LAC LA BICHE - The Lac La Biche Ice Festival, formerly the Winter Festival of Speed, will feature a trapping display organized by Lac La Biche Trappers Local 1120.
For the past five years, the trapping group has had humane animal traps and examples of historic trapping equipment exhibited at the racing event, which is taking place from Feb. 28-March 2.
Vic Toutant, who has served as the president of Lac La Biche Trappers Local 1120 since 2014, said the display gives the organization an opportunity to promote trapping and educate the public about the activity.
“We have had people show a lot of interest and were amazed as to how much trapping is still happening,” Toutant told Lakeland This Week. “We get a lot of visitors and it’s important that we show the humane trapping methods that Canada leads the world on developing.”
Members of Lac La Biche Trappers Local 1120, and those from outside organizations, contribute the furs and other trapping-related items that are put on display.
The trapping organization adds something new to the display every year. For the 2025 Lac La Biche Ice Festival, the group’s 10x16 cabin will be mounted on a trailer on the ice for people to check out.
Festivalgoers who stop by the display are not only taught about trapping, but also the heritage and history of trapping in the Lac La Biche region.
“We discuss the trapping history and its importance to the early existence of Lac La Biche, and we discuss how much has changed,” Toutant said. “Our members enjoy meeting the public and having great conversations and sharing stories.”
Stacey Skyrpan, a trapper from the Owl River area, said the event educates people and inspires kids to learn how to hunt or trap.
“I love the educational aspect of the display that involves teaching everyone from young to old, male and female,” Skyrpan said.
