Beaver Sets

Typically, submersion trapping systems are used to trap beavers.

• In late fall and early spring, beavers are trapped in open water.
• In the heart of winter, traps are set through the ice. Because fur quality improves as winter progresses, the pelts that bring top dollar are caught through the ice or just after it melts.
• Set all traps to ensure the beaver will die quickly. The beaver is powerful and intelligent and may escape if not killed within a few minutes.

When seeking the beaver, make sure you have the proper equipment to set underwater traps and handle this large furbearer. You will need:

• Heavy coil-spring or longspring foothold traps
• Large bodygrip traps
• A long-handled ax for cutting bait and chopping holes in the ice
• A trowel for digging or building up trap beds
• Long-sleeved rubber gloves
• A trap hook

When using bodygrip traps in beaver sets, many trappers take the following steps.

• Twist the wire triggers together, and center the trigger. This reduces the risk that a beaver carrying vegetation will spring the trap prematurely.
• Set the trap so that the trigger is on the bottom. This reduces fur damage.
• Use traps with bent corners. This also reduces fur damage.
• Use a stabilizer to keep the trap in the desired position. Otherwise, use sticks or poles to support traps in channels, in front of dens, or in other desired locations. Cage traps also may be used in submersion systems for beavers.

The following types of sets are effective with beavers.

Slide Set for Beavers

One set that works well on beavers is similar to the slide set used for muskrats. The set can be used at a slide or at any spot where beavers can be lured to a bank. It can be used even when the water surface is frozen if an opening is broken near the shore.

Follow these steps to make the set.

• Use a large foothold trap. Wire a large rock (or cement block) weighing about 20 pounds to the end of the slide wire. Attach the trap to the slide wire with a one-way sliding lock.
• Set the trap in shallow water, 8" to 12" away from the bank. Use a trowel to dig away or build up the bottom to the proper elevation.
• Place the heavy rock in deep water at cable length. Anchor the top of the cable on the bank with a stake strong enough to hold a beaver.
• Put a few pieces of food, such as freshly cut aspen boughs, on the bank. Other suitable bait cuttings include wild cherry, apple, or whatever beavers are cutting locally.
• Add lure to the boughs.

Scent Mound Set for Beavers

The scent mound set is a variation of the slide set. This variation is effective along streams where beavers are using bank dens.

• Beavers make mounds of mud and mark them with their scent glands. If you cannot find a scent mound, make one. Mound mud near the water's edge. Add a few drops of lure to the mound.
• Approximately 3" to 4" into the water, set a foothold trap. Attach a heavy rock or cement block to the end of a cable wire, and attach the trap to the cable with a one-way sliding lock. Anchor the other end of the cable with a stake along the bank.
• On mud-bottom streams, use a sliding wire if rocks are not available.

Open Water Set for Beavers

This set is made like a scent mound set. However, use fresh poplar cuttings or other food as bait, instead of using lure.