ESCANABA — Upper Peninsula trappers Bob Steinmetz and Ryan Koivu will be taking the stage teaching attendees how to capture beaver, especially in our environment at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba in mid-July.

Also taking the stage will be nationally known trappers Red O’ Hearn, Ed Schneider, Mark June, Jeff Dunlap, Sarah Gomez, Al Dubord and Jeff Hagerty.

Local trappers Steinmetz and Koivu have years and years of experience and with that, success. Their demo will concentrate on fall, winter and spring beaver trapping. It is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16.

Steinmetz has been trapping for 50 years and Koivu has 46 years esperience. Not only will attendees get the usual tips, techniques, methods, and lure placement but Steinmetz and Koivu will be demonstrating use of different tools for different situations and seasons.

The proper, legal, safe and humane use of footholds, body grips and under-ice beaver Snares will be explained. They will also speak on the proper fur handling of the catch to ensure top dollar sales with the fur dealer.

This year’s event is scheduled for July 15-16 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. It is the 60th annual event.

Times are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $10 for both days with kids 12 and under free.

Camping on the grounds is available. This family-friendly event offers something of interest not only to trappers but to entire families as well. Hundreds of vendors, tailgaters, crafters and antique dealers will fill the grounds.

Food vendors will be offering local favorites, and the kids will be entertained by games, contests and the ever popular free fishing in the Pocket Park (All youngster’s events are adult supervised).

Raffles will be running constantly with great prizes to be won. The Friday night fish fry is fabulous, so be sure to get your reservations in early as tickets for this event go fast.

Contact Roy Dahlgren at 906-399-1960 or trapperroy@ outlook.com to reserve fish fry tickets or if you have any questions about the convention/expo.

“Steinmetz and Koivu are superb beaver trappers” said U.P. Trappers member Rich Bartoletti. “One can sure learn a lot by attending their demo. They engage the audience and encourage dialogue and questions.”

Chuck Stepniak, member of U.P. Trappers, said, “This is a great annual event! I learn many new things each year and find this a good time to stock up on equipment and supplies. Most vendors offer convention special prices and the best part … no shipping fees. Hope to see you there.”