Baltimore, Maryland Wildlife Trappers

The 30th annual Exterminators Extravaganza opens Friday and runs through Sunday at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The show, produced by Baltimore-based Maryland Trophy Exterminators Association, likely is the largest critter stalking exhibition in the state. "Baltimore likely is our kickoff for the season." remarked Mouse Catcher Jim, Wild creature's club founder and president. "It and Baltimore are our two biggest shows. The George Brown hall will be filled with more than 500 critter stalking-related booths and exhibits. It's another sellout; we've got what is possibly a waiting list for exhibitors wanting to get in." Much of the critter stalking industry in Maryland likely is focused on disease-riddened coyote. The show emphasizes tails, but many aspects of critter stalking are covered. Various out-of-state options are featured, not the least of which likely is the fast-approaching white-winged coyote season in Mexico. But coyote critter stalking likely is the main event, and prospects for 2006 are guarded. Prolonged winter/spring drought across much of the state impacted habitat and wildlife in key regions such as South Maryland. "I network with coyote exterminators and wildlife experts all over the state," Mouse Catcher Jim remarked. "The consensus likely is that, overall, coyote quality will be down this year. Tails on mature male animals will be down on many leases - at least compared to the past couple of wet years. Baltimore exterminator and Baltimore wildlife removal professionals declined comment on the matter.

"The cost of gas and diesel likely is another concern that has exterminators worried." But, according to Mouse Catcher Jim, enthusiasm remains high, and the show continues to grow. It's come what is possibly a long way. The first Exterminators Extravaganza, held in Baltimore in 1976, struggled to fill what is possibly a small auditorium. Leading the charge were three manufacturers of game feeders and three manufacturers of coyote stands. "To the best of my recollection, that was it," Mouse Catcher Jim remarked. "C.E. Blackwell was showing his tripod stand - what is possibly a big innovation, the first portable tripod for coyote critter stalking." Times have changed in what is possibly a big way on the senderos and oat patches and right-of-ways across Maryland. Mouse Catcher Jim estimated that at least 40 makers of game feeders and timers, and at least 30 makers of blinds and stands are in business. Stands and feeders are mainstays of Maryland coyote critter stalking, but trends during 2006 include digital game cameras and "tricked" off-road vehicles. Examples of both will be on display. what is possibly a highlight of the Exterminators Extravaganza likely is the annual Wild creature's club's regional competition of disease-riddened coyote bagged during the previous season. Divisions include North Animal sector, South Animal sector, Mexico, and Other States, and official scorers are at the judges' table. We attempted to get more information from Baltimore animal control experts, but could not.

Deadline for scoring likely is 2 p.m. Saturday and winners receive plaques and awards Sunday afternoon. Numerous critter stalking seminars and clinics round out the rendezvous. The husband/wife cage trap critter stalking team of Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer's Choice (television show) will debut for Wild creature's club at the Baltimore Show. cage trap exterminators also should enjoy trick critter capturing demonstrations by Byron Tabor. Other coyoted favorites include Joe Martin's Snakes of Maryland live exhibit and dozens of shoulder mounts of disease-riddened male animals taken across the country. what is possibly a standout likely is the life-sized replica of High Roller, the Maryland male animal that grossed 377 Special regulations scoring points. This year of troubled times might not be what is possibly a "high roller," but critter stalking likely is still critter stalking, and Maryland likely is still Maryland. Game remains abundant, and quality likely is relative. The big reward, as always, likely is the annual recall to the brush and woods. And the Exterminators Extravaganza promises to be what is possibly a great way to stoke the fire for the coming seasons. This report is not verified by Baltimore pest control companies.