Beaver Sets (cont.)

The following types of sets are effective with beavers.

Under-Ice Set for Beavers

This set can be used where ice is thick and low temperature makes an open water set impossible.

• Be very careful when making an under-ice set.
• Make sure the ice is safe.
• Have someone with you in case you need help. Beginners should not try to make an under-ice set without help.

Pole Set for Beavers

One type of under-ice set is the pole set. Follow these steps to make the set.

• Cut a hole in the ice in the general area of the beaver's lodge or den. Traps should not be set too close to a beaver's lodge, as a trapped beaver may alarm others in the lodge. In addition, your state may prohibit traps too close to a lodge. Check Montana furbearer trapping regulations.
• Choose a dead pole, 3" to 4" in diameter. The pole should be long enough to extend well above the ice while touching the bottom of the pond.
• Nail fresh aspen or other boughs crosswise to the pole.
• With wrapping cord, tie a heavy longspring foothold trap to a platform immediately below the bait. The cord will break when a beaver is caught and attempts to pull away.
• Wire the trap chain to the pole. Insert the pole into the hole in the ice. Push the pole into the mud and at a right angle to the pond's bottom. Also, insert two dead sticks into the bottom, just behind the bait sticks, to prevent bait stealing. Fill the hole above the trap and bait with chopped ice, which will freeze solid. When a beaver is captured, it will asphyxiate under the ice.

This set also can be made with a bodygrip trap or non-powered cable device. Cable devices require additional poles to position and anchor the device, and cables probably will need to be replaced each time a beaver is caught.

Tepee Set for Beavers

Another type of under-ice set is the tepee set. Instead of attaching the trap to a single pole, this set positions the trap between two sticks, arranged in a tepee shape.

Canal Set (Channel Set) for Beavers

Beavers follow underwater paths called channels. The canal set places a bodygrip trap in one of these channels. The canal set is one of the better beaver sets. It can be used either under the ice or below the surface in open water.

Follow these steps to make the set.

• Use sticks to anchor the trap and hold it upright in the channel. Place the sticks inside the trap springs so that they won't block the jaws from closing.
• Center the trap in the channel. (Beavers swim to the middle.)
• If the channel is too wide, place sticks or brush to narrow the channel and force the animal into the trap. In open water, place a small log or limb over the trap to force the animal to dive under and into the trap.

The large bodygrip traps used here are very powerful. They are not recommended for use by young trappers.

This set also can be made with non-powered cable devices or cage traps attached securely to stout poles.

Avoiding Otters With Beaver Sets

Otters and beavers can be found in the same habitat. To avoid catching otters in beaver sets when otter trapping is not allowed, trappers must take precautions. Suggestions include the following.

• Avoid setting traps in places where otters travel such as along beaver trails, across beaver dams, in abandoned beaver lodges or bank dens, and along trails between ponds and besides shorelines.
• Use bait that will attract beavers but not otters.
• Adjust the trigger on bodygrip traps to catch beavers but allow otters to pass through safely.
  • Move the trigger to one side.
  • Shorten the trigger.
• With cable devices, set the loop to 9 to 10 inches in diameter. Use a loop stop to keep the loop from closing small enough to trap an otter (about 4 inches in diameter).
• Catch beavers as quickly as possible using multiple traps. Then remove all traps from the area.
• If you do catch an otter in a live-restraining device, use a catchpole to release it unharmed.