Scott, what did those organizations show you to gain your membership? Only asking so that people can understand what members want to see
Here in Wisconsin, I feel we have a good association. In conjunction with our state DNR there is a excellent trapper education program for trappers, just recently initiated an all woman's trapping camp. While trappers don't get everything we would like, we have IMO, a fair compromise between the allowed trapping tools and protecting domestic animals. The public for the most part has a favorable impression of trapping and trappers in the state through the continuing effort of the association. And the association has done a lot of work to tear down walls amongst other sportsperson in the state.
Is everything prefect, there is always room for improvement. I personally think that as an association, there could be more done for promoting (advertising) trapping events to the general public. Although, several districts are partnering with other events to bring a trapping presence to the general public.
Northern Michigan - I see the energy and engagement that they have going up there. They are well organized and communications is far more than what I see from other bigger associations.
I support a few other state organizations because I would consider moving there or at least trapping there someday.
I am supporting the national organization, well because they're national organizations. They should be supporting the all the state organizations and developing networking partnerships across a broad national demographic. From the information an individual can glean from their reports they have a narrow base that they interact with. They are supporting lawsuits that would benefit trappers in 3(?) states. Not sure if that is all I know because they hold the the old trappes' mindset of playing close to the vest. In today's world transparency is mandatory and I have some concerns about documents that are public record. If any organizational management thinks they can protect an organization by being silent, truth has a way of always coming out!
If an organization wants to increase membership and by default funds; show your membership and the public how they are using energy and funds to achieve positive results.. Don't keep the light under a rock!