General Membership Meeting Minutes - 10/4/2025
The meeting was called to order at 3:04 with officers Ryan Ruhl, Andy Day,
and Mike O’Brien present along with members and guests: Nick Bohms,
Doug Stellhorn, Todd Broge, Marty Hatfield, George Frashier, Dave
Scifries, Bobby Collins, Frank Shofner, Louie Krumwiede, Jon Behrens,
Jordan McGinnis, Josh Wilham, Jimmi L. Miles, Neal Graves, Brayden
Trainer, Jacob Hummel, Brian Polson, Steve Best, Jim Scales, Bryan
Wahls, Mark Hebert, Kristy Hebert, Robert Elmore, Carl Wilki, Kent Weil,
Wes Anderson, John Fink, Emma Hatfield.
SECRETARY REPORT
O’Brien presented the minutes from the 2024 General Membership
Meeting. Motion was made (Collins) “Accept Secretary report”. Second
(Bohms). Passed unanimously.
TREASURER REPORT
$26,052.86 beginning balance from last year, $26,972.78 this year. There
is $12,877 in the legal defence fund. Membership sets at 474. Motion was
made (Frashier) “Accept Treasurer report”. Second (Weil). Passed
unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Per the membership’s wishes, a lifetime membership has been created.
Lifetime members receive a plaque, rigid membership card, window decal,
and a patch. 40 Lifetime memberships have been sold at this time. We are
going to brainstorm ways to keep sustaining membership dollars flowing.
Per the membership’s direction, a membership without subscription has
been established. Approximately 30-40 have been sold.
The new website is almost ready to launch, and should be very phone
friendly.
REPORTS
NTA- Weil gave a recap of the ‘25 convention and shared that the ‘26
convention will be July 23-25 in Richmond, Indiana. The NTA has a new
president, Rusty Kramer, we wish him all the best.
FTA- Scifres recapped the very successful ‘25 annual convention. There
will be a meeting of 17-I on 10/12 in Marengo. The 2026 convention will be
in Missouri.
IFOR- Weil presented a handout that highlighted the efforts of IFOR over
the last year, many of which go hand in hand with the priorities of the ITA.
NEW BUSINESS
A motion was made (Stellhorn) “Approve Jordan McGinnis to a 2yr term
as vice president”. Second (Anderson). Passed unanimously.
A special thank you was extended to Cody Champ for his service to this
organization.
A motion was made (Weil) “Approve Andy Day to a 2yr term as treasurer”.
Second (Stellhorn). Passed unanimously.
A motion was made (Collins) “Approve Neal Graves, Mark Hebert, Nick
Bohms, and Marty Hatfield to the Board of Directors for a term set to expire
in 2028”. Second (Fink). Passed unanimously.
Todd Broge was introduced to the membership as a Director appointed by
the Board to a term set to expire in 2026.
Initial impressions of the Logan County fairgrounds were very positive.
Motion to adjourn (Day). Second (Graves). Passed unanimously.
ITA Board Meeting - 8/23/25 MINUTES
The in-person Board meeting was called to order at 9:27am with the following
officers/Board members and guests present: Ryan Ruhl, Mike O’Brien, Andy
Day, Joe McCall, John Fink, Mike Vose, Jordan McGinnis, Mark Hebert, Todd
Broge, Marty Hatfield, Dave Scifres, Bobby Collins, Neal Graves, and Jimmie
Miles. Ed Willenborg arrived at 9:38.
SECRETARY REPORT:
O’Brien presented the previously emailed minutes from the 5/10/25 meeting.
Motion was made (Graves) “Accept the secretary report”. Second (Day).
Passed unanimously.
TREASURER REPORT:
Previously emailed treasurer report was reviewed. Net decrease in funds of
$2,288.41 from 5/10/25 to 8/23/25. This is primarily due to purchases leading up
to the convention. Total balance of $31,995.36. Our current membership stands
at 463. Motion was made (Graves) “Accept treasurer report”. Second (Vose).
Passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
The new website is almost done. Beginning to transfer data to the new site,
hopefully up and running very soon.
Scifres presented information and examples concerning the lifetime membership
SWAG. A majority of the Board agreed to issue a brass membership card along
with a 10” plaque (#283) in the shape of Illinois with a white cover to all lifetime
members. Trophy Pro Shop will continue to provide the quality services that we
have come to expect. They will also take care of mailing these to each
individual.
Fink displayed this year’s new hats. It was agreed to reduce prices on some
existing merchandise to move it.
Graves has been holding ITA property in a storage shed for quite some time. He
will be ready to clean the shed out by 9/15. We are to have all ITA property
removed from the shed by 10/1/25.
REPORTS:
NTA- The 2026 national convention will be July 23-25 in Richmond, Indiana. The
Indiana Trappers Association could use any manpower available while hosting
the event.
The NTA has a new president. John Daniel was term limited out. Rusty Kramer
from Idaho had been the General Organizer, and he will now take over the big
chair. We wish Rusty all the best.
FTA- The national convention in Iowa was very well attended. The 2026
convention will be August 7th & 8th in Macon, MO. East central FTA meeting will
be 8/24/25 in Buckley. Chapter 17 I fall meeting will be 10/12/25. The Illinois
Wildlife Control Operator Assoc fall meeting will be Saturday of the ITA
convention.
IFOR- The bill supported by the ITA to allow the DNR to close the grey fox
season has been signed into law. Efforts to end furbearer contests were
defeated.The annual IFOR membership drive will be at the St Peters Sportsmans
Club near Vandalia on Sept 13th.
ELECTION- O’Brien received self nominations from Mark Hebert, Neal Graves,
Nick Bohms, and Marty Hatfield for a Board of Director position, from Andy Day
for treasurer, and Jordan McGinnis for the position of VP. Per the
constitution/policy & procedures, as there are equal or less candidates to
positions open, there is no need for an election. The existing Board has the
responsibility to elect/appoint the candidates to their respective positions.
Motion (Vose) “ Elect Hebert, Graves, Bohms, and Hatfield to the Board of
Directors for a 3 year term”. Second (Day). Passed unanimously. Motion
(Graves) “Elect Andy Day as treasurer for a 2 year term”. Second (Collins).
Passed unanimously. Motion (Day) “Elect Jordan McGinnis vice president for a 2
year term”. Second (Graves). Passed unanimously. Motion (Scifres) “Appoint
Todd Broge to the Board with a term that expires 10/26”. Second (Graves).
Passed unanimously.
RULES- Nothing to Report
AWARDS- A handout was presented outlining the various awards given by the
ITA. If anyone has any nominations or questions, reach out to Dave Scifres.
CONVENTION- A lot of excitement as the convention draws near. Food and
meals are settled, vendors are filling up quickly, and the demo list is almost
complete. The convention rate for the hotel will be ending soon. Set up will
begin the morning of 10/2. All volunteers are welcome!SOCIAL MEDIA- There has been some good discussion on the facebook page
and it continues to be a good vehicle to communicate with members.
OUTREACH & EDUCATION- Graves is doing some education at Jim Edgar as
the opportunity presents. Would consider a kids camp.
CONSTITUTION- Proposed changes to the constitution to remove convention
responsibilities from the VP and to require adult membership to vote were tabled.
Motion (Collins). Second (Kelley). Passed unanimously.
GRANT WRITING- We are still working on securing grants from the furbearer
grant that would allow for kids camps around the state if manpower allows.
LEGISLATIVE- Covered in the IFOR report above.
NEW BUSINESS- The new lifetime memberships will be on sale throughout the
convention. The #1 lifetime membership will be auctioned Friday night at the
dinner/auction. We may also auction a “pick your number” membership.
BOARD ROUNDTABLE- The subject of ordering window stickers/decals was
brought up. It was agreed to order them and include them with a membership.
Other issues were identified with various DNR policies including, but not limited
to; incidental catches vs. wanton waste, cable restraints, right-of-way trapping,
and removal of trapping license information prior to the end of otter reporting
season.
ADJOURN- Motion (Day). Second (Graves). Passed unanimously. 11:47am.
ITA Board Meeting - 5/10/25
The in-person Board meeting was called to order at 9:30 with the following
officers/board members and guests present: Ryan Ruhl, Mike O’Brien, Joe
McCall, Dave Scifres, John Fink, Tim Kelley, Kent Weil, Jordan McGinnis,
Mark Hebert, Neal Graves, Jim Lierle, and Jimmie Miles.
SECRETARY REPORT:
O’Brien presented the previously emailed minutes from the 1/23/25
meeting. Motion was made (Weil) “Accept the secretary report”. Second
(Graves). Passed unanimously.
TREASURER REPORT:
Previously emailed treasurer report was reviewed. Net decrease in funds
of $2,595.55 from 1/23/25 to 5/10/25. With a total balance of $34,283.77.
Our current active membership is 434.
Meeting paused 9:38-9:45.
Bob Collins arrived 9:45.
Motion was made (Weil) “Accept treasurer report”. Second (Fink). Passed
unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
The 2025 fur sale ended with a positive balance of $548.82. There were 24
lots of fur, with some new faces in the crowd. A “thank you” was given to
everyone who was there to help out. A lengthy discussion was held to try
to determine how to get more people involved. Changing locations is made
more difficult due to a lack of help. It was decided a poll will be placed on
Facebook at a time when there’s a lot of activity to get feedback from the
membership. The rules will be rewritten to include some carcass animals
of particular value to the taxidermy trade. We may also include a demo at
the convention as to how the entire auction day goes, and a banner
informing members of the prices paid. After discussion, a motion was
made (Graves) “Return to Krile auction house in Strasburg for the 2026 fur
auction” Second (Hebert) motion passed 6-4, with 1 abstaining.
Motion was made (Weil) “ Use the Effingham Co Fairgrounds in Altamont
for the 2026 Annual Convention on October 2nd&3rd for a cost of $1300
plus $500 clean up deposit” Second (Fink). Passed unanimously.
Motion was made (Scifries) “Use the same raffles as last year with the
previously approved gun list”. Second (Weil). Passed unanimously.
O’Brien has located and emailed all of the Policy and Procedures that have
been approved to this point.
REPORTS:
NTA- The 2025 national convention will be in Harrisonberg, Virginia. 2026
is set for Richmond, Indiana. The Chicago fur ban was defeated with the
help from the Black Caucus. NTA continues to fight for trappers across the
nation.
FTA- FTA chapter meetings will be held 8/24 in Buckly and 10/12 in Union.
The national convention will be 7/25-27 in Spencer, IA. FTA college is
9/7-13 in Wolcottville, IN.
IFOR- The ITA and IFOR continue to be in lock step with various bills. The
grey fox bill is front and center as we try to help protect the remaining
population. IFOR is starting a PAC Fund and, at this time, we can receive
matching funds to any donation that we make. A motion was made (Kelley)
“Donate an amount equal to ½ of our annual IFOR dues to the IFOR PAC
Fund”. Second (McCall). Motion passed unanimously.
ELECTION- Anyone wishing to run for an office or director position shall
self nominate to the secretary before July 1 per the constitution. O’Brien
will send reminders to anyone up for reelection.
RULES- Nothing to Report
AWARDS- Scifres presented a handout detailing the 6 awards that may be
handed out annually, and emailed the list of known hall of fame recipients.
CONVENTION- We have secured a block of hotel rooms for the convention
and should be posting details on Facebook soon. There was discussion
considering giving the convention committee a budget to operate under.
SOCIAL MEDIA- Kelley requests pictures of any community outreach done
by the ITA so they can be posted on the website. The new website should
be done before the convention.
OUTREACH&EDUCATION- The more places we can set up a table and be
visible to the community, the more members we can get, and the better it is
for our organization. Currently we are looking at 5/30&6/1 in Godfrey, and
6/7 at Pere Marquette State Park. Any member who is available to help
out, is encouraged to do so. We were made aware of various DNR
workshops that we are encouraged to attend as well. Thanks to all those
who helped out at the IL Taxidermist Show in Springfield where we were
well received. Motion was made (Graves) “Attend the 2026 IL Taxidermist
show, and present the same 2 awards as we did this year”. Second
(Scifries). Motion passed unanimously.
CONSTITUTION- Nothing to report
GRANT WRITING- We now have full access to our grant writing materials.
We are confirming our tax exempt status.
LEGISLATIVE- More discussion on the grey fox bill.
Kelley left at 11:20
NEW BUSINESS:
After discussion, the membership already has the ability to buy additional
years of membership if they desire. There’s no need for a 3 yr option.
After a robust discussion, a motion was made (Fink) “At this time, a
Lifetime Membership without subscription shall be $300. Lifetime members
shall receive a plaque and rigid membership card”. Second (McGinnis).
Motion passed unanimously.
It was agreed that the excess funds from lifetime memberships should be
placed in a separate account. At the 10/26 organizational meeting we may
establish a financial committee to oversee this.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be at the Ballard Nature Center
5253 East US HWY 40 in Altamont, IL on August 23rd at 9:30AM.
BOARD ROUNDTABLE- Options for outreach include duck drawings and
the redneck fishing tournament.
Fink to price 144 embroidered hats.
Hot Frog Designs to possibly provide an online event to sell our
merchandise.
Motion to Adjourn (Graves). Second (Weil). Passed unanimously.
ITA Board Meeting 1/23/25
The ZOOM meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM with the following officers/ board members and guests attending:Ryan Ruhl, Andy Day, Mike O’Brien, Bob Collins, John Fink, Tim Kelley, Kent Weil, Dean Corgait, Jordan McGinnis, Dave Scifres, Mike Vose, Mark Hebert, and Lisa Demeule.
SECRETARY REPORT:
O’Brien presented the previously emailed minutes from the 10/24/24 meeting. Motion was made (Day) “Accept the secretary report”. Second (Weil). Passed unanimously.
TREASURER REPORT:
Day presented the previously emailed treasurer report. Net decrease in funds of $2,092.89 from 10/24/24 to 1/23/25. With a total balance of $36,879.32. Our current active membership is 496. Motion was made (O’Brien) “Accept treasurer report”. Second (Vose). Passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
We received a quote from WEST Bend for liability and property insurance for $2,651, plus an additional $333 for cyber protection per year. Motion was made (Scfries) “move ahead with purchasing insurance from West Bend for 1 year with cyber protection”. Second (Weil). Passed unanimously.
We now have a membership without a magazine subscription for $20/yr.
Lisa Demeule was on the call and will start working on the website. She brings a lot to the table, and we are lucky and grateful to have her!
We will have a 3 gun package for the convention raffle. A CVA Scout Takedown 350 Legend, a Ruger 10/22, and a Stoger 12 Ga, 3” semi-auto. A motion was made (Scfries) “Buy the aforementioned guns for the raffle from Presley’s”. Second (Hebert). Passed unanimously.
O’Brien has only been able to locate 2 of the supposedly 6 Policy and Procedures that have been ratified over the years. The search continues.
REPORTS:
FTA- The ITA fur sale announcement is in the Fur Taker magazine. The National convention is 7/25-27 in Spencer IA.East Central Il spring meeting is 3/30 in Chatsworth.
NTA-The NTA is working to share information quicker amongst all parties. Also waiting to see how the new administration works in regards to delisting the wolf, among other outdoor activities. National convention is 7/17-19 in Harrisonburg, VA.
IFOR-Currently watching bills on coyote contests, as well the proposed national park along the Mississippi River.
ELECTION- Nothing to report
RULES- Nothing to Report
AWARDS- Need the year in which various people were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Any names to be considered for awards needs to be given to the committee by 9/1.
CONVENTION-Contract has been sent to Lincoln for this year. McGinnis has checked into the Effingham county fairgrounds as a possible location for ‘26.
SOCIAL MEDIA-If anyone observes questionable content please contact Ryan or Andy ASAP to have it addressed.
OUTREACH & EDUCATION- Gardner kids camp will be 3/7-9. Mike is in need of a dozen 110’s and 30 NTA handbooks. The committee met with CPO trainers to give input toward the CPO training on trapping. There will be a CPO training program 3/10-14 at Crab Orchard. Becoming an Outdoors Woman is hosting a trapping camp at Siloam Springs 3/28-30. Lisa already has 22 signed up!
CONSTITUTION- Nothing to Report
GRANT WRITING- Committee is working on an opportunity to do 4 events like the Gardner kids camp.
LEGISLATIVE-Nothing to Report
NEW BUSINESS
Fur sale is set for 2/15 at Krile in Strasburg.
The next meeting is set for 5/10 at the Lincoln Rural Fire Department in Lincoln at 9:30.
BOARD ROUNDTABLE
The IL Taxidermists Association will have their annual convention 3/13-16 at the Northfield Inn & Suites. ITA will be offering 2 awards.
The ITA will be donating $100 to the FTA for their annual sweepstakes.
Motion to Adjourn (Day). Second (O’Brien). Passed unanimously.
ITA Board Meeting - 10/24/2024
The ZOOM meeting was called to order at 6:01 with the following officers/ board
members present: Ryan Ruhl, Andy Day, Mike O’Brien, John Fink, Mark Hebert, Joe
McCall, Mike Vose, and Kent Weil.
SECRETARY REPORT:
O’Brien presented the previously emailed minutes from the 8/24 meeting. Motion was
made (Weil) “Accept the secretary report”. Second (Day), passed unanimously.
TREASURER REPORT:
Day presented the previously emailed treasurer report. Net profit of $8,877.31 from
8/24-10/24/24. With a total balance of $38,971.44. Our current active membership is
493. Motion was made (Vose) “Accept treasurer report”. Second (O’Brien) passed
unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
The 2024 convention was discussed as overwhelmingly positive. A financial breakdown
was emailed prior to the meeting. Total expenses were $4,411.48, total income
$13,319.00 before raffles. Raffle profit was $3,065.06. Vendors reported good sales
and food vendors were happy. Special thanks goes out to all the members, directors,
and officers that helped make this convention a success.
We are waiting for a check for partial reimbursement of CPO Blakely’s tuition.
Ryan will send the signed contract with deposit for the 2025 convention to the Logan
County fairgrounds in the next few days.
REPORTS:
FTA:
National convention will be July 25 & 26, 2025 in Spencer, IA.
NTA:
Kent will be taking part in a ZOOM meeting with the NTA regional director in the near
future.
IFOR:
IFOR is very involved in a possible change of status for the Shawnee National Forest
and a possible “park” covering portions of the Mississippi River.
NEW BUSINESS:
The following standing committee assignments were made:
Please note that Ryan Ruhl - President is a member of each committee per by-laws.
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:
RULES - Kent Weil (CM), Dave Scifres
CONST. - Kent Weil (CM), Tim Kelley, Dean Corgiat
LEGISLATIVE - Dave Scifres (CM) Kent Weil, Tim Sickmeyer
ELECTION - Mike O'Brien (CM), Bob Collins, Neal Graves
CONVENTION - Cody Champ (CM) Mike O'Brien, John Fink, Jordan McGinnis, Kent Weil
The following Committees were established for the '24-'25 year:
SOCIAL MEDIA - Andy Day (CM), Tim Kelley, Dean Corgiat
OUTREACH & EDUCATION - Mike Vose (CM), John Fink, Doug Stellhorn, Marty Hatfield, Jim Lierle
GRANT WRITING - Mike Vose (CM), Dean Corgiat, Mike O'Brien, Kent Weil
AWARDS - Dave Scifres (CM), Mark Hebert, Joe McCall
Meeting dates were agreed upon:
Thursday, January 23rd, 6pm, Zoom meeting
Saturday, May 10th, in person meeting, time and place TBD, hopefully somewhere
around Logan Co fairgrounds.
Saturday, August 23rd, in person meeting, time and place TBD, hopefully somewhere
around Altamont.
Thursday, October 23rd, 6pm, Zoom meeting
FUR SALE:
The fur sale will be Saturday, February 15th at the Krile Auction House in Strasburg, IL.
Doors open at 7, auction begins at 9.
After discussion, it was agreed that we need to move to a blanket liability and property
insurance plan. Motion was made (O’Brien) “Ryan Ruhl to provide the board with a
liability and property insurance quote by the end of the calendar year via email”.
Second (Weil) passed unanimously.
Some action items asked of various committees:
RULES & CONSTITUTION—Lifetime membership ready for Board approval prior to the
2025 convention. Membership without subscription ready for board approval ASAP
(maybe by 1/23/25 meeting?)
SOCIAL MEDIA—-Appoint someone to take over the website. Provide the Board with
contact information to have news shared with the membership in a timely manner.
GROUP EFFORT—-Andy to get prices for 2025 gun raffle, share with the board at the
1/23/25 meeting, and, upon approval, print tickets early for presale opportunities.
ALL MEMBERS are encouraged to bring any outreach possibilities to the proper
committee for consideration.
SECRETARY—-needs to go through the archives and put together all of the “Policy &
Procedures” that have been approved by the board, and email them to the current
board.
GRANT WRITING—-Mike Vose, Dean Corgiat, and Lisa Demeule are meeting 11/8 to
work on grant writing basics.
2025 convention will be October 2nd & 3rd at the Logan county fairgrounds, discussion
was held about a gate admission charge.
John Fink can get the same hats sold at the ‘24 convention for $15 if we get 144. Kent
Weil to get a price also.
Board roundtable was held - nothing to report.
Motion to “Adjourn” (O’Brien), Second (Hebert), passed unanimously
ITA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - 9/24/2024
The meeting was called to order at 3:03 with Officers Cody Champ, Andy
Day, and Ryan Ruhl present. Members present were: Mike O’Brien, Greg
Anderson, Louie Krumwiede, Brad Short, Kent Weil, Bobby Collins, Mark
Hebert, Christy Hebert, Geoffrey Crabtree, Landyn Crabtree, Jim Lierle,
John Fink, Dave Scifres, Tim Kelley, Robert Elmore, Stephen Brown, Joe
McCall, Ryan Dodd, Sean Morgan, and Neal Graves. The pledge was
followed by a prayer from Bobby Collins.
SECRETARY REPORT:
Motion was made (Collins) to “Bypass secretary report” Second (Weil).
Passed unanimously.
TREASURER REPORT:
$26,094.06 beginning balance from last year, $26,052.86 currently. There
is $12,632 in the Legislative Defund. Membership sits at 424. Motion
(Champ) to “Accept treasurer report”, Second (Weil). Passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
None
FTA:
Scfries: There will be a meeting 10/13 in Marengo, IL. CPO Blakely
enjoyed the trappers college, was very successful, and thanks ITA for the
donation.
IFOR:
Bob Elmore: Potential National Park along the southern Mississippi River
border between Illinois and Missouri. Potential change of classification from
Shawnee National Forest to Shawnee National Park. IFOR will be
monitoring any possible reductions to sporting access.
NTA:
Weil: National convention was in Sioux Falls, SD in ‘24, moving to
Harrisonburg, VA for ‘25, and Indiana in ‘26. NTA is at the forefront of
fighting anti trapping legislation throughout the US. They have agreed at
the national level to work in conjunction with the NWTF, DU, and various
other outdoor organizations.
NEW BUSINESS:
Officers installed as follows: Ryan Ruhl for a second, 2 year term as
President, Neil Graves and Mark Hebert as Directors with a term that
expires in 2025. Bobby Collins, Joe McCall, Tim Kelley, Kent Weil, and
John Fink as Directors to a full 3 year term. Motion made (Scrifres) to the
above. Second (Lierle). Passed unanimously.
Mike O’Brien to a first, 2 year term as Secretary. Motion made (Champ).
Second (Weil). Passed unanimously.
After discussion about a lifetime membership, a consensus was found.
Motion (Elmore) “The Board shall move forward with a lifetime membership
WITHOUT subscription by the 2025 convention”. Second (M. Hebert).
Amended (Kelley) “Board to determine price and any additional gratuites to
lifetime members”. Second (Weil) Amended motion passed unanimously.
After discussion about a membership without a subscription to facilitate
memberships within a household a consensus was found. Motion (Kelley)
“Establish a membership without subscription for $20 per year”. Second
(Graves). Passed unanimously.
2025 CONVENTION:
The Macon County fairgrounds have served us well, and we appreciate
their support. Looking into 2025, Macon County (including table rental)
would be $3500 for 9/25&26. Logan County fairgrounds will be $1600 with
tables for 10/3&4. As these dates do not conflict with youth deer season in
2025, a motion was made (Champ) “Use the Logan County Fairgrounds for
the 2025 convention October 3rd&4th”. Second (Collins). Passed
unanimously.
The organizational board meeting to establish committees, schedule
meetings for the next year, and clean up any unfinished business from the
convention has been moved to October 24th at 6PM via Zoom. All
members are always encouraged to attend these meetings. Dates and
times are available on the website, you may reach out to Andy for an
invitation.
We have an offer for someone to take over posting things to the website,
everyone was supportive, but no official motion was made.
Motion to adjourn (Day) Second (Champ). Passed unanimously.
ITA Board Meeting - 8/24/2024
Illinois Audubon Society, Springfield, IL
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 with the following officers/board
members present: Ryan Ruhl, Andy Day, Kent Weil, Tim Kelley, Dean
Corgiat, Joe McCall, Mike Vose, Dave Scifres, Mike O’Brien. Members
present: Jim Lierle, Neal Graves, Bobby Collins, Mark Hebert, John Fink.
SECRETARY REPORT:
As no secretary was present at the last meeting, motion was made (Day)
“Skip the secretary report”. Second (Weil) passed unanimously.
TREASURER REPORT:
Treasurer report was passed out in a hard copy. Net profit of $4,011.09
from 3/14-8/24/24. With a total balance of $28,537.19. Motion was made
(Corgiat) “accept treasurer report”. Second (Weil) passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussed the new trailer purchased with monies from the Furbearer Fund
Grant.
Decided, at this time, we could utilize the old trailer for various events.
Need to clean out the storage shed in East Peoria.
REPORTS:
NTA by Kent Weil
This year’s convention was in Sioux Falls, SD. ITA had our tables there
and was well represented. NTA continues to work on legislation throughout
the nation. Upcoming conventions are set for Arkansas, Nevada, Virginia,
and Indiana.
IFOR by Kent Weil
Annual banquet was May 4th in Godfrey. ITA bought a table, but wasn’t
able to fill it. IFOR is a conglomeration of various outdoor
clubs/associations that work together to help educate legislators as to the
benefits of all outdoor activities.
FTA by Dave Scifres
FTA Chapter 17 meeting 8/25 in Chatsworth. 17-I 10/13 in Marengo. 2025
Convention will be 7/24-26 in Spencer, IA. Nationally, FTA is struggling for
members, and everyone is encouraged to attend the national convention.
Break from 10:05-10:14
CONVENTION:
Convention will be 9/27&28 at the Macon Co Fairgrounds in Decatur.
There will be a meal and auction Friday night, with proceeds going to help
fund our lobbyist. The general meeting will be at 3:00 Saturday. The
trapper education course will be Saturday in the 4-H building at 8AM.
Want to have next year’s convention locked in before the start of this one.
Considering Effingham, Ogle and Logan County fairgrounds for future
conventions.
AWARDS:
We need any and all information we can get of past winners of any awards.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Motion was made (Scifres) to “Appoint Neal Graves and Mark Hebert to the
Board of Directors with a term that will expire in 2025”. Second (Day)
passed unanimously.
5 people self nominated for a 3 year term on The Board that will begin
after the general meeting 9/28/24: Bob Collins, Joe McCall, Tim Kelley,
John Fink, and Kent Weil. With 5 openings, there is no need for a ballot at
the convention.
NEW BUSINESS:
There is money available from the furbearer grant that we need to
capitalize on. Mike Vose is going to spearhead grant writing.
The annual CPO class is 9/23-26 in Utica. They are looking for help,
contact Dave Scifres for details.
James Blakely is an older CPO that would like to attend the Trappers
College to further his knowledge of trapping. He has pledged to continue to
share this knowledge after retirement. There was a motion (Scifres) to “pay
for half of James Blakely tuition to the trapper’s college”. Second (Vose).
The motion was amended (Weil) to “pay up to $925 for tuition” Second
(Kelley) amended motion passed 9-1.
Various ideas for hats were shared by Fink.
Consider “collector” shirts with date and location of the convention on them.
Motion to adjourn (Graves) Second (O’Brien) passed unanimously.
Meeting Adjourned 12:31 PM
