History

Through the interest of Clyde C. Deale of Chamblee, a meeting was held on January 13, 1979 in Doraville to organize the trappers of Georgia. Under the guidance of the National Trappers Association president, Don Hoyt, the Georgia Trappers Association was organized. With approximately 35 people attending, most joining to become the first members, thus, the beginning of the Georgia Trappers Association.

The following officers were elected: President………………….Clyde C. Deale of Chamblee Vice President…………..Eddie Palmer of Hiawassee Secretary/Treasurer……Tom McCloskey of Atlanta NTA Director……………Clyde C. Deale of Chamblee

With the objective simply being to preserve out right to trap, this slogan was adopted – “United we stand, Divided we fall”.

It was decided to become an affiliate of the Georgia Wildlife Federation, as well as the National Trappers Association, thus making a small organization more powerful.

Our membership has fluctuated over the years with the rise and fall of the fur market. We grew from 143 members in 1979 to over 550 members in 1980. Since the fall of prices in the mid 1980’s our membership has maintained an average of between 200 and 250 members. It was under the leadership and foresight of the officers and directors during the early years that the association adopted the following goal, trapping code of ethics and constitution and objectives. Under the leadership and dedication of our current officers and directors we have been able to remain focused on our ultimate goal, continue to maintain our main objectives and live and trap by our strong code of ethics. With so many anti organizations working against us we must all work together to keep hunting, fishing and trapping strong and growing. Your support and your efforts are needed to ensure that “WORKING TOGETHER IS THE KEY TO OUR FUTURE AS TRAPPERS!”

Goal

“Protect the rights of individuals and conserve and protect the natural resources of Georgia.”

Objectives

To plan and have an annual meeting in the spring and a convention in the fall to create a closer fellowship.
To coordinate a trappers’ education program with the Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Division, and the University of Georgia Extension Services and to publish a trappers’ education booklet.
To have a GTA fair booth in local and district fairs to make the public aware as to the purpose and need for trapping predators.
To keep abreast of all legislative action pertaining to our goal and to keep our members aware of situations concerning them.

Code for Responsible Trapping:

• Obtain the landowner’s permission in writing before trapping on his land.
• Carefully release unwanted animals.
• Check traps daily, preferably early each morning.
• Identify traps and record set location carefully and accurately.
• Dispose of animal carcasses properly so as not to offend others.
• Make an effort to concentrate trapping in areas where animals are overabundant for the supporting habitat.
• Promptly report the presence of diseased animals to wildlife authorities.
• Assist farmers and other landowners who are having problems with predators.
• Support and help train new trappers.
• Support strict enforcement of regulations including the reporting of all takes to Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
• Support and participate in local, state, and national trapping associations.