[Reprinted from original]

SMITHVILLE — The West Virginia Trappers Association will hold its 52nd Annual Convention on Sept. 17-18 at Barker’s Field, 969 Prunty Road, Smithville.

The event is semi-primitive this year and families are encouraged to camp on-site and enjoy learning the skills of yesteryear. All events, demonstrations, classes and workshops are free and there is no gate fee.

The nightly camping fee is $5 and the campground is equipped with hot showers and pit toilets.

In addition to hourly trapping demonstrations both days, honored guests will be from the West Virginia Muzzleloaders Association, who will teach tomahawk throwing and muzzleloader shooting to all ages.

Young shooters must be accompanied by a parent.

A Civil War Living History Encampment, free trapper education classes for beginners and intermediate levels, blacksmithing demonstrations, traditional basket making, bow drilling a fire, turkey calling, bushcrafting skills, beekeeping, roots and herbs, fur fleshing demonstrations, troutlining, turtle butchering and coon hunting with hounds, and more.

A benefit auction will be held on Saturday.

Trappers are welcome to bring their traps for tuning, dying and waxing.

Gates open 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17. A complete schedule of events and vendors can be viewed on their website at Wvtrappers.com.