U.P. Trappers Convention and Outdoor Expo in Escanaba July 10-11

Maybe it’s because there were lots of cold, frosty nights in May this year in the U.P. Maybe it’s because fur prices are improving — but for some reason trappers seem to be getting fired up early; many are already thinking about the October openers!

This year’s U.P. Trappers convention should add to the excitement and it’s just around the corner. Most of our vendors did very well last year and it looks as though things could pick up even more this year.

The U.P. Trappers Association Convention and Outdoor Expo is being held at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba on July 10-11. Vendor buildings are filling up, tailgaters are registering, inquiries are coming in, and we are working hard to make this the best convention ever. The Kid’s Build & Adventure Korner is new this year. Hands-on building of their own weasel and/or mink boxes. Hay scrambles, panning for gold, play trap-setting contests and more. Adults and kids can increase their knowledge and learn new tips and tricks from some of the best — Heimo Korth, Al Dubord, Jeff Dunlap, Jeff Hagerty, and five hardy Yoopers who know how to put up impressive amounts of fur despite rain, snow, freezing rain, and lots of ice.

Mini raffles, can raffles, learning from vendors and hundreds of trappers and many new friends or old acquaintances, kid’s games, and taking in the awesome mounts and furs in the Safari Club Trailer add to the experience.

A special treat this year is getting to meet Heimo and Edna Korth from “The Last Alaskans” fame, and Heimo will be sharing “Stories from the Arctic — Slideshow and Q&A” in his near hour-long presentation. For those of you who don’t know much about Heimo and Edna, here is a brief look at their toughness, grit, determination and love of the Alaskan Wilderness: Heimo and Edna Korth, beloved stars of “The Last Alaskans,” have captured millions with their authentic life deep in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Living more than 100 miles from the nearest road, they embody grit, humility and a deep partnership forged over decades of true off-grid living. Fans admire not only their skills, but the warmth and respect they show for each other and the land they call home.

Their daily life is anything but easy. Winters bring temperatures as low as –60°F, relentless storms, and demanding work –—running traplines, hauling wood, hunting, and maintaining hand-built cabins along the Coleen River. Their lifestyle blends Athabascan tradition, frontier self-reliance, and a disappearing way of life.

Heimo’s journey began in 1975, when he left Wisconsin for Alaska and was apprenticed under a big game guide. Over time, he honed his trapping skills, built his first cabin in 1978, and spent more than 40 years raising a family while living off the land. He primarily traps marten, often catching over a hundred in a season, along with wolf, fox, lynx, and more.

Now, fans have a rare chance to meet them at the U.P. Trappers Convention and Outdoor Expo, where they’ll share stories and bring a piece of the Arctic to Escanaba.

To volunteer at the event, reserve booth space, or for further information contact Mary Theoret at 906-241-6155, [email protected] or visit our website or Facebook page: www.uptrappers.com; https://www.facebook.com/groups/129734844130727.