Pelts, furs and many other items were for sale by venders during Coyote Days.

Courtesy Photo

Posted Wednesday, August 28, 2024 12:00 am

https://luskherald.com/stories/coyote-days-draws-top-trappers-from-multiple-states,56411

Phillip Collins

NIOBRARA COUNTY – While the scorching summer temperatures would have qualified Saturday, August 17 as a dog day afternoon, it was actually just one installment in a pair of Coyote Days. Conceived and organized by John Gra- ham, this two-day event is dedicated to the art of animal trapping. Top trappers from around the country come to the Niobrara County Fairgrounds to demonstrate outdoor disciplines like trapping, snaring, fur handling, calling, and predator control.

2024 marks the sixth year in the exis- tence of Coyote Days. This year’s event drew roughly 250 people. Coyote Days is the biggest of all of the trapping events in the west.

“It’s very well-received,” said Graham. “People come a long way to see it.”

According to Graham, the event was formed to inform and entertain trapping enthusiasts of all ages.

“I just thought there be a place that people could come and learn how to deal with coyotes and trap coyotes and see the products that are made from them,” Graham said. “Also, I felt there needed to be a place where people could get con- trol information for people who wanted to look a little deeper into this. It’s where people can find some of the broad, gener- al knowledge that’s commonly found out there. We just took it up a few notches. Real professional people come from all over to give a one-hour talk.”

This year’s Coyote Days welcomed top trappers from Arizona, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Montana, Oregon, and, of course, Wyoming. There was a total of 20 demos held between the two days of the event. There was also a roundtable discussion held on Friday.

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“We have real qualified people to come and talk,” Graham said. “People always come to watch and learn. It’s all about learning.”

In addition to valuable information, at- tendees also enjoyed camaraderie with fellow trapping enthusiasts from other states.

“They build a lot of friendships,” said Graham. “You meet people, and some are on their sixth year and they’re fam- ily now. They stay close contact.”

While minds were filled with informa- tion and hearts were filled with friend- ship, bellies were filled by food. Conces- sions were handled by Graham’s wife, Nicole. A banquet capped off the festivi- ties on Saturday night. Attendees en- joyed 160 New York steaks courtesy of Decker’s.

According to Graham, the impact of Coyote Days on the local economy is “substantial.” Attendees patronize local eateries, campgrounds, and motels. Graham stated that, one year, all of Lusk’s lodging was filled by attendees.

Feedback concerning Coyote Days has been largely favorable, as is evidenced by a perusal of comments posted at http://www.trapperman.com.

One poster named TravC wrote, “Me my wife and son just got home from John Graham’s Coyote Days. To say we enjoyed ourselves is an understatement. That was the finest event I have ever at- tended in my entire career. From the demos to the banquet, we had a memo- rable time. A lot of time, money, and thought went into this event and it was a well-oiled machine. The people we met were very kind, humble and good. You don’t see this at many conventions any- more, in my opinion. Thank you to the Grahams and all behind-the-scenes in putting this on. I enjoyed the demos very much. All professional and to the point.”

Another poster named Lazarus wrote, “I was blown away that a single family (albeit with lots of help) could put on an event that rivals any state or regional event I’ve ever been to. The demo line-up was outstanding. Information was defi- nitely top shelf stuff.”

Feedback like this only strengthens Graham’s resolve.

“It’s a good event,” said Graham. “We’ll try to continue it and keep it going on.”