Well-known trapping expert Mark June will be doing two demos on bobcats and coyotes at this weekend’s 60th Annual Trappers Convention/Outdoor Expo at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba
The event will be on Friday, July 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, July 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (All times EDT). Admission is $10 for both days (wristband will cover both days), with kids 12 and under free.
June grew up in Michigan and began his trapping career as a youngster. He attended college and earned his degree in biology; his college education was paid for with his earnings from his trapline!
His trapping travels took him to Nebraska in the 90’s, eventually moving to that state in 2004. He has trapped in 18 states during his career. He later moved to Texas and has trapped many coyotes, bobcats, and even mountain lions there. Now he has come full circle, moving back to Michigan where his trapping career started.
But the “call of the West” is still in his blood and it is rumored that he will still be spending a lot of time traveling to Texas and other Western states to help ranchers protect their herds by keeping coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions in check. Mark has been doing research projects on coyote behavior for the last forty years.
He knows (and willingly shares) why, what, when and where coyotes do what they do – information that is invaluable to all trappers for ensuring success on the line.
June is known as a hardworking humble man who enjoys teaching others how to be better trappers. His crowd-pleasing demos are not only informative, but fun as well. He engages the audience with humorous tales of the trapline and encourages questions from attendees. In 1984, he started Mark June’s Lures and rapidly became one of the largest suppliers of lures, baits, urines, and DVDs. (All will be available for purchase at the event).
June will be a valuable demonstrator, with all of his education, research, on-the-line knowledge and information he has shared with hundreds of top trappers he has worked with and taught. While concentrating on coyotes and bobcats, Mark can also catch many other fur-bearing animals.
“We are pleased to have Mark June at our event again this year,” said Duane Halvas, longtime member of U.P. Trappers District 3. His demos are outstanding; the guy really knows his stuff and shares it well. It is worth coming to the convention just to hear him speak!”
Along with the nine demos in two days, there are many interesting things happening, including games, contests, projects, and a free fishing event for the kids at the DNR Pocket Park (all children’s activities are adult supervised), and many raffle prizes.
For a complete list of presenters, along with a detailed biography of each one, visit www.uptrappers.com and click ‘Convention.’ There will be many inside and outside vendors on the grounds with trapping and outdoor gear and equipment for sale (with no shipping fees.). Food and drink will be for sale on the grounds.
Camping is still available on the grounds, and the Friday Night Fish Fry (requires pre-registration) will once again be happening. To register for the fish fry or camping, or with other questions, contact Roy Dahlgren at (906) 399-1960 or e-mail trapperroy@outlook.com.
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