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Post by sixgun44 on Feb 22, 2012 17:54:12 GMT -5
I walked up to check a drowner set this morning to see my trap had been tripped, a little spot where it shook the trap,and a "WICKED" big track on the shore line. I tried to take a picture, but it would not show up in the pic . Does this happen a lot with foot holds and beaver or should i just get a bigger trap? I hope it tries a 330, don't think it will be able to get thet off...will it?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2012 17:58:36 GMT -5
Most likely, the Beaver hit the foothold with his chest. Beaver swim with their front feet tucked in. Lay a stick in front of the trap, (fasten it so it won't float away or get pushed by the beaver) the Beaver's chest hits the stick, then steps over the stick, right into your trap....
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Post by sixgun44 on Feb 22, 2012 18:10:05 GMT -5
Cool..thanks, I was really thinking i had to get some better leg holds...want to invest in more Conibears first.
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Post by Itrapny on Feb 22, 2012 18:20:52 GMT -5
How deep did you have it set? If set for a hind foot catch, sometimes the beaver will trip the trap with the foot climbing out. This can occur if the trap isn't off-set in the approach just like at a dirt-hole set. If set shallow, as already stated, many times the beaver will trip the trap wit it's chest. You can also stick a couple sharpened sticks at a 45 degree angle so when the beaver the hits the sticks with it's chest it'll drop it's feet right into the trap below.
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Post by sixgun44 on Feb 22, 2012 18:37:08 GMT -5
I will try moving the trap around and the stick trick. Thanks
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traps82
#3 Newhouse
Hope is always alive
Posts: 3,208
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Post by traps82 on Feb 22, 2012 22:45:10 GMT -5
What make #4? Not going to trash it if it is Duke, but replace that "brass" bolt and nut if it is.. Make sure you got some pan tension on it. I use about 4 pounds when I set for the front foot on beavers. That way, they got some weight when the trap fires.
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Post by broadhorizons on Feb 22, 2012 23:58:42 GMT -5
And make sure you set the trap so it is bedded even or below the level of the bottom so that the beaver doesn't snag the trap with it's toe when raising it's feet when walking, knocking it out of the bed. Step into it, not over and on it.
Good luck and congrats on your other beaver.
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Post by whistlerwhittler on Feb 23, 2012 8:28:57 GMT -5
All the above suugestions are good in regards to trap placement. I usuallyset castor mounds for a back foot catch. I try to find a steeper bank with a bit of a shelf just below the waterline. Ideally I like to have the trap 8" - 10" below the water and about 18" - 19" (finger tips to elbow) in front of the castor mound, slightly offset to one side. Or I’ll set two traps on drowners, one trap offset to either side. I usually don’t use any poke sticks and just rely on the bank to get the beaver to put his back foot down on the trap. I normally try to find a natural cut into the bank to help funnel the beaver towards the mound. But if not I will either dig a small notch into the bank or use sticks stuck horizontally out from the bank forming a V to funnel the beaver over the trap as he approaches the mound.
Now I know many beaver are caught with #4 traps and set properly they are adequate. But a few years ago when I was brand new to beaver trapping, I also missed a lot with the #4's. My second year I tried some of the larger MB-750's and CDR 7.5's and the frequency of misses dropped off considerably. Those traps make a big target and can get a good hold on back feet. They are more expensive (something to consider if theft is a concern). But I run a small line on private land and they work good for me.
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Post by mole on Feb 23, 2012 9:02:00 GMT -5
I have caught a lot of beaver in #4 traps. set for front foot. need less water to drown also. when I first started a few years ago had #3 Ls traps that were my fathers. at one time that was the largest trap you could use. Front foot, worked fine. A poke stick in the chest, puts front foot down and you got him. look at your beaver, see where his feet are , Width, in realtion to where you set trap. 6 inches off center. Good Luck
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Post by trappermac on Feb 23, 2012 13:47:49 GMT -5
I have caught a lot of beaver in #4 traps. set for front foot. need less water to drown also. when I first started a few years ago had #3 Ls traps that were my fathers. at one time that was the largest trap you could use. Front foot, worked fine. A poke stick in the chest, puts front foot down and you got him. look at your beaver, see where his feet are , Width, in realtion to where you set trap. 6 inches off center. Good Luck Good advice right there!
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Post by sixgun44 on Feb 23, 2012 19:51:32 GMT -5
yeah... i did it again...missed it. This time trap was half way down cable. I did not try the poker stick, and may not have set it to the side enough. The land owner said that there is a beaver in the swamp bigger than anything they ever seen before, so i pulled traps to let it calm down and will reset on Sunday afternoon...i have another place to try. Should i switch up with a 330 in that spot when i set again or just set up with poker stick and 2 #4. I can not wait to get back there and get the biggin., .(with all the new tricks you guys told me about, it's in trouble.) THANKS
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Post by Adkmarten on Feb 23, 2012 21:07:47 GMT -5
Yeah the "Bump"/"poker" stick is a good idea but i would double check that pan tension because if you are only pinching its toes you should probably turn up the tension
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Post by sixgun44 on Feb 23, 2012 22:37:58 GMT -5
ok, thanks. i will check that too...maybe just tighten it up a little. It's personal now that it beat me twice...lol. Hopefully third time is a charm.
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Post by mole on Feb 24, 2012 10:02:44 GMT -5
Beaver trappers used to narrow their pans down , some even took the pan off and just used the tredel. Reason being they wanted the foot centered. Something to think about.
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Post by sixgun44 on Feb 24, 2012 18:18:53 GMT -5
WOW...there is alot that goes into Beaver trapping...and i love it. I am itching to reset,...all i can talk about is trapping and everyone thinks i am nuts. Tomorrow i am gonna go through my traps and tweek as suggested...thank you...set a few culverts, and another swamp if the owner is home to get permission. Everywhere i go i find myself looking, almost stalking "where to set the next one"..."gotta stop and ask to trap swamp/pond". I got it BAD... If there is a cure i don't want it...I love having trapititis. Oh yeah i have 2 MB 750's , a few more 330 mags , and some more lure on the way. Anyone want to buy a gun?...lol
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traps82
#3 Newhouse
Hope is always alive
Posts: 3,208
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Post by traps82 on Feb 24, 2012 21:31:52 GMT -5
WOW...there is alot that goes into Beaver trapping...and i love it. I am itching to reset,...all i can talk about is trapping and everyone thinks i am nuts. Tomorrow i am gonna go through my traps and tweek as suggested...thank you...set a few culverts, and another swamp if the owner is home to get permission. Everywhere i go i find myself looking, almost stalking "where to set the next one"..."gotta stop and ask to trap swamp/pond". I got it BAD... If there is a cure i don't want it...I love having trapititis. Oh yeah i have 2 MB 750's , a few more 330 mags , and some more lure on the way. Anyone want to buy a gun?...lol ;D ;D ;D
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