Main St) Palmyra, Maine Doors open at 7 AM auction starts at 8 AM.
- February 23, 2025 Executive Committee (Directors) Meeting 9 AM at the Salmon Club 30 Old County Rd, Veazie Maine.
- March 14-16, 2025 PCCA Eastern Maine Sportsmen's Show, University of Maine, Orono
- March 28-30, 2025 State of Maine Sportsman's Show, Augusta Civic Center
- March22-23, 2025 Aroostook Sportsman's Spring Show, 9am to 4pm both days, The Forum, Presque Isle
- April 27, 2025 Central Maine Chapter Fur Auction, Palmyra Maine
- May 3-4, 2025 Rebuild Line Cabin at Leonard's Mills in Bradley. Contact Paul Favolise 207-483-4779.
- May 16-18, 2025 MTA Spring Fling & Rendezvous, Fur Auction. MTA Membership meeting, Sunday May 18th at 9am. Contact brian.bernoski@outlook.com
- July 7-14, 2025 Union Fair contact Northern Coastal Chapter
- July 17-19, 2025 66th Annual National Trappers Assoc. Convention at Rockingham County Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg, VA
- August 7-16, 2025 Skowhegan State Fair, Skowhegan Maine (MTA booth)
- August 14-17, 2025 New England Trappers Weekend Bethel, Maine. Contact Neil Olson H 207-875-5765. C 207-749-1179.
- August 23- September 1, 2025 Windsor Fair, 82 Ridge rd, Windsor Maine. MTA Muesum.
- September 27 to Oct 5, 2025 Fryeburg Fair. MTA booth.
Trapping Education Course dates are listed on the Maine IF&W Website
Tri-fold brochure, print and hand out.
Home Schoolers At the Spring Fling & Rendezvous.
Click here to read about it.
