Jeff and Amanda Ward of Steuben attended last year’s trappers workshop in Hermansville with their daughters Anabelle, left, and Abigaile, who show off the knives they chose in the “every youngster wins” door prize drawing. (Mike Lewis photo)

HERMANSVILLE –The Community Center in Hermansville will be the site of the 15th annual New Trappers Workshop from 8 a.m. until about 4 p.m. Feb. 1.

The event will have a number of local veteran trappers on hand, all of whom will be willing to share tips, techniques, stories and maybe even some secrets of the sport of fur harvesting.

Admission is free.

“I look back to my early days as a youngster trying to find success on the trapline and now wish that there was a young trappers workshop in those days,” said Dennis Girardi, a longtime member of Upper Peninsula Trappers Association.

“It sure would have shortened my ‘learning curve.’ When I was a youngster, the old-time veteran trappers were not very willing to share tips, methods or anything about trapping, so I had to learn on my own. I guess this is why I take such great pleasure and pride in the fact that I can share what I have learned through a lifetime of trapping with the youngsters and newcomers just starting out,” Girardi said.

Along with all the experienced trappers, the event will feature trapping demonstrations by Clint Seawright and Jim Fornetti.

Seawright is a registered fur buyer and will be available for anyone wanting to sell their harvest.

Nathan Belanger will show how to properly prepare furs for market.

Scott Burton of Burton’s Lures will offer his wide variety of trapping supplies and advice on how to use them.

Those younger than 12 will be awarded a guaranteed door prize and a trapper’s startup kit, including a weasel box, trap and lure. Those ages 12 to 17 will receive a brand-new, dog-proof raccoon trap.

“We are proud to put this event on,” Fornetti said. “It is so great to see the youngsters returning each year and meeting all the newcomers as well.”

Food and refreshments will be available.

For more information, go to www.uptrappers.com or contact event coordinator Mike Lewis at 906-774-3592.