Legendary Trapper Johnny Thorpe encircled by some of his famous carvings. Image courtesy of outdoor writer T.R. Hendrick.

KNOXVILLE — The National Trappers Association is pleased to announce that Trapping Hall of Famer Johnny Thorpe will be on hand to present a demonstration at the upcoming convention. This “living legend” has been at it for over 65 years. Johnny was inducted into the National Trappers Hall of Fame in 1996. He started writing trapping articles for major outdoor publications in 1956 and continues to do so to this day. Johnny lives in New York and has run long-lines in New Mexico, California and Arizona.

“Johnny Thorpe”; trapper, gold miner, wood carver, artifact collector and adventurer is one the last of the true mountain men. He will be sharing his tips, techniques and stories at the convention. This 80 year old, who started trapping professionally at age 15, will bring a wealth of knowledge to share. It also should be noted that he is a direct descendant of Jim Thorpe famous Olympic athlete. “All will enjoy his presence and demonstrations,” stated Jim Fornetti, longtime member of U.P. Trappers. Johnny Thorpe will be one of many well-renown trappers and outdoor experts giving presentations hourly during the event. Veteran and novice trappers will enjoy learning tips, ideas and techniques from these pro’s which will help to increase one’s capture rate.

	This lady is all business as she attempts to win a trap-setting contest at the 2012 NTA Convention in Owatonna Minnesota. Photo courtesy of the National Trappers Association.

Over 6,000 people are expected to attend the largest outdoor event ever held in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Trappers from all over the U.S. and Canada will attend; many will make this annual convention a family vacation. There are many ladies and children’s activities planned throughout the event. There will be ten buildings filled with inside vendors and most likely over 200 outside tailgate vendors selling all kinds of goods. Many bargains will be available and buyers will save as there are no shipping charges.

On Saturday night, the band Runaway Train will be on stage performing their great mix of bluegrass, classic rock, and both modern and classic country music. Other planned activities include two wild-fur fashion shows (with top professional models), a Saturday night dance, a fund-raising auction, trapping and calling demos, trap setting contests, women’s skillet toss, and hundreds of vendors selling trapping supplies, gadgets, crafts and antiques. For the ATV enthusiast a huge Polaris ATV display and Michigan’s only ATV practical skills track facility will be open for demo use as well as student training. Bus tours to some of the beautiful wonders of the Upper Peninsula such as Fayette State Park, Big Springs, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as well, as a “wine & dine” tour to a couple of the area’s fine wineries, will be available to the general public (for a registration fee).

The 2014 Convention hosted by NTA, CVB and UPTA is open to the general public and will be at the UP State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, MI for four big days, July 24-27, 2014. Hours are, Thursday through Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EDT and Sunday 8:00 am to noon. Admission is $10.00 for all four days, kids under 12 are free.

For further information on this great event, contact Tamara Masterson (248)568-5804; masterson@nationaltrappers.com. You can also visit www.convention.uptrappers.com or www.nationaltrappers.com.