ITA BOD Meeting
March 6, 2021
15588 History Lane, Petersburg IL 62675

Attending – Steve McClintock, Neal Graves, Andy Day, Kraig Kaatz, Tony Gienow, Joe Morelock, Robert Dill, Dave Scifres, and Kent Weil. Guests – John Fink and Bradyn McClintock

Meeting called to order by President McClintock at 9:03 am

Pledge by Tony Gienow
Prayer by Dave Scifres

Presidents Report
I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT SEASON AND THE WEATHER COOPERATED IN YOUR AREA OF THE STATE. 

I SPOKE WITH SCOTTY BRYANT(IFOR) AND ERIC MADIAR ON A COUPLE OF BILLS THAT WE REALLY NEED TO WATCH. THE FIRST ONE IS THE BOBCAT BILL, WHICH WANTS TO DO AWAY WITH THE HARVEST OF BOBCATS IN ILLINOIS. THIS BILL HAS BEEN SENT TO THE AGRICULTURE AND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE. I URGE EVERYONE TO CONTACT THE PEOPLE ON THIS COMMITTEE AND POLITELY VOICE YOUR OPINION ON OPPOSING THIS BILL. THE OTHER IS ACTUALLY NOT A BILL AS OF YET, BUT IS SOMETHING THAT THE GOVERNOR IS PUSHING FOR. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE GOVERNOR HAVING CONTROL OVER ALL GRANT MONEY. AS OF NOW THEY HAVE BORROWED OVER 100 MILLION DOLLARS THAT WAS SET ASIDE FOR OUTDOOR RESOURCES. 80 MILLION OF THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAID BACK 2 YEARS AGO. WHEN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EITHER ONE OF THESE, I WILL PASS THE INFORMATION ON. 

THE FUR SALE WENT ON WITHOUT ANY GLITCHES. I KNOW THAT THE SELLERS WERE PLEASED WITH THE PRICES THAT THEIR FUR BROUGHT. THE BUYERS WERE HOPING THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE FUR FOR SALE, AS THERE WERE ONLY 14 LOTS OFFERED. WE HAD A COUPLE OF NEW BUYERS THAT SAID THEY WOULD BE BACK NEXT YEAR. MARK AND CHRISTY HEBERT WON THE COON RAFFLE AND DONATED IT BACK TO THE ITA AND I WON THE 50/50 DRAWING AND DONATED IT BACK TO THE ITA. NEXT YEARS SALE WILL BE HELD AT THE KRILE AUCTION CENTER ON FEBRUARY 19.

MIKE MARCHEWKA CALLED ME AND THANKED US FOR EVERYTHING WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST 10 YEARS OR SO. AS HE SAID, WHILE MOST STATES ARE LOSING TRAPPING RIGHTS LITTLE BY LITTLE, WE HAVE BEEN GAINING GROUND. WE TALKED ABOUT LOW MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS, CABLE RESTRAINTS, AND RIGHT OF WAY TRAPPING. 

WE HAVE A SIGNED CONTRACT THROUGH THE END OF 2021 WITH ERIC MADIAR, OUR LOBBYIST. WE ALSO HAVE A SIGNED CONTRACT WITH THE MACON COUNTY FAIR BOARD THROUGH 2023, FOR OUR ANNNUAL CONVENTION.

VP Report
Bobcat harvest information was discussed.
Review of map sent out with the membership numbers broken down by county. FYI
Past due letters to dropped members went out and there are some responses.
Spoke with the new person from Hooked on Fishing and the facility is still available for ITA meetings depending on scheduling.

Treasurers Report
 March 6, 2021 balances:
Savings $38,021.70, Checking $2,304.60, Total $40,326.30 
661 members Tony Gienow made a motion to approve the treasurers report, 2nd by Neal Graves, approved

Secretary Report
Electronic Approvals By BOD
Neal Graves VP 1/11/21
Approval of Items from KBL for Gardner Trapper Ed Camp 2/13/21
Raffle Items Approved for ITA Convention 2/17/21
Use of Master Trappers Book by Tom Miranda for special fundraiser 2/13/21
Finance Committee to handle fundraising 2/4/21
Minutes to October 17, 2020 Board Meeting Approved

FTA Report – Dave Scifres
FTA Chapter 17 Spring Meeting – March 14th CAPS Building in Chatsworth, IL Full agenda – Shane McKenzie from the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation will speak on the Chicagoland Coyote study. They want trappers from downstate to turn in whisker samples so the biologist can determine the diets of rural coyote as compared to the urban coyotes. Billy Bolen will talk about how he hunts coyotes with dogs. Ryan Ruhl will give an update on the Fur Harvesters Auctions. FTA Chapter 17-I Spring Meeting - April 3, 2021 Russell Woods Forest Preserve Genoa, Il.

Awards Committee to research to verify that Irv Schirmer’s Family has received his HOF Award.

NTA Report – Kent Weil
Legislation and Lawsuits After a hiatus for the most part during the 2020 Legislative season, antis are ramping up efforts nationwide. Notably legislation in New Mexico is attempting to ban all trapping on public ground. SB32 is being hard fought by a broad coalition including the NTA, Sportsman’s Alliance, and the New Mexico Farm Bureau. New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, Oregon, Colorado and others currently have active anti issues underway as, of course, we do in Illinois. It is early in the legislative sessions. Most anti bills are still in or still being referred to committees so it is difficult to gauge any broad level of support these bills will generate. The key is for the state associations to remain vigilant and ask early for national support at the first hint of need. Nothing much as happened with lawsuits the NTA is watching or involved with. Court actions have also been slowed by the coronavirus. The International Fur Federation lawsuit against the City of San Francisco's regarding the city’s fur ban is ongoing with the NTA watching it closely but not specifically involved. The Alaska Trappers Association and the NTA lawsuit against the City of Valdez challenging its over-reaching authority of trapping regulations is ongoing. Valdez is attempting to limit trapping in ways that have previously been under the control of the state. The city is attempting to settle the lawsuit. The ATA and the NTA are standing firm feeling this action can be beat. 
NTA Conventions All the NTA conventions, the National, the Southeast Regional, and the Western Regional are currently a go for this year. The 2021 SE Regional will be May 7-8 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Western will run June 11-12 in Glens Ferry, Idaho. The 62nd Annual NTA Convention will be July 22-24, 2021 in Spencer, Iowa. The ITA has booth space. Anyone attending that might be interesting in spending time in the booth please contact Kent Weil. Fundraising NTA is running a membership drive fundraiser, with prizes at a variety of levels for those generating new memberships. The grand prize is an all-expense trip to Alaska to spend time with Mountain Men star Marty Meierotto. An antler drive will be held at the National this year. These have been quite popular and successful out west. Any kind or quality of antler has value and will find buyers. A free admission to the National will be given for a 10 lb donation. See Kent for details. 
Kids Cave As mentioned previously the NTA will add another layer to our youth outreach program at the annual convention by hosting a Kids Cave. This cave will have a variety of stations exposing young people to trapping methods, ethics, and things like fishing sports, turkey and duck calling, gun safety etc. The ball toss will be consolidated into this area along with a demo tent with a schedule of kids giving trapping demos to kids. Volunteers are needed. See Kent for details. 
Permanent NTA Home Property and a suitable building have been secured in Bedford, Indiana, for a permanent home for the NTA. Modifications are currently ongoing and the staff will be moving in next week.

IFOR Report – Neal Graves and Kent Weil

New Business
Convention Update – The contract has been signed with the fairgrounds. Raffle is basically the same as the past years. Conversation about advantage of holding the convention in the same central location and not moving the event to different parts of the state. This location is central to the largest number of ITA members with a 2 or 3 hour drive. Conversation also about having a bear trap with teeth for one of the raffle items.
Neal Graves outlined the incentive program for raffle ticket sales.

2021 Incentive Program for Raffle Ticket Sales

It is that time year again. We would like to thank you for the support you have given to the Illinois Trappers Association (ITA) in the past. For this reason, ITA is going to offer an incentive program on our raffle tickets again this year. Here is how it will go. 

For every $50.00 dollars you sell or buy, your name will go into a drawing for a free one-year membership, (five to be given away). 

For every $75.00 dollars you sell or buy, your name will go into a drawing for a free Kaatz Bros. Lures dvd of your choice, (Kaatz Bros. Lures dvd only) (3 to be given away) and a chance for a free one-year membership. 

For every $100 dollars you sell or buy, you will be entered into a drawing for a free 50. cal muzzle loader, and into the dvd drawing one time and into the free one-year membership drawing 2 times. 

ITA would like to thank you for your support and cooperation.

In the past the officers and directors did not qualify for the incentive program. Neal Graves suggested this be changed. Dave Scifres made a motion that officers and directors would qualify for the incentive program. Tony Gienow 2nd, approved…

Outreach

Conversation about trying to save some money by reducing our donations. Although there is no doubt these may be great causes, ITA must conserve as much as possible to retain our lobbying efforts long term.

Neal Graves made a motion to sponsor one boat for Fishing for Freedom for $250.00. Tony Gienow 2nd, approved.

Robert Dill provided information for hosting a Trappers/Trapping Camp at Crab Orchard late summer or early fall. Robert explained that he could handle this on his own and will gather further information to present to the board for consideration. This would also be depending on the ITA being able to provide proper insurance with the current Covid issues. Board Approved
Hunting and Fishing Days (one in the south and one north), if Covid restrictions allows would be good have ITA representatives. Robert Dill volunteered to handle the south event.

Kent Weil made a motion that ITA attend the IFOR Banquet and purchase ½ of a table. In the past ITA has purchased a full table. Neal Graves 2nd, approved.

Sweepstakes
The finance committee in accordance with the motion made and approved on 1/14/21 has been working on a fundraiser. This sweepstakes would be drawn in March 2022 and we will be to seeking sponsors and also donations as would be appropriate. Having a diverse item list that would include different items for hunting, fishing, and trapping should be positive. Based on our initial item ideas, a budget of $2000.00 would be sufficient but should there be a need we can also request additional $ and that would include the printing and postage. This sweepstakes would act as our fundraiser for this fall/winter to support the lobbyist and also education. Being as we have ample storage space and with the committee providing updates to the bod, we definitely need to take advantage of sales. This sweepstake would not necessarily replace nor eliminate any of the other fundraising efforts we've used in the past... Gathering the sweepstakes items will need a cut-off date that the committee will determine in the near future....
Dave Scifres made a motion to approve, Andy Day 2nd, approved.

ITA will be needing to order more t-shirts and hoodies. The hoodies will be grey this year. Also shirts for the new directors will be ordered. Steve (Neal) will get the sizing information form the directors and also a summary of our normal apparel orders and get quotes from Stanford Marketing, Robyn Stanford. Information on pricing will be provided to the board for approval.

Joe Morelock will be writing educational grants for ITA. One will be for a new trailer and Joe will need information from Steve McClintock regarding requirements ITA would be interested in. ITA will also research the possibility for Kid Camps grants. 

Tony Gienow suggested that the Board be given Master Trapper Books by To Miranda as a thank you for the work they do on behalf of trappers. It was decided this would not be an appropriate time to consider this with the financial uncertainty.

Neal Graves suggested that the June 6th board meeting be used as a Family Day and Thank You for the work of the board… Location has not yet been decided.

Kraig Kaatz informed the board that because of scheduling conflicts he would be unable to attend the board meetings on June 5, September 4, or October 16. Joe Morelock has volunteered to take the minutes. 

Old Business

Lobbyist Fundraiser
Memberships$4,210.00
Lobbyist Donations$4,980.00
Mailing/Printing -$500.00 (approximately)
Total$8,690.00

There have been a few responses recently but generally finished.

Past due letters went out to people who have dropped in the last few years. Returns are trickling in.

Fur Sale Wrap up was a total profit of $311.00

Andy Day will be sending thank you notes to the fur buyers who attended.

FOIA request for the contact information for those who purchased trapping licenses in the state. Kraig Kaatz will research and report back to the board.

A taxidermist was going to mount a mink and muskrat for ITA. He has passed away and Neal Graves will do some additional follow up to verify the status.

Discussion regarding the potential of having other organizations to affiliate with ITA to help pay for the lobbyist. Generally determined that this is not appropriate and that IFOR would be a place for them join for multiple voices with different agendas to be heard.

The website must be updated and kept up to date. We must submit information to Tim Kelley and be clear of the desire to post on the website.

Joe Morelock talked about the bill the ITA was behind asking for Veterans Trapping license to be free. In an effort to be consistent with current license fees ITA would support a revision to make the fee ½ price for veterans. The board approved Joe Morelock to follow up.

Motion was made by Kraig Kaatz to adjourn, 2nd by Tony Gienow, approved
Meeting adjourned at 12:30 pm.



Illinois Trappers Association Board Meeting
October 17, 2020
Lincoln’s New Salem Visitor Center
15588 History Lane
Petersburg, IL 62675

President Steve McClintock called the meeting to order at 9:12 am.

Pledge and Prayer by Andy Day

Attending – Steve McClintock, Neal Graves, Andy Day, Toney Gienow, Kent Weil, Dave Scifres, Tim Kelley, Joe Morelock, Larry Sylvester

Presidents Report – None
Vice Presidents Report – None
Secretaries Report - None
Treasurers Report – Andy Day
INCOME
Date Range Amount
7/18/20 –10/16/20 $12,801.62
EXPENSES
Date Range Amount
7/18/20 – 10/16/20 $6,397.09
Current Balances
SAVINGS: $35,019.11
CHECKING: $826.93
TOTAL: $35,846.04
There are no pending checks, all deposits have been made and all bills have been paid.
Current Active Membership: 602
Motion to approve by Neal Graves second by Tony Gienow, approved.

Fur Takers Report – Dave Scifres discussed two FTA gatherings he attended and reported on ITA activities.

NTA Report - Kent Weil with a hand out

IFOR Report – None

New Business

The board voted to add Robert Dill to the board to fill vacant seat to expire 2022.
President McClintock Presented a Committee list to the board for 2020 - 2021
1) Convention Committee – Neal Graves Chair, Tony Gienow and BOD
2) Public Out Reach – Neal Graves and Robert Dill Co-Chair 
3) Fur Sale - Andy Day and Neal Graves Co-Chair Neal 
4) Rules and Review – Cody Gaboriault Chair, Joe McCall, Joe Morelock
5) Constitution Committee – Kraig Kaatz Chair, Joe McCall, Tim Kelley
6) Legislative Committee – Joe Morelock Chair, Dean Corgait 
7) Awards Committee – Dave Scifres Chair, Kraig Kaatz, Larry Sylvester
8) Membership Committee – Andy Day Chair, Kurt McAllister, Kory McAllister
9) Finance Committee- Kraig Kaatz Chair, Andy Day, Kent Weil
10) NTA Representative – Kent Weil
11) FTA Representative – Dave Scifers
12) IFOR Representative – Neal Graves
13) Fundraising Committee – Kraig Kaatz Chair, Joe Morelock, and BOD
Neal Graves made a motion to approve committees, Andy Day second, approved

Board discussed upcoming ITA Conventions to be held at Macon County Fairgrounds with the following dates October 1/3, 2021 – October 7/9, 2022 – October 6/8, 2023

Board discussed the Lobbyist Contract with the following determination; Offer $400.00/month to start and up to $500.00/month if need be. Steve McClintock and Kraig Kaatz will proceed with negotiations and report to BOD immediately.

BOD discussed moving forward through covid.

Fundraising it was talked about getting a land trapping and a water trapping starter kits to try to raffle off.

Raffles will be same as last year. With the exception of the trail cams. Joe Morelock and Kent Weil are looking into the trail cams that send pictures to cell phone.

Fur Sale – Andy Day will check on date with facility.

Larry Sylvester wanted ITA to do the trapping portion of an outdoor school that he is involved with separate from ITA. The board suggested he go through the Safety Education Division of DNR for finding instructor.

Larry Sylvester suggested ITA create a position Safety Education Director. (It is already in there, it is the President of ITA.)

Old Business

Final break down for the 2020 raffles were distributed.

Joe Morelock and Neal Graves reported on the CPO Camp. Next year (2021) we may not have a CPO Camp but may do one for the state biologists and site managers.

Andy Day made a motion to adjourn, Joe Morelock second, approved. Meeting Adjourned at 12:30 pm





Board of Directors Meeting
Lincoln’s New Salem Visitor Center
15588 History Lane
Petersburg, IL 62675
July 18th, 2020

President Graves called the meeting to order at 9:10 am.

Attending: Neal Graves, Steve McClintock, Andy Day, Kraig Kaatz, Joe Morelock, Dave Scifres, Joe McCall, Kent Weil, Jon Behrens, Larry Sylvester

Pledge and prayer by Joe McCall

Presidents Report

I cannot believe this is the last ITA Board meeting I will chair. I want to thank you all for the way we have worked together the last six years. I look back on the way I got the presidents and all the stuff we all had to endure, I am very proud of you all. I think one of the favorite things we have accomplished is the CPO Camp’s, there have been a few of us involved. I feel these Camps have opened a whole new dialog with IDNR. We were being watched under a microscope but pulled our boots up and moved forward. Thanks for all you have done to make me look good. It has not all been roses but has been humbling and rewarding experience.

•President Graves has been working with IDNR on the upcoming CPO Camp in September.
•NAFA will not be attending our Convention but Wes Anderson will continue to support ITA.
•The phone has blown up with people from all over the state looking for nuisance trappers for beaver and squirrels.
•There have been conversations with the nuisance trappers for some items they’d like to happen in Springfield but the corona virus has hampered those efforts for this year. 

Vice Presidents Report 

Convention Update under Old Business

Secretaries Report

Minutes for online BOD meeting 5/16/2020 approved (May 26th, 2020
Dean Corgait to fill vacant director’s term to expire 2022. BOD approved Dean to fill vacant director position (June 2, 2020).
Self-nominations received for this year's election:
President - Steve McClintock
Secretary - Kraig Kaatz
Directors Terms to expire 2023
Kory McAllister
Kurt McAllister
Dave Scifres
Neal Graves

According to Policy/Procedure #4 (July 16, 2016) As there are the same number (or fewer) of nominees as positions open, the Board can approve these candidates by proclamation at the next Board meeting (July 18, 2020). BOD approved. Terms will begin Monday after date of when Convention would have been held. 

Treasurers Report

INCOME
Date Range Amount
5/11/20 – 7/17/20 $1500.00
EXPENSES
Date Range Amount
5/11/20 – 7/17/20 $2811.00
Current Balances
SAVINGS: $25,850.06
CHECKING: $879.4.40
TOTAL: $26,726.46

There are no pending checks, all deposits have been made and bills have been paid. Money is rolling in slow, I believe, to doubling of memberships last year. I don’t believe it is because of covid as our membership is pretty steady. Current Active Membership: 566 Motion by Steve McClintock to approve, Kent Weil 2nd, Approved 

NTA Report – Kent Weil
NTA Convention - The NTA Board of Directors will meet via Zoom from 10:00am-2:00pm via Zoom on next Tuesday and Wednesday, July 21-22. If you have attended a Board meeting, I would encourage you to contact the NTA office and get the link for the day’s meeting (links for these meetings cannot be made more than 24 hours in advance). All NTA members are welcome to view, although only Board members will be able to talk. I think you might be surprised at the professional standards of the meeting and the way NTA business is handled. Not what a lot of people expect from a bunch of trappers. The 2021 Convention will be held in Spencer, Iowa next July.
NTA Insurance - One thing that has come to surface over the past couple of months is the NTA Insurance provided to affiliates will NOT cover liability for any COVID-19 lawsuits.
Legislation - Basically, a repeat of the May report, many state legislatures still shut down or operating on shortened calendars, most substantive pieces of legislation such as Anti-trapping bills (or most Pro-trapping bills for that matter) are not going to be heard until fall at the earliest.
Lawsuits
Fur Ban in San Francisco - The International Fur Federation’s lawsuit against the City of San Francisco's fur ban is proceeding. The NTA is not a party to this lawsuit but supports it in principal and has filed an amicus brief (friend of the court) in support of the lawsuit.
Valdez, Alaska - Not much progress since May. The Alaska Trappers Association and the NTA have entering into a lawsuit against the City of Valdez and its over-reaching authority of trapping regulations. Valdez has city limits about the size of Rhode Island and is attempting to limit trapping in ways that have previously been under the control of the state. The jointly filed complaint against the City of Valdez is proceeding and I will keep the board updated as it proceeds. NTA counsel feels this is a lawsuit we have a high chance of winning and the potential legal precedents are worth the cost of entering into the lawsuit.

FTA Report – Dave Scifres 
Chapter 17 East Central Illinois Fur Takers of America – Fall Meeting is a Haun Park, Gilman, IL on September 20,2020 Contact Bill Gullquist (815)216-7417
Chapter 17B NW Illinois Fur Takers of America – Fall Convention is in Milledgeville, IL on September 26th – 27th. Contact Mike Volkers (815) 541-7710 (Has been cancelled)
Chapter 17I North Central Illinois Fur Takers of America –Fall Meeting is October 11, 2020 at the John Degner farm, 14614 Marengo Rd, Union, Il Contact Dan Schwiesthal (630)450-4325
New Business

All upcoming IFOR events have been cancelled.

New Directors and Officer – Please contact President Graves so he can order ITA shirts for you. 

Budget – Conversation and discussion regarding establishing information for budget to present to the membership. There are additional breakdowns required but should be able to establish some guidelines based from 2018 and 2019. This year is so unique because of the coronas virus we will attempt to use this time to get a real handle on our finances. 

The laptop that ITA has for the Treasurer is not capable to handling the Quick Books software. This will allow for getting Quick Books operational and provide a much better system for ITA to manage finances in the future. Motion was made by Joe Morelock to approve Treasurer to purchase a laptop up to $800.00, Steve McClintock 2nd, approved. 

ITA Membership to NTA and insurance, FTA, and IFOR will stand in the budget as is. 

Discussion on areas where ITA can save some funds through the rest of this year was had in detail. Kent Weil made a motion to halt all donations through the end of the year. This does not prevent the board to make special considerations should an emergency arise, send by Joe McCall, approved. 

Joe Morelock talked about considerations to increase our membership count and also increase our income through donations. Some ideas were adding a family membership (details would need to be worked out for voting member of family and how to count family members), Corporate Memberships, Sustaining Member, Associate Member etc. Mailing will be developed after levels are determined.

IDNR will provide the ITA the addresses, with out names, of all who purchased a trapping license last year. A special letter will be developed to include in mailing. Kraig Kaatz made a motion to obtain this list of names, create a letter, send to limited number of names for test of results. Second by Andy Day, approved

Joe Morelock spoke about the testing of animals for covid and finding them to be positive and what we may learn in the future as far as transmissions. ITA should keep up on these findings and provide updates (website).

Additional interest in Kids Camps in the future. Finding different locations around the state for considerations. 

Old Business

Our insurance does not cover Covid related liabilities. After much discussion, Dave Scifres made a motion to cancel the ITA 2020 Convention, Joe McCall second, approved.

ITA will be sending a letter out to our members with the raffle tickets, explaining the circumstances and explaining the need for continued support. Sweepstake tickets may be drawn in an online live format through the ITA facebook page. You do not need internet access to win a raffle. Winners will be notified. Possible raffles online also.

The Constitution requires that a General Membership meeting be held at our Annual Convention but circumstances are such, that there is no convention, the board will call a special meeting and the membership will be notified. The format for this meeting will be determined in the near future and membership will be notified. 
Lobbyist discussion and conversation. The costs per year and also the dwindling ability to afford these expenses but also the need and successes because we do have al lobbyist. ITA has made multiple pleas of our membership for supporting a lobbyist and it would not be appropriate to simply say we are going to be rid of the lobbyist. Currently our fundraising for legal defense has been 2 special fundraisers, the white elephant auction, and also the increase in membership dues. These have basically provided funds to cover about 4 months per year. With the affects of the covid situation and the anticipated loss in revenue from cancelling our convention, the board wishes to discuss options with our lobbyist to save money going forward. Our lobbyist will be notified that board will be communicating with him in the near future. Possible considerations or combinations of options will be offered: 1- Reduction in monthly compensation. 2- Not retained when congress in not in session. 3- On an as needed basis. 4- Other possibilities as well. BOD will approve prior to sending out to lobbyist.

Possibly using Zoom for meetings.

Fur Sale date and location must be verified. We can cancel if they are not allowed. Adjoining states will be checked so conflicts with timing of other fur sales may be avoided. Steve McClintock will verify with covid restrictions in the event we would need to cancel. 

Motion was made by Steve McClintock to adjourn, second by Larry Sylvester, approved. Meeting adjourned 11:40 am. 



Illinois Trappers Association
Make up BOD Meeting February 29, 2020
Homewood Suites, Forsyth, IL

President Neal Graves called the meeting to order at 9:00 am central time.

Pledge and Prayer by Joe McCall

Attendance: Neal Graves, Kraig Kaatz, Andy Day, Steve McClintock, Tony Gienow, Kent Weil, Larry Sylvester, Dave Scifres, Kory McAllister, Kurt McAllister, Cody Gaboriault, Tim Kelley, Robert Dill, Joe McCall (Absent - Jon Behrens) 
 Guests; Phil Mendenhall, Dean Corgait, Eric Madiar, Mark Hebert, Christy Hebert, Joe Morelock, Alex Morelock 

President Report – The fur sale turned out better then anticipated. ITA has been working on HB4308 & SB2258 with Tim Sickmeyer and Eric Madair

ITA will be attending Illinois Taxidermy Show March 5-8 and giving out two Awards. Anyone who wishes to attend please contact Neal Graves for information.
President Graves will be meeting with the new of Wildlife to discuss various positions on issues.
ITA will be attending the Deer Classic March 27 – 29 in Peoria. Help is needed, please contact President Graves for information.

Vice President – Steve McClintock has spoken with several vendors and there is interest for sponsorship of a 2021 calendar. VP McClintock will research specific costs. BOD approved by consensus. The BOD will be notified electronically the details for approval. 
VP McClintock has requested that the ITA BOD have a conference call prior to the ITA Convention to discuss progress and volunteer requirements. Kent Weil will contact NTA for information on using their Conference Call Service. 

Secretary Report-
Minutes Approved from December 7, 2019 meeting.
The Constitution updates were sent out electronically for the board to review and approve prior to being announced by the President in his next Presidents Report to Trappers Post and posting on the ITA Website. Kent Weil made a motion to approve, 2nd by Cody Gaboriault, approved.
In the future the BOD will be responsible to print out any and all documents received as official ITA items. This will help avoid some of the wastes that are currently being felt. If anyone cannot print out these items, please let us know in advance so they can be mailed.  
In the future; when we receive notice of a meeting, please respond if you can attend or not able to attend. Please also include a short comment; work, out of town, health, etc. Anyone who does not call or respond will have that absence be noted as unexcused.
The Treasurer is working on tabulating the different income and expenses of ITA for the last couple of years. This information will be used to formulate a budget that will be provided to the Board to review. (Andy Day, Kent Weil, and Kraig Kaatz are on this committee).

Treasurers Report – Total current balance $34,625.02. Membership is 641. 
Motion made by Kent Weil to approve, 2nd by Cody Gaboriault, approved.

FTA Report – Dave Scifres – Will reached out to the FTA Chapters in IL to provide updates on ITA activities. 

NTA Report – Kent Weil – (Handout)

IFOR Report – Kent Weil – (Handout)

Eric Madiar provided the BOD with a very detailed look into what the political climate in Springfield is like at this time. How the legislative body functions and what we can expect into the future with the current administration. With some of the past successes that ITA and other sporting groups have had; bobcat harvest, green hides, season lengths, and otter related issues we have had extreme success when other states have been under constant attack and losses of privileges. Lengthy discussion about the possibility of passing legislation to allow cable restraints on land. The board agreed by consensus that this is not the time to pursue this legislation. 

SB2258 – President Graves will be meeting with DNR regarding this bill and discussing what would be appropriate and in the best interest of the trappers. The BOD agreed by consensus for President Graves to speak on behalf of ITA. 

Old Business 

The Pike County Kids Camp has filled up. Instructors are still needed. ITA has received a great amount of donations.

The ITA 2020 Raffles will the 5 gun raffle ($1430.00), Cash ($100.00, $75.00, $50.00), 2 trail cameras, and a bear trap (purchased from KBL). Motion made by Larry Sylvestor, 2nd by Cody Gaboriault, approved

Tim Kelley will be posting the proposed Constitution Revisions on the website. Kraig Kaatz will be providing the information.

The ITA fur sale held on Feb 22, 2020 had a profit of $257.16 after expenses.

The Pike County Biologist has requested replacing some of the DNR tanned furs for that county. Kent Weil made a motion to replace the tanned furs, 2nd by Tim Kelley, approved.
Larry Sylvester checked into the Golgonconda Central IL Outdoor Show. ITA will be purchasing 2 table spaces at $25.00 each. The setup date is Nov 20th and show is Saturday Nov 21, and Sunday Nov 22nd. Larry Sylvester made a motion to attend, Kent 2nd, approved 

New Business

Cody Gaboriault will be activated and deployed overseas the end of May and will be missing at least two meetings.

Information is needed for possible locations for Trapper Education Classes in the southern part of the state.

ITA will be looking for a Kids Camp Location for September with disclaimer that if 10 or fewer register then the class will be cancelled. 

IFOR Advisory Board Meeting will be March 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at ILDNR Building in Springfield.

The next ITA Board meeting will be May 16th at Wagon Wheel in the New Salem State Park. Exact location will be announced.

Kory McAllister will be doing a presentation to the Boy Scouts in his area.

Joe Morelock thanked the ITA for the fantastic effort at the CPO camp last September. This year the CPO camp will also be in September and Joe Morelock will be working on locations for setting of traps and other details as long as there are no changes with in DNR that could change these plans. 

Tony Gienow made a motion to adjourn, 2nd by Cody Gaboriault, approved.
Meeting adjourned 10:50 a.m. central time.



Illinois Trappers Association
General Membership Meeting
October 5, 2019
Decatur, IL

President Graves called meeting to order at 5:15 pm.

Pledge and prayer by Kraig Kaatz.

Minutes to the General Membership Meeting of Oct 6, 2018 were provided to attendees.
Tony Gienow made motion to approve, seconded by Jerry Beadin, passed.

Presidents Report – President Graves reported on some of the changes in DNR. We have a good relationship with the CPO’s. So far things seem favorable with the new Director. 

VP Report – none

Secretary Report – 

According to Policy/Procedure #4 (July 16, 2016) As there are the same number of nominees as positions open the Board can approve these candidates by proclamation at the Board meeting on July 21, 2018. 
Illinois Trappers Association Policy/Procedure #4
Approved July 16, 2016
Purpose: Simplify the election process for officers and or directors when all positions are uncontested. When there are the same or fewer nominees then positions open in any election the outcome is guaranteed as each candidate would need but one (1) vote to be elected. The expense and time involved at the convention to hand out, gather, and count the ballots when there can be only one outcome, can be streamlined without changing the result.
According to the ITA Constitution approved Oct 2, 2015
ARTICLE 2 - DEFINITIONS
10- Policy/Procedure shall be established by the board to address special and/or unusual circumstances not included in this document.
Policy/Procedure to address this scenario; When there are the exact number or fewer candidates for positions open, the board shall vote on each candidate separately at the board meeting immediately prior to the annual convention. Thus establishing a confirmed vote for each candidate. The candidates will take office per Article 5 - Officers Section 1-F at 12:01 am on the Monday immediately following the annual convention.

Here are the elected officers and board members for 2019 – 2022.
Vice President – Steve McClintock
Treasurer – Andy Day
Directors – Tony Gienow

Treasurers Report – Beginning Balance (total) as of 10/4/2018, $44,778.89 with balance as of 10/5/2019 not including final totals from Convention, $32,455.70 with 624 members. Motion to accept by Larry Sylvester, second by Cody Gaboriault, passed.

NTA Report by Kent Weil, General Organizer of NTA – Hand out provided. 

President Graves provided information and updates on the Kids Camp in Pike County and also the CPO camps. To day about 75% of the CPO’s have attended to CPO camp.

There was a discussion about the lobbyist and the need of retaining his services. Future finances were discussed and our ability to retain these services. Motion made to extend lobbyist contract trough Dec 31, 2020 by Larry Sylvester, second by Kent Weil, approved.

Membership approved contract (pending final review) with Macon County Fairgrounds for 2020, 2021, 2022. The ITA Conventions will remain in Decatur through 2022. Motion made by Kraig Kaatz, second by Cody Gaboriaolt, 

Fur Sale will be February 22, 2020 in Strausburg. Details to follow.

Andy Day informed the membership that Trappers Post has increased its subscription costs to the affiliates. There was also discussion regarding our current overall financial situation. Motion was made by Cody Gaboriault to increase the yearly membership dues for ITA to $35.00 (with youth membership remaining at $15.00) on January 1, 2020, second by Tony Gienow, approved.

Membership was informed that there will be amendments coming to incorporate into the ITA Constitution next year. Moving a couple of the current policies into the document.

The ITA Board will be working on a draft budget to better track finances.

Membership suggested to consider a Trappers Tornado circle as a demo for 2020 convention. This would have all the attendees be given an opportunity to provide a tip they use on their line. Anyone can participate in the conversation.

Motion was made by Tony Gienow to adjourn, second by Cody Gaboriault, approved.

President Graves adjourned the meeting at 6:10 pm.