Randy Johnsen gets a “high five” from a youngster at last year’s workshop for helping him build his very own mink box. (The first part of his Mink Kit). Photo courtesy of Mike Lewis

HERMANSVILLE — District 3 of the U.P. Trappers Association is once again hosting the Arduin Brothers Kids Workshop in Hermansville on Saturday February 7, 2026. Doors will open at 8 a.m. (CST) with the doors closing for cleanup around 3 p.m. This is the 21st year and all are welcome.

Sponsored by the U.P. Trappers Association (UPTA), the Workshops introduce youngsters to a pursuit that gets kids into the great outdoors (away from their screens), gets them some fresh air and exercise, some lessons on outdoor ethics, information on sustaining healthy wildlife populations, enjoyment in catching some fur, and pride in properly preparing their furs for market.

According to a press release, parent Jeremy Lundin had this to say about the Workshop, “I have been taking my Kids every year and have admired how much they have learned from attending and am thankful for all the prizes and trapping supplies they have won. Now they are both, not just attending every year, but are now pitching in to help with the event and getting to see other smiling kids win prizes and learn about the joys of trapping.”

Every youngster wins

Last year UPTA gave out four different trapping kits that kids could take home and use on their own traplines or to help their parents or grandparents on their lines. And these kits proved to be real winners so they’re doing it again. The Weasel and Squirrel Kits are recommended for the very youngest. The Mink Kits and Muskrat Kits still involve smaller traps and easier fur-handling for those that are a bit older. The Raccoon Kits should work best for the older Kids as the traps are a bit harder to set and the fur-handling is a bit more difficult.

The three demos by experienced trappers show newcomers how to use their kits, how to find and catch animals, and how to become successful & ethical trappers and future conservationists. And even the old, experienced trappers can learn a few things by watching the demos and talking to other trappers.

For more information visit www.uptrappers.com or call Mike Lewis at (906) 774-3592