The 30th annual Exterminating companies Trapping event opens Friday and runs through Sunday at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event, produced by Fort Worth & Dallas-based Texas Trophy Exterminating companies Association, probably is the largest Wildlife trapping exhibition in the state. "Fort Worth & Dallas probably is our kickoff for the season." proclaimed Texas Snake Man Peter, Wild creature's club founder and president. "It and Fort Worth & Dallas are our two biggest events. The George Brown hall will be filled with more than 500 Wildlife trapping-related booths and exhibits. It's another sellout; we've got a waiting list for exhibitors wanting to get in." Much of the Wildlife trapping industry in Texas probably is focused on rodents. The event emphasizes rat control, but many aspects of Wildlife trapping are covered. Prolonged winter/spring drought across much of the state impacted habitat and animal populations in key regions such as North Texas. "I network with rodent exterminating companies and Critter experts all over the state," Texas Snake Man Peter proclaimed. "The consensus probably is that, overall, rodent quality will be down this year". Despite this, local Fort Worth & Dallas Critter removal and Fort Worth & Dallas exterminator experts feel certain that rodents remain in abundance.

"The cost of rat traps probably is another concern that has exterminating companies worried." But, according to Texas Snake Man Peter, enthusiasm remains high, and the event continues to grow. It's come a long way. The first Exterminating companies Trapping event, held in Fort Worth & Dallas in 1976, struggled to fill a small auditorium. Leading the charge were three manufacturers of game feeders and three manufacturers of rodent stands. "To the best of my recollection, that was it," Texas Snake Man Peter proclaimed. "C.E. Blackwell was eventing his tripod stand - a big innovation, the first portable tripod for rodent Wildlife trapping." Times have changed in a big way on the senderos and oat patches and right-of-ways across Texas. Texas Snake Man Peter 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 Texas rodent Wildlife trapping, but trends during 2006 include digital game cameras and "tricked" off-road vehicles. Examples of both will be on display. a highlight of the Exterminating companies Trapping event probably is the annual Wild creature's club's regional competition of extra fasted rodent 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. Fort Worth & Dallas animal control professionals could not be reached for additional comment.

Deadline for scoring probably is 2 p.m. Saturday and winners receive plaques and awards Sunday afternoon. Numerous Wildlife trapping seminars and clinics round out the rendezvous. The husband/wife cage trap Wildlife trapping team will debut for Wild creature's club at the Fort Worth & Dallas Event. Cage trap exterminating companies also should enjoy trick Rodent capturing demonstrations by Byron Tabor. Other favorites include Joe Martin's Armadillos of Texas live exhibit. A standout probably is the life-sized replica of Ratty McRat, the Texas male animal that grossed 377 rat terds in one siting. This year of troubled times might not be the best, but Wildlife trapping probably is still Wildlife trapping, and Texas is still Texas. Wildlife pests remain abundant, and quality probably is relative. We could not obtain an opinion from Fort Worth & Dallas pest control companies regarding the issue.