Beaver gig

I have a situation on a small creek where 2 landowners want me to get the beaver. 1 landowner removed the dam this summer. Now the beaver have moved onto the property in between the 2 landowners. While the beaver are clearly focused on the middle of that middle property owners parcel (I can see the growing dam from the road), the other 2 landowners would still like me to go after 'em on their properties. Trouble is, their property lines are each about 350 yards from the dam. Should I expect the beaver to travel that far very often? I made the 1st set last night. I told the landowners I'm only cautiously optimistic that I can nab the beaver this far from the dam. My guess is the middle landowner may cave and let me on his property, as the dam's gotten noticeably larger in 2 weeks.

The neighbors may help persuade him into changing his mind. That's what usually happens around here.

They are going to try.

An anti? If he refuses, he could be helping to create a public nuisance and they might have to threaten or go to court.

I don't know as I'd call him an anti. I'm looking more into it. He's kind of a hermit I think. I haven't personally spoke to him.

don't go to court quite yet.
catch the beavers upstream. Any good castor lure should bring them in, especially now in spring.

This is what I was wondering about.
I currently have a 330, with lure, upstream on the property line. I just hope I can nab 'em that far from the dam. I'm optimistic.

Beaver jobs are best left to experienced beaver trappers imho

The wise beaver is like trapping a ghost

Never set one trap
Study the animal and the technique
Practice during fur season

I know how to trap beaver Vinke. It's just that like most people, I'm trying to improve.
I have to be selective in how I trap this spot so I don't catch an incidental otter, as I've already filled my otter tag.
I agree putting out more than 1 trap is necessary. I just scouted this spot the other night for the 1st time and ran out of daylight.

You added otter to the scenario......Is there a provision in the law for incidental?
If not

This would eliminate castor based lure without using proper precautions.
Channel sets with bobygrips

Many live traps will be otter friendly
I have called beaver from a long ways away using dobbins products.

Funny you mention Dobbins. Woodchipper is what I'm using at the current set. I smeared some on a popple stick that I shaved a little bark off of.

As for otter: well, it's illegal to target otter without a tag, but not illegal to incidentally catch 1. It's just kind of something I try to avoid. The state has a process to work with a warden to handle any incidentally trapped otter. It's not the end of the world, and they don't issue citations for an incidental otter catch, but it's something I try to avoid.

I'm hoping beaver will travel more now this time of year, like Traps R Us mentioned.

I've had good luck with mailing letters to adjoining land owners for permission. Addresses can be found on the county gis site. Some times it's easier to try and put together a professional sounding letter then wing it face to face.
Biggest advantage to multiple traps is catching as many as possible before they catch on to the program.

I will make bold sets to seduces them,,,,,,,,,..................

I would rescout the area where the first dam was and see if there isn't a bank den or maybe some feed holes. Just because the dam is gone from the first location doesn't mean the beaver moved out completely. It may have just decided to build a new dam to keep the water level at a comfortable height. Blind sets on crawl outs are always good beaver catchers.

It seems like the first step would be to talk to the middle landowner.

I found out every job or customer is not for me.

On a small creek, my experience has been yes.
It could be different up there, but down here, you bet.

I’ve probably caught more adult males on the far downstream end than anywhere else. I know I’ve caught more adult females on the top end.

350 yards is well within what I personally consider the range of beavers living in a creek—-especially a small one.


I’d like to also add that a huge part of why I prefer this type of approach is because I have to presume they’ve been messed with. The thing about beavers is this: if no one has messed with them, a kindergartener can catch them if they make proper sets. If someone screws with them it can be frustrating.

I prefer to cover my bases. If someone wants to go rush in, fine—-their jobs, their time. If I’m catching them, I want them to remain calm if possible. This is my opinion, and it may not be worth much. I will say that I didn’t learn this the easy way, I assure you!

^^^this is what I would have done first.


Why the reluctance? Stop and explain the situation to the landowner...