The Missouri Trappers Association are gathering in Cape Girardeau this weekend for a Fall Rendezvous that highlights their 50th Anniversary, according to Karl Rice of the Northwest Chapter (District 8).

The association began when a young trapper from Dewitt, Mo., named Walter “Eddie” Stephenson decided to form an association that would follow the remarks he included at the end of all his correspondence, “Yours For Better Trapping.”

Stephenson soon joined the Army but during his absence, Wally Schmieg of LeMay, Mo., picked up the reins and became the association’s first president and also started their informative publication aptly named the “Missouri Mountain Men Newsletter.”

The newly formed association was the first of its kind in the state to unite trappers and charged its members a mere 50 cents to join. In return, the members received a sharing of information and were united with a greater voice that has helped them defeat state legislation that could have harmful effects on trapping.

The association has continued helping Missouri’s trappers get the most out of their sport for over half a century. As Stephenson said in a quote early in the association’s life:

“You see, when you do something for the association, you are actually working for yourself. The only difference is that you have more votes and more power to accomplish the task that you are working on. You are no longer just one voice but a voice among many, and a member of a strong and well organized association.”

The association’s 50th Rendezvous is open to the public and will consist of demonstrations, presentations, raffles, trapping suppliers, good food and a 50th Celebration party.

Unfortunately for the Missouri Trappers Association, 2008 also marks the passing of one of their founding members and their original president. Wally Schmieg died on June 28 after spending his lifetime advocating trapping. Wally also started the Fur Takers of America in 1958.

For those interested in trapping but not wanting to make the trip down to Cape Girardeau, the Northwest District (#8) of the Trappers Association will hold its fall meeting at 10 a.m. Sept. 27 at the Grand Oaks Assembly, west of Chillicothe. The local meeting will also feature trapping, skinning, and preparing fur for sale demonstrations.

For more information on the Missouri Trappers Association, visit their web site at www.missourioutback.com/mta.