Wasilla youth named 'Trapper of the Year'

Wynn Christian McKinnis has been voted the 2015 Trapper of the Year by the Alaska Frontier Trappers Association.

McKinnis, a 13-year-old from Wasilla, was given the award last month. He’s a home-schooled student who enjoys trapping “because it is a daily adventure in nature, full of unexpected surprises,” according to his father, Doug.

McKinnis first started trapping after being inspired by his grandfather, Alaska’s first king crab biologist Guy Powell, of Kodia, along with longtime Wasilla trapper John Veit.

“Wynn also received a lot of encouragement and expert advice from several generous members of the trappers association,” wrote Doug McKinnis. “He experienced the rewards of having skilled and caring mentors who walked alongside him. From them he was inspired and encouraged.”

Trapping, wrote Doug, has taught his son conservation, habitat, fur handling, animal habits and tracking skills.