Trapping Beaver after Jan. 31

[skunkboy]

I have read the rules and know that you are allowed to trap Beaver until April 15. I was wondering if there are any laws/rules about where a Beaver trap can be set. Do they need to be submerged is my concern. I can see some accidental catches if set on land.

I have a farmer friend that wants me to try to get rid of a caouple Beavers that have moved into his creek and I want to be right on the laws/rules.

I have also saw the rules regarding snares...11" max if within 30 yards of water. What if I should accidentally catch a coyote in a snare after Jan 31? Do I turn it in? Keep my mouth shut? Just curious...so many chances for those accidental catches.

L8R...Ken

[jbruegge]

Carry a catch pole with you. It WILL come in handy.

I make my beaver loops quite a bit smaller than 11" probably more like 8", trying to cut down on hip catches plus they re much closer to the ground so coyotes shouldn't me a big concern. Not saying it can't happen, but I haven't had any problems and don't lose any sleep worrying about coyotes. Coons will get caught in them tho. Just have to grab them with the catch pole and cut them out. They're not too bad to deal with.

With footholds, target a back foot for beavers and you'll cut down on your coon incidentals.

Otters suck. Good luck with them.

[hillbillyken]

I was hoping for an early ice out but beginning to think that's not gunna happen

[~ADC~]

No rules on specific locations skunkboy. Incidentals can happen just deal with them discreetly and move on. JB gave good advice, try to target beaver, that's what you'll catch, mostly.

~ADC~

[TRapper]

when I snare beaver in spring I have snare on the ground and actually push the top of the snare down to make more of a circle...I avoid most coon this way

[skunkboy]

Yeah, I was thinking about the snare thing. Since Beaver walk around with there chin nearly on the ground anyway (height challenged I think would be the politically correct term), I can see setting quite a bit lower for them. That alone should stop most incidental catches.

Thanks for the advise...hope to get a few this spring. I might be old, but I'm learning a lot form all you guys and I really enjoy the activity. Getting closer to retirement, then I'll have the time to do more. I don't ever expect to have a 1000 coon year but 100 might suit me well sometime.

Thanks again...Ken

Now to get some castor and scents.

[srb]

If you are going to trap beaver in the spring you will have some incidental catches it happens to be part of the game. The only way to avoid it is to stay home.

[iamonsterbuck]

What fur buyer are still buying in March and early April? I was looking at Viers and his routes stop mid Feb and looks like Greonwald(?) stops before that. I am in central Iowa and most likely wouldn't have very many but would like to have a plan to sell them before trying.

[~ADC~]

Jan 23, 2014 18:37:20 GMT -6 iamonsterbuck said:

What fur buyer are still buying in March and early April? I was looking at Viers and his routes stop mid Feb and looks like Greonwald(?) stops before that. I am in central Iowa and most likely wouldn't have very many but would like to have a plan to sell them before trying.

I've sold them to Bruce Hutton at our ITT get-together in the spring. It'll be April 19th in Maxwell. Double check to see if Bruce will be there.

~ADC~

[iowatrapper]

I normally sell to Rick.

[iamonsterbuck]

Who is Rick?

[iamonsterbuck]

I assume you are talking about Rick with Northeast Fur Exchange.

Thanks,

[bradphillips]

Most fur buyers will still buy fur, just not much sense in running a route after the regular hide season is done.

[coonnfoxtrapper]

I sold 15 or so last spring at Cables in spirit lake. This year i may try finishing them if im not to busy.