Catt. Co. Trappers’ Association to hold event starting Friday
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LITTLE VALLEY – The Cattaraugus County Trappers' Association will hold its annual Sportsmen's Rendezvous from Friday, Aug. 14, through Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds on Route 353 in Little Valley.
The Sportsmen's Rendezvous has been organized and hosted by the association for more than 40 years, and has become one of the largest locally run sportsmen's conventions in the eastern United States with 70 vendors specializing in trapping, hunting, fishing, outdoor themed arts, crafts, and other related products typically attending.
The show is well attended by more than 1,500 people. The cost for attendance is $5 per person per day. Camping is also available.
Many vendors, as well as other outdoor experts, take the time to give presentations and demonstrations on trapping, hunting and other outdoor activities. They also donate goods which are sold at an auction on Saturday to help support the association. State trapper training certification will be offered on Saturday at the rendezvous for those interested in obtaining a state trapping license. Preregistration for the trapper training program is required through the state DEC website. The state Big Buck Club will also be on hand to measure the antlers of trophy bucks.
The Sportsmen's Rendezvous is the primary fundraising activity for the Cattaraugus County Trappers' Association each year. Other activities include an annual fur auction, which will tentatively be held on March 13, 2027, and attendance at other outdoor shows and county fairs each year to promote the organization and the sport of trapping. Money raised is used primarily to support public information and education activities. Programs include sponsoring youth to attend DEC Conservation Camp and the Pat Arnold Youth Trappers' Camp at Camp Rushford; supporting programs including the Cattaraugus County and state Envirothon; 4-H programs in Cattaraugus County and other surrounding counties.
The CCTA also funds a scholarship for students looking to enroll in college to study a natural resource conservation discipline such as fish and wildlife management, ecology, environmental science, etc. Many members share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for trapping with those interested in learning about the sport.
For more information on the Cattaraugus County Sportsmens' Rendezvous, contact Brian Davis, CCTA treasurer, at 716-945-4223 or email briandavis47@hotmail.com.