Trapping is deeply important to me and has been a cornerstone of my lifelong commitment to wildlife, its habitat, and everything related to it. Over the past 9 years of trapping, I have learned that through ongoing engagement, I can help support trapping and trappers by emphasizing the importance of our heritage and the fur industry.

I am grateful for the mentorship I’ve received within the trapping community, and I aim to give back by representing trappers and setting a positive example both regionally and provincially.

A born-and-raised resident of Region 4 in the Kootenays, I have spent much of my life hunting, fishing, and learning the significance of wildlife, which has shaped my core values. I am involved in many organizations and currently volunteer in multiple director positions to promote ethical values related to trapping and hunting. I am an avid trapper, trapping on two registered traplines, and I am also a licensed Guide Outfitter and Houndsman.  I believe this gives me a unique perspective and places me in a strong position to collaborate with other user groups who share many of our values.

I recognize the importance of day-to-day operations within a trapper’s association and believe that my personal integrity, along with my ability to communicate clearly and concisely, would be an asset. This is especially important when engaging with the government, and I am confident in my ability to meet this challenge. My connections with ministry staff and First Nations will further support these efforts.  I look forward to expanding and strengthening these relationships across the province, further connecting trappers from all regions of British Columbia.

If entrusted with your vote, I will work closely with the board to build confidence among the membership, bringing trappers from across British Columbia together. Our collective success at the provincial level will reflect this. I do not take this responsibility lightly and am committed to representing all BCTA members and trappers in British Columbia.

Thank you for your support  

My name is Gerd Erasmus, and I am running for the position of director at large.  Most of the trapper members likely know me.  I have been a member and a director for considerable years.
I started trapping when I was 12, and am still at it 65 years later.  Protecting habitat, and advocating for habitat is my passion.  To that end, I have delivered annual presentations to UNBC Forestry Field School for forestry and biology students. Have delivered numerous trapper presentations to school classes at every opportunity, presented on bones and track identification at UNBC, and I attend every public meeting possible with a message about the harm done by pine plantations and glyphosate.  Many of my animal carcasses are donated to the local high school for students to dissect which gives them an experience that few students get today.  From the LRMP meetings many years ago, through PAG meetings and now Rio Tinto’s Water Engagement Initiative, I have been a public voice for trappers, speaking on behalf of habitat protection.

I would like to see us make it easier for more young people to join our profession, and for more unused traplines to be made available for new trappers to get started.  I believe that the BCTA should be instrumental in helping make that happen.

I am a passionate trapper, hunter, and angler with a strong commitment to conservation and community service.  I am well-known in the conservation community for my advocacy and outreach, and I am dedicated to fostering a deeper respect for nature while ensuring these outdoor traditions are preserved for future generations.

I currently serve as a verifier and trapper for the Cattlemen’s Association Livestock Mitigation Program, where I have been very successful in eliminating problem animals for ranchers, protecting both wildlife and agricultural interests.

As a multi-time published writer, I focus on firearms advocacy, conservation, and the preservation of our outdoor spaces. My work also touches on human interest stories and youth recruitment, aiming to inspire the next generation to engage with nature and take an active role in conservation efforts.

 In addition, I am a television host on WildTV, where I use my platform to promote sustainable wildlife management and responsible practices in trapping, hunting, and habitat preservation.  I am no stranger to working with government and have consistently used my voice and experience at the table to further our cause.   Whether advocating for better policies, engaging in meaningful discussions, or working toward tangible solutions, I’ve proven myself a dedicated advocate for conservation and outdoor traditions.  

I’ve also led community initiatives that directly impact our environment. I revitalized the Spruce City Wildlife Association, where I played a key role in reopening the largest volunteer-run fish hatchery north of Kamloops, and helped attract nearly $1 million in grants and donations.    Through programs I created to engage our community, like Family Fish Releases and Backcountry Clean-ups, I’ve engaged thousands of citizens, helping to revitalize local lakes and create a lasting sense of community. The Backcountry Clean-ups alone have removed over 120,000 kilograms of garbage from trails, parks, and waterways, significantly reducing illegal dumping and earning me special recognition from the Conservation Officer Service.  My dedication has been recognized with a National Fountain Tire Three Star Award for Volunteerism, a 2023 Prince George Citizen of the Year – Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Medal of Good Citizenship from the Province of British Columbia. 

As a Director-at-Large, I would use my experience to expand and improve the social licence of trapping, ensuring its role in conservation while protecting our heritage. I am also committed to working alongside stake and title holders, landholders, and government representatives, holding the government’s feet to the fire and collaborating for the betterment of our wild spaces and the wildlife we share them with.  I will leverage my experience and outreach capabilities to collaborate with the Communications Committee, aiming to enhance the social license of the BCTA, expand our reach, and strategically leverage these efforts for fundraising opportunities and other initiatives.

:   I began trapping in region 2, where I was on the board of the local club for several years. I also became experienced in urban and rural nuisance wildlife trapping. I now call region 5 home and presently hold the position of president of the South Cariboo local. I teach BCTA trapping courses on Vancouver Island and I am currently training an instructor mentee. I sit on the Wildlife Advisory Committee and work closely with local trappers and the Ministry dealing with local issues. I am co-owner of one of the larger lines near Lac La Hache and since moving to the Cariboo, I have helped organize a very successful convention and last years 108 Heritage site camp out. I have kept in contact with many trappers province wide.

Hello fellow trappers my name is Kevin Klein. First I would like to say I’m very honoured to be nominated for director at large and very proud to be a life time member of the BCTA.     

Many people in the BCTA know me as the vice president of the Alberta trappers association and that I have been on the ATA board of directors for 14 years.

This has given me a vast knowledge of the trapping industry, board experience, government, trapper education, and listening to the needs of trappers in all ways.  It has also fueled my passion to support the fur industry and the business of the trappers way of life.                                       

Three years ago after a BCTA convention a trapper couple offered my family a trapline. At first being a northern Alberta trapper I was unsure if it would fit into our trapping operation, however my daughter who is a true, passionate and skilled trapper always wanted a mountain trapline so we purchase it. After the first year of trapping our family fell in love with the BC trapping operation, the trapping culture and the BC trapper community.             

My family and I own and operate a bulk fuel distribution company in three northern Alberta communities. We serve a larger part of the peace country farmers, oilfield, forest and other industries. We also have a cow calf cattle ranch along with a grain farm division. With this experience I have a lot of knowledge and experience in business plans, strategy planning, deal with industry.           

In the last two years I have started joint ATA and BCTA zoom meeting to work on joint ventures projects with both associations. I have spent a lot of time talking with BCTA board members and trappers to help me understand the BCTA trappers association. I feel I would be a great asset to the BCTA to help carry on the success of this great organization.