ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Friday, the 62nd Annual U.P. Trappers Convention & Outdoor Expo began at the U.P. State Fairgrounds.
Hundreds of vendors are on site selling everything from fishing gear and animal traps to clothing and artwork. “The Kids Cave” is a new area where children can “pan for gold,” build a mink box, and try activities like fishing and archery.
A series of demos are scheduled throughout the convention. On Saturday at 1 p.m., Paul Antczak, star of “Mountain Men” on The History Channel, will give a demonstration on wolf trapping out west.
“I like meeting the fans of the ‘Mountain Men’ show,” he said. “It’s really fun to see how many people really watch it and how it affects their lives and how they look forward to watching.”
Antczak says events like the U.P. Trappers Convention & Outdoor Expo are a great benefit for the trapping community.
“We come here to buy stuff, we come here to learn, and we come here to shake hands and give big hugs,” he said. “If you’re a sportsman, you get to know your trapper. If one day they do open up wolf season here, if you’re a deer hunter, you’re going to want to know your trapper, you know? He’s going to help you out. I’ve been a trapper for 46 years, so it’s also nice to see old friends from different states. That’s what’s fun about it. It’s the camaraderie.”
The U.P. Trappers Convention & Outdoor Expo continues on Saturday, July 13, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10, and kids 12 and under are admitted for free.
For more information on this year’s convention, visit uptrappers.com.
