From the President
July 18,2026
Just got back from a very informative BOD meeting. Very good turnout we some new people attending and many helpful ideas to make NYSTA better.
Mark Zagger (Mr. Coyote U) brought some very ideas and views of things we can do better or make NYSTA. The one statement he made that I felt was very important was”Leave your ego at the door or home”. As president, I am no more important to the guy or girls that just joined NYSTA or just started trapping. We are “ONE”. Most of us want to trap, others want to support us, some are fascinated and intrigued by what we do and want to learn more about us. Many trappers and members of NYSTA don’t know who I am. That’s fine. Knowing about NYSTA and what we do is the important thing and we need your help to continue and we’ll try to help you too. Please respect each other. If you make a mistake admit it, you are human. You have an opinion and it may be opposite of mine and that doesn’t make us enemies. You may be correct and sometimes I could be correct. The name Trappers begins with “T” and so does Team.
There is no “I” in trappers or team. Hopefully you can make it to your convention in September. Stop by Building 1 at the NYSTA and say hello and let me know of your concerns and ideas for NYSTA. Safe travels and God Bless You, Your Family and God Bless America.
Just over 1 1/2 months until we have our NYSTA convention in Frankfort, NY at the Herkimer County fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed to continue to make this another successful convention.
VP Jim Greeley has put in many hours already and the final push isn’t here yet. If he was paid by the hour he could take a nice vacation with his wife. Don’t wait to reserve your booth spaces inside or out. A little help from all vendors eliminates confusion at registration time. We won’t be chasing vendors for payment of their spaces. We don’t have the manpower to go looking for you. Please pay in advance or have your payment ready when you enter the fairgrounds. Your readiness will save us. I Thank You in advance and it would be greatly appreciated. Jim will probably go into more detail.
I will be manning the NYSTA booth in Building 1 most of the convention. Answering questions about NYSTA or other issues will be my main objective. On the downside I have some medical issues and will need help. Memberships will be handled by our membership coordinator, Linda Bates at our booth. Please bear with her as it can get congested quickly. We will be selling t-shirts, hats, patches, pins and more; also gun raffle tickets, 50/50 tickets and our 2027 calendars. Don’t forget to have your kids sign up for the free pack basket. There is no charge for the kids pack basket raffle. There will be an age limit. There will be kids activities run by Craig Conway (I Hope).
Don’t forget to watch some of the demos put on by the Best of the Best. These trappers have decades of experience and you get to see and learn for free.
I believe Jim Greeley still has some pig roast tickets left; they must be paid for in advance. We sold out last year. Contact Jim to purchase your ticket.Save a few bucks for some great auctions. You’ll notice I said “auctions”. NYSTA will have an auction following our general membership meeting and then there will be the big one at “Flat Iron”. Mark Zagger and his crew do a fantastic job. They have many one-of-a-kind items. So please support both of these auctions. Please respect all vendors and visitors. Profanity will not be tolerated. You will be removed from the fairgrounds. We are all here for trapping. Thanking you in advance. Stop by Our booth to say hello.
Bob Sommerfield,
President, NYSTA