ESCANABA — The Upper Peninsula Trapper Association’s annual Convention/Outdoor Expo is once again coming to Escanaba. It will be held at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba on July 26-27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. (all times EDT).
Camping, food and refreshments are available on the grounds. Admission is $5 for both days and youngsters 12 and under are admitted free.
Along with all of the great vendors and tailgaters on hand offering the latest in trapping and outdoor equipment at “convention special” prices (with no shipping fees), many famous outdoor experts will be giving educational seminars throughout the convention. Vendors on hand will be offering trapping, hunting, fishing, quilting, guns, knives and many other outdoor supplies.
Included in the all-star lineup of experts giving seminars is Les Johnson of Predator Quest fame.
“Les has become a regular at our convention and is always a big hit with attendees” said Mike Lewis, longtime member of U.P Trappers.
“He has won countless awards for predator calling and his TV shows featuring predator hunting are outstanding. It is really cool every once in a while to hear (in the Ruth Butler Building) a coyote yip, bark or howl and then to realize that it is just Les practicing his calling technique. Make sure to attend his demos, you won’t be disappointed.”
Johnson hails from Nebraska where he spent his childhood pursuing all outdoor sports.
While attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying animal science he once stated “I want to be the best predator caller in the world.”
With the success of Predator Quest and the countless awards he has won, Johnson has certainly achieved that goal.
Along with Johnson, other speakers include Harry Nestell, Greg Schroeder, Jeff Dunlap, Ed Schneider, Mike Cain, Lesel Reuwsaat, Al Dubord and local beaver trapping expert Ken Luedtke.
This family friendly event offers numerous activities for all ages. Raffles, contests and games, along with the always popular “supervised free fishing, archery and pellet guns” for the kids are part of this year’s convention.
“Food vendors will be on site to offer a wide variety of local cuisine.
For further information on this event, contact Roy Dahlgren at 906-399-1960, trapperroy@outlook.com or visit Uptrappers.com.