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Beaver - Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? #1070438
12/23/08 07:28 PM
12/23/08 07:28 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Actor Offline OP
trapper
Actor  Offline OP
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Although I have trapped most everything Ohio has to offer, I have never trapped beaver. I will be using #330s, and #3 legholds .... Question on the #3 legholds????? DO you set the pan at free fall, with level tension, or drop poundage ....

Thanks ... Garry-


“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

Have been trapping 77 years…
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Actor] #1070449
12/23/08 07:31 PM
12/23/08 07:31 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62,559
Minnesota
330-Trapper Offline
trapper
330-Trapper  Offline
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Posts: 62,559
Minnesota
You sell the 3's and buy #4's or MB750's ... the 3's will do you wrong... My Opinion, My experience over 23years... that's all!


NRA and NTA Life Member
www.BackroadsRevised@etsy.com




Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: 330-Trapper] #1070454
12/23/08 07:32 PM
12/23/08 07:32 PM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,144
louisiana
K
Kirk Offline
trapper
Kirk  Offline
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K

Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,144
louisiana
I agree with 330 the #3 are going to be too small


Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: 330-Trapper] #1070457
12/23/08 07:32 PM
12/23/08 07:32 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Actor Offline OP
trapper
Actor  Offline OP
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Newark, Ohio 83 years
Too late for that this year it starts in 2 days ... maybe next
next year .... Garry-


“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

Have been trapping 77 years…
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Kirk] #1070464
12/23/08 07:35 PM
12/23/08 07:35 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Actor Offline OP
trapper
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Newark, Ohio 83 years
Originally Posted By: Kirk
I agree with 330 the #3 are going to be too small


Well I guess will have to try and catch them by the front foot. I have no other alternative .... I was told several months ago that the #3 would work fine for beaver ... that is why I bought them ... Garry-


“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

Have been trapping 77 years…
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Actor] #1070484
12/23/08 07:40 PM
12/23/08 07:40 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,548
Cleveland IL
muddyriverdogz Offline
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Cleveland IL
Also i would trade that ax in for a chainsaw this time of year.Get R Done Gary!

Last edited by muddyriverdogz; 12/23/08 07:43 PM.

You only live once, so get over it!

Tactics may change but the goal remains the same.
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: muddyriverdogz] #1070490
12/23/08 07:42 PM
12/23/08 07:42 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Actor Offline OP
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Newark, Ohio 83 years
Originally Posted By: muddyriverdogz
Also i would trade that ax in for a chainsaw this time of year


I would have but the part called for an ax ...... crazy .... Garry-


“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

Have been trapping 77 years…
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: muddyriverdogz] #1070493
12/23/08 07:43 PM
12/23/08 07:43 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,778
Wisconsin
T
The Beav Offline
trapper
The Beav  Offline
trapper
T

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,778
Wisconsin
Set shallow and target a front foot and you will do just fine.


The forum Know It All according to Muskrat
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Actor] #1070496
12/23/08 07:45 PM
12/23/08 07:45 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,716
SW Pa
W
wr otis Offline
trapper
wr otis  Offline
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W

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,716
SW Pa
Biggest we can use here is 6 1/2 garry, tons of beaver been caught in three's and two's use what you got. Ever take a good look at a beavers back foot? it reminds you of an umbrela they are mostly designed for swimming not for holding traps open.

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: wr otis] #1070507
12/23/08 07:49 PM
12/23/08 07:49 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Actor Offline OP
trapper
Actor  Offline OP
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Newark, Ohio 83 years
Originally Posted By: wr otis
Biggest we can use here is 6 1/2 garry, tons of beaver been caught in three's and two's use what you got. Ever take a good look at a beavers back foot? it reminds you of an umbrela they are mostly designed for swimming not for holding traps open.


Thank you sir .... how about pan tension ... I was guessing about level with no fall without tension of the jaw ... would this be about right ....??? Garry-


“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

Have been trapping 77 years…
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Actor] #1070548
12/23/08 08:06 PM
12/23/08 08:06 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,716
SW Pa
W
wr otis Offline
trapper
wr otis  Offline
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W

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,716
SW Pa
Ever take a good look at a beavers body? them critters is heavy garry, they for sure ain't mink

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Actor] #1070564
12/23/08 08:11 PM
12/23/08 08:11 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,798
ohio
Ohio Wolverine Offline
trapper
Ohio Wolverine  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,798
ohio
Front foot catch is not easy to do if you're trapping a river.
Water level changes can cause misses and back foot catches.
That being said a no.3 will work just fine on a pond or lake.
I use them but really like #4 ls for beaver.
Haven't tryed the mb750 or any of the 7 1/2 in. traps.
From what I see of them I want to get some, and try them.

Good luck.

P,S. level pan is all I ever use, only because I don't know any better way. Old school I guess.


We have met the enemy and the enemy is us!
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1070582
12/23/08 08:17 PM
12/23/08 08:17 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,800
Iowa (where the tall corn grow...
D
Dave Plueger Offline
trapper
Dave Plueger  Offline
trapper
D

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,800
Iowa (where the tall corn grow...
And many a coyote have been taken in 1.5 Dukes but they sure aint my trap of choice for the job. Your gonna catch a few and lose a few in the #3s. Put 6 foot of heavy chain on them and stake solid. DONT try for a back foot or all you may catch is toes. IMO

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Dave Plueger] #1070601
12/23/08 08:22 PM
12/23/08 08:22 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,800
Iowa (where the tall corn grow...
D
Dave Plueger Offline
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Posts: 3,800
Iowa (where the tall corn grow...
Buzzy, you and I both know a pinched beav aint always simple the second time around. Trap beavs with #3s for any length of time and you will have a few cautious beavs.

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Dave Plueger] #1070610
12/23/08 08:24 PM
12/23/08 08:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,800
Iowa (where the tall corn grow...
D
Dave Plueger Offline
trapper
Dave Plueger  Offline
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D

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Iowa (where the tall corn grow...
Come on up Buzzy and I will show you how its done. Aint rocket science but you are from the south.LOL

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Dave Plueger] #1070616
12/23/08 08:25 PM
12/23/08 08:25 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Actor Offline OP
trapper
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Newark, Ohio 83 years
The prescouted locations for the use of the #3 are pools both above and below the dams ranging from 3 to four feet deep. I have both 8' and 10' drowning cables that I will be using on the legholds and anchoring in the depth of the pools. Was anticipating on setting the trap in about 4" of water for a front foot catch. .... Garry-


“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

Have been trapping 77 years…
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Dave Plueger] #1070625
12/23/08 08:27 PM
12/23/08 08:27 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 467
Bedford Co. Va
I
IAFFtrapper Offline
trapper
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Posts: 467
Bedford Co. Va
Have plenty of threes on slide wires all set for front feet. Works fine on the James for me.


Fighting terrorism since 1861
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1070626
12/23/08 08:27 PM
12/23/08 08:27 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 216
Northeast Iowa
S
Scott W. (Iowa) Offline
trapper
Scott W. (Iowa)  Offline
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S

Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 216
Northeast Iowa
Feelin' cranky tonite Buz?

I really like the TS 85 that Kaatz Bros. sell, and have been pleased with the MB 750. In my LIMITED experience, they have turned beaver trapping into muskrat trapping (along with Clint's video). Scott

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1070633
12/23/08 08:29 PM
12/23/08 08:29 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,798
ohio
Ohio Wolverine Offline
trapper
Ohio Wolverine  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,798
ohio
You're right BUZZARD ,they do except when the water goes up a foot.

I have caught my share on rivers.

I guess I didn't explain it enough.

Otherwise inlighten me since I don't know how!


We have met the enemy and the enemy is us!
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Scott W. (Iowa)] #1070635
12/23/08 08:31 PM
12/23/08 08:31 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,716
SW Pa
W
wr otis Offline
trapper
wr otis  Offline
trapper
W

Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,716
SW Pa
You need deeper water than three feet garry, unless you can for sure front foot em.

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: IAFFtrapper] #1070638
12/23/08 08:32 PM
12/23/08 08:32 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,800
Iowa (where the tall corn grow...
D
Dave Plueger Offline
trapper
Dave Plueger  Offline
trapper
D

Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,800
Iowa (where the tall corn grow...
Hey buzz, I guess Billingley didnt know what he was doing either when he took over 300 beavs in the south with #3s long chained. Just cause you havent figured out how to do it succesfully doesnt mean some one else hasnt. lol

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Ohio Wolverine] #1070640
12/23/08 08:32 PM
12/23/08 08:32 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Actor Offline OP
trapper
Actor  Offline OP
trapper

Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Maybe I should clarify as to the locations and conditions I will setting under .... They are small winding streams ... never more than 20 feet wide and most often not that much .... I have 3 such areas to trap with a total of 5 dams ... Garry-

Last edited by Actor; 12/23/08 08:32 PM.

“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

Have been trapping 77 years…
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Actor] #1070655
12/23/08 08:36 PM
12/23/08 08:36 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 216
Northeast Iowa
S
Scott W. (Iowa) Offline
trapper
Scott W. (Iowa)  Offline
trapper
S

Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 216
Northeast Iowa
Under ice?

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Scott W. (Iowa)] #1070664
12/23/08 08:39 PM
12/23/08 08:39 PM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Actor Offline OP
trapper
Actor  Offline OP
trapper

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Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Originally Posted By: Scott W.
Under ice?


No sir .... the creeks may have spoty ice, but they fall fast enough to keep them from freezing much .... Garry-

Last edited by Actor; 12/23/08 08:39 PM.

“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

Have been trapping 77 years…
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1070811
12/23/08 09:33 PM
12/23/08 09:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 668
Oklahoma
cdr Offline
trapper
cdr  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 668
Oklahoma
Actor,
I have never trapped beaver before this year myself so for what its worth, this is what I do. All I have for them is a couple of older #3 longsprings and a #4 longspring.
I use cable for a drowning rig. I make a mock castor mound, set traps shallow, and place several small sticks (stuck in the mud--angleing to deeper water 45 degree) just outside of the set. I have had some success and I hope this helps you.
There is a huge wealth of info on this site and I have learned a lot from the people on here! Good luck.......
cdr

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: cdr] #1070833
12/23/08 09:40 PM
12/23/08 09:40 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 845
Kansas
B
bearclaw Offline
trapper
bearclaw  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 845
Kansas
Since you seem to know it all Buzzard what do you suggest Mr. Garry does?


"I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days, before you've actually left them."
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1070936
12/23/08 10:24 PM
12/23/08 10:24 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,749
St. Cloud, MN
trapperkeck Offline
trapper
trapperkeck  Offline
trapper

Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,749
St. Cloud, MN
Buzzy, your leg get nicked by your chainsaw today.. eek
Don't know much about beaver trappin' myself. I consider myself a rookie in that department. I have only caught a few hundred, which is waaaaay less than some on here. Buzzy is supplying some good info here. Drowners with slide wires are a much better system that a long chain. I learned the hard way on that one! Now, calm down Buzzard it's dang near Christmas!


"The voice of reason!"
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1070947
12/23/08 10:28 PM
12/23/08 10:28 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 17,487
Rodney,Ohio
SNIPERBBB Offline
trapper
SNIPERBBB  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 17,487
Rodney,Ohio
Actor, #3s will work, tis what what I used when I first started after beaver..went and got CDR's after the second year after a couple toecaught and toe with no beaver attached incidents. Got some TS 8.5s this year after looking at one beaver whose foot spanned a CDR.

I'll be river trapping Raccoon Creek come Friday, and with rain on the way for saturday, them beaver I catch might as well be 100+ lbs trying to haul them up the banks.

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: trapperkeck] #1070961
12/23/08 10:31 PM
12/23/08 10:31 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,447
Kansas,32,6-1,220,B/B NS
CharlesKS Offline
trapper
CharlesKS  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,447
Kansas,32,6-1,220,B/B NS
Guys, Buzzy takes more beaver than 99% of the people on here.

IM NO BEAVER TRAPPER by NO means.

BUT ive have SEE it done with #3 (6-6.5 inch jaw spread) traps and can go do it right now, if i wanted to, getting a BACK FOOT cathc. hard to type it out, easy to show in rela life. no drowing, castor mound set up.


armchair trappers...lol

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: CharlesKS] #1070963
12/23/08 10:32 PM
12/23/08 10:32 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,447
Kansas,32,6-1,220,B/B NS
CharlesKS Offline
trapper
CharlesKS  Offline
trapper

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,447
Kansas,32,6-1,220,B/B NS
And with BACKFOOT i dont mean step over the jaws, i mean step BETWEEN the jaws, you suitcase the backfoot.

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: trapperkeck] #1070970
12/23/08 10:34 PM
12/23/08 10:34 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,798
ohio
Ohio Wolverine Offline
trapper
Ohio Wolverine  Offline
trapper

Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,798
ohio
My bad! I thought it was a given to use drowners, being they are #3 footholds, to me it goes with any foot hold. Better?



Just the same MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL, YOU 2 BUZZARD


We have met the enemy and the enemy is us!
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Ohio Wolverine] #1071000
12/23/08 10:47 PM
12/23/08 10:47 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,096
Derby, Vermont still alive
N
nelacres Offline
"The Farmer"
nelacres  Offline
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N

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,096
Derby, Vermont still alive
target the front foot and drown him. I haved used #4 jumps and caught them on hind feet.

mostly I use 330s but I do enjoy legholding them.


Nelly
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Ohio Wolverine] #1071002
12/23/08 10:49 PM
12/23/08 10:49 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 845
Kansas
B
bearclaw Offline
trapper
bearclaw  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 845
Kansas
No hard feelings buzz. Just curious as you have your own opinions about what others posted why not chime in yourself and suggest what you like. You know a thing or two about them.

Myself, I've never caught a beaver in my life (seriously), so I'm all ears.


"I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days, before you've actually left them."
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: bearclaw] #1071036
12/23/08 11:10 PM
12/23/08 11:10 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,599
Port Jervis, NY
B
beachcomber13 Offline
trapper
beachcomber13  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,599
Port Jervis, NY
Those 3s will work fine, so will smaller.

I often set for beaver up on the bank, totally out of the water.

Trap as if I was setting for fox, meaning use a guide stick to get front foot into trap or better yet, with 1 1/2s I'll use two traps, one on each side of trail. Each staked down solid with a short chain. They're always high and dry and waiting in the morning.

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: beachcomber13] #1071051
12/23/08 11:23 PM
12/23/08 11:23 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,468
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Paul Dobbins Offline
"Trapperman custodian"
Paul Dobbins  Offline
"Trapperman custodian"

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16,468
Goldsboro, North Carolina
I've caught many a beaver in a #3. My favorites among the #3s are the #3 Northwoods coil and #3 Bridger coil, both four coiled.

I've held many beavers by the hind foot in these traps also. The key to using these smaller jaw spread traps, as well as the larger jawspread traps, is to position them so the beaver's approach brings it over the levers, and not the jaws.

Even setting for a front foot catch, its easy to miss the front foot and that big ole back foot will make contact with the pan.

If the trap is positioned so the beaver's approach brings it over the jaw instead of the lever, its heel or toe can be sitting on a jaw when the trap fires. This will cause the beaver's foot to raise up resulting in a toe catch in the event the heel is on the near jaw, or foot thrown clear if the toes are draped over the far jaw.

When the trap is positioned so the beaver's approach brings it over the levers, it doesn't matter if the beaver's heel is at the near hinge point of the jaws, or toes draped over the far hinge point of the jaws, it will still fire with the foot in the trap.

You can however, have the beaver's left or right toes make contact with either right or left side jaw and still fire the trap. This usually results with a hold at an angle on the hind foot below the ankle somewhere, but still will usually hold the beaver.

Just my 2 cents.



Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Paul Dobbins] #1071065
12/23/08 11:32 PM
12/23/08 11:32 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 921
Martin City, MT 70
R
R Howard Offline
trapper
R Howard  Offline
trapper
R

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 921
Martin City, MT 70
I think that post was worth a quite a bit more then 2 cents Paul. Heck I even read it twice. smile


America has BO!!!!
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: R Howard] #1071083
12/23/08 11:46 PM
12/23/08 11:46 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 335
SW Alaska
S
southpaw Offline
trapper
southpaw  Offline
trapper
S

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 335
SW Alaska
Great info Paul! thanks for taking the time to explain in detail!

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: southpaw] #1071099
12/23/08 11:57 PM
12/23/08 11:57 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,293
minnesota
G
goldy Offline
trapper
goldy  Offline
trapper
G

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,293
minnesota
Paul touched on a big problem people have with footholds is setting them too close to the center of approach. Beaver are wide animals and if you set your trap too close to the center of approach the beaver will only have the edge of it's foot in the trap when it fires. With the pan 4 1/2 to 5 inches off center you will get good hold most everytime if you use guide sticks to put the beaver where you want him. I agree with Buzzard on everything he said in this thread too. #3's will hold nearly every beaver if they are set right and you have a good drowning system. I use them all the time where theft is a problem and RARELY have a pullout. Forget the long chain. Drown them as soon as possible.


"They that can give up essential liberty to gain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety" Ben Franklin talking about guns
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Actor] #1071142
12/24/08 12:28 AM
12/24/08 12:28 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,293
minnesota
G
goldy Offline
trapper
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Posts: 7,293
minnesota
Originally Posted By: Actor
The prescouted locations for the use of the #3 are pools both above and below the dams ranging from 3 to four feet deep. I have both 8' and 10' drowning cables that I will be using on the legholds and anchoring in the depth of the pools. Was anticipating on setting the trap in about 4" of water for a front foot catch. .... Garry-
Set shallower, in about an inch, with some shallow water in front of your trap as well. This assures the beaver will have it's feet down when it hits your trap. In 4" of water, the beaver can still have it's front feet tucked against it's body.


"They that can give up essential liberty to gain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety" Ben Franklin talking about guns
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: goldy] #1071278
12/24/08 01:51 AM
12/24/08 01:51 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 889
Tama country IA
1st RiverRat Offline
trapper
1st RiverRat  Offline
trapper

Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 889
Tama country IA
Originally Posted By: goldy
Paul touched on a big problem people have with footholds is setting them too close to the center of approach. Beaver are wide animals and if you set your trap too close to the center of approach the beaver will only have the edge of it's foot in the trap when it fires. With the pan 4 1/2 to 5 inches off center you will get good hold most everytime if you use guide sticks to put the beaver where you want him.


My favorite trap is the bridger #3 4 coiled , northwoods and the new duke #4 they are all basically the same trap. I have caught a ton of beaver in bridger #2s ON PURPOSE !! It anit the trap its the user. I set for a front foot but they will hold the back foot just fine. I dont drown em either, for many reasons but to answer your ? set those traps out an set them right you will have beaver to skin at night.
This a northwoods 4 coiled.

Drowning NOT needed.

Last edited by 1st RiverRat; 12/24/08 01:58 AM.

Adam Utterback
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: nelacres] #1071313
12/24/08 02:37 AM
12/24/08 02:37 AM
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middle wisconsin
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mark81560 Offline
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middle wisconsin
any one that long chaines a set for beaver will lose a lot of beaver if not deep enough for slider use 330.and is the 3 my choice no but i use alot of them in high risk areas .i agree with buzz give me 1 and a half coils with sliders ill catch beaver in 95 percent of snapped traps

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: nelacres] #1071410
12/24/08 06:15 AM
12/24/08 06:15 AM
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Michigan ( Yank Birth, Reb Hea...
Jon S Offline
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Jon S  Offline
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I have been catching Beaver with #3 ever since I started trapping. Front and back foot, as long as there is enough water to dround them in your good. Jon


Michigan Born, Raised in Tennessee, At 18 back in Michigan, @ 38 wishing I was back in Tennessee.
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1071558
12/24/08 09:05 AM
12/24/08 09:05 AM
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Posts: 12,915
Indiana, 15 1/4yrs old
Gary Offline
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Gary  Offline
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oh Buzz !! you can teach me how to beaver trap if it makes you feel better grin


Possums and fanged beaver Skeer Me frown
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1071581
12/24/08 09:28 AM
12/24/08 09:28 AM
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Posts: 12,915
Indiana, 15 1/4yrs old
Gary Offline
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Gary  Offline
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im serious man ... i dont get to mess with em too much anymore ... i think they all packed up and moved away ... well, at least the ones that didnt die did grin


Possums and fanged beaver Skeer Me frown
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1071589
12/24/08 09:33 AM
12/24/08 09:33 AM
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Posts: 6,671
Newark, Ohio 83 years
Actor Offline OP
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Actor  Offline OP
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Newark, Ohio 83 years
I want to thank every one for their information and the repartee ... and I am glad there was no blod spilled ...LOL!

Now we will see if an "Old Fart" like me can put the info to work and catch a couple of beaver ... Thanks again ...

Oh yes, for those that are curious about the photo in my signature ... I was an actor and that was from a stage performance in the early 1990s .... Garry-


“Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.”

Have been trapping 77 years…
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Actor] #1072050
12/24/08 01:13 PM
12/24/08 01:13 PM
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Chicago burbs
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racksnfur Offline
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Chicago burbs
I use #3 Bridgers since I can double duty them as yote traps too. I use about 4lbs pan tension, and short chain them to a drowning slide. Set for front foot,but have caught them by back foot too. Use bump sticks as mentioned to get them to put those feet down. I've also added what I call a crawl over stick on occasion.It's just a short water logged stick about the thickness of a toilet paper tube, just before the trap. I think it's helped in shallower water to get them to step over it, right into the trap. Setting for a front foot in fluctuating water makes more sense to me personally, since a deeper set trap set for a backfoot would really be deep with rising water, but the shallower set would still have a chance. Definitely agree with the trap being set to one side and turned with the dog to the side.That made all the difference in the world to me when I started trapping beaver. As much a pain in the butt as they are to flesh, I still love trapping them, HATE carrying them up slick muddy banks, but love trapping them. Best of luck

Last edited by racksnfur; 12/24/08 01:19 PM. Reason: pic added

i > u
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: racksnfur] #1072247
12/24/08 02:46 PM
12/24/08 02:46 PM
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Tama country IA
1st RiverRat Offline
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1st RiverRat  Offline
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Tama country IA
In the fall I dont care if I catch coons so I run 2.5-3 lbs of pan tension, in the spring 3.5-4 lbs to avoid non targets.


Adam Utterback
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: mark81560] #1072281
12/24/08 03:01 PM
12/24/08 03:01 PM
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Tama country IA
1st RiverRat Offline
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1st RiverRat  Offline
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Originally Posted By: mark81560
any one that long chains a set for beaver will lose a lot of beaver


It is obvious that you have never tried long chains, the mountain men almost wiped out the beaver with long chains running on ave 6 traps a day . Too many guys have a phobia about live trapping beaver it can be done !! Just because you haven't done it don't mean it cant be !! I will leave it at that.

Originally Posted By: mark81560
.i agree with buzz give me 1 and a half coils with sliders ill catch beaver in 95 percent of snapped traps


I agree with you there.


Adam Utterback
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1072327
12/24/08 03:25 PM
12/24/08 03:25 PM
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Tama country IA
1st RiverRat Offline
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1st RiverRat  Offline
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Tama country IA
Buzzy most of the beaver I take are filling there stomachs with willow not corn. I do use snares, but my favorite foothold is a #3 even though I own alot fo them high $$ traps 660s, 12X10s, & #5s of all types, give me a #3 and long chain.


Adam Utterback
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: ] #1072339
12/24/08 03:31 PM
12/24/08 03:31 PM
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n.e, iowa
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coonman220 Offline
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why would you use 6 ft. of chain and what gauge or kind of chain? how do you place your poke sticks or how far in front of trap? 4 or 5 pounds of pan tension, may cut down on nontargets but not much, if your after beaver with beaver lure and sets,that is mostly what you well get

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: coonman220] #1072349
12/24/08 03:35 PM
12/24/08 03:35 PM
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Tama country IA
1st RiverRat Offline
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Tama country IA
Originally Posted By: coonman220
if your after beaver with beaver lure and sets,that is mostly what you well get


I am guessing that you havent used castor in the spring much, rats and coon are all over that stuff I have even taken yotes in late march with castor. And yes 4 lbs of tension will stop MOST coon and I have yet to get a rat in one. I used to get a dz or so in a month before using any tension.


Adam Utterback
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: 1st RiverRat] #1072407
12/24/08 03:54 PM
12/24/08 03:54 PM
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Indiana, 15 1/4yrs old
Gary Offline
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Gary  Offline
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Buzzy i wanna trap down south where ya can set a trap about anywhere and pick em up ... all those channels, ditches, small streams, etc .... here in my area, its a bit harder, add to that there arent any left frown


Possums and fanged beaver Skeer Me frown
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: 1st RiverRat] #1072412
12/24/08 03:56 PM
12/24/08 03:56 PM
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n.e, iowa
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coonman220 Offline
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how do you go about using poke sticks for a front foot catch

Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: coonman220] #1072437
12/24/08 04:09 PM
12/24/08 04:09 PM
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Tama country IA
1st RiverRat Offline
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1st RiverRat  Offline
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I like a berm of clay/mud more than I do poke sticks but the idea is the same. A beaver swims with its front feet up against its body when it hits the bank or what it thinks is the bank it drops those feet down and walks in to your set instead of swimming- wammo right in to your #3 long chained trap grin


Adam Utterback
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: 1st RiverRat] #1072496
12/24/08 04:42 PM
12/24/08 04:42 PM
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Goldsboro, North Carolina
Paul Dobbins Offline
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Paul Dobbins  Offline
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Goldsboro, North Carolina
I have seen the same problem Buzzy mentioned. And that is why its almost a waste of time putting swivels on my beaver snares. The beavers are usually wrapped around something between the swivel and the beaver making the swivel useless.



Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: Paul Dobbins] #1072640
12/24/08 05:48 PM
12/24/08 05:48 PM
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minnesota
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goldy Offline
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minnesota
A dead beaver at the end of a drowner can't escape! A live beaver at the end of a chain still has more than a fighting chance.


"They that can give up essential liberty to gain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety" Ben Franklin talking about guns
Re: Seasoned Beaver Trappers ...... ???? [Re: goldy] #1072905
12/24/08 07:46 PM
12/24/08 07:46 PM
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n.e, iowa
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coonman220 Offline
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how deep do you set for a front foot catch? should the mud be heavy like clay? i dont think sandy ground works good,it runs down on trap,or is to soft and small when beaver hits it, sometimes they come charging in. i have used rocks with some success, how much water should be over the top of the mud in front of trap?

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