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ials, bridge planking, Crossties,
<br /> rocks, w.i~e,, ancf"otftet'rhetal, wood
<br /> and fiber materials. Therefore,
<br /> about the only available aquatic
<br /> habitat beavers avoid are those
<br /> systems lacking acceptable foods,
<br /> lodge or denning sites and where
<br /> no suitable site exists to construct
<br /> dams. Additional research is need-
<br /> ed on repellents for beaver damage
<br /> prevention.
<br />
<br /> Toxicants
<br />
<br /> None are registered. However,
<br /> there have been research efforts
<br /> conducted to find effective, en-
<br /> vironmentally safe and. practk:a~,..
<br /> toxicants. Currently there are none
<br /> which meet these criteria.
<br />
<br /> Fumigants
<br />
<br /> None are registered. The situation
<br /> is similar as alluded to under the
<br /> toxicants section.
<br />
<br /> Traps
<br />
<br /> A variety of trapping methods and
<br /> different types of traps are effec-
<br /> tive for beavers depending upon
<br /> the situation. Fish and wildlife
<br /> agency regulations vary from state
<br /> to state. Some tYPes of traps and
<br /> trapping methods, although effec-
<br /> tive and legal in some states, may
<br /> be totally prohibited by law in
<br /> other states. Individual state
<br /> regulations must be reviewed an-
<br /> nually before beginning a trapping
<br /> program.
<br />
<br /> The use of traps in most situations
<br /> where beavers are causing damage
<br /> is the most effective, practical and
<br /> environmentally safe method of
<br /> control. The effectiveness of any
<br /> type of trap for beaver control is
<br /> dependent on the trapper's knowl-
<br />, e.d&e..of~be-a~vef~h~ab~tS~ i'ncluding
<br /> food preferences, ability to read
<br /> beaver signs, use of the proper trap
<br /> to fit the situation, and trap place-
<br /> ment. Ntost anyone with trapping
<br /> experience and some outdoor "sav-
<br /> vy'' can become an effective
<br /> beaver trapper in a short time.~ Ob-
<br /> viously, in an area where beavers
<br /> ~re common and have not been ex-
<br /> ~osed to trapping, 'one can expect
<br />
<br />its capability to kill the beaver
<br />quickly, traps can'be set quickly.
<br />Only one trap per site generally is
<br />necessary, thus reducing the need
<br />for extra traps. It exerts tremen-
<br />dous pressure and impact when
<br />tripped. Therefore, as with most
<br />traps, appropriate care must be ex-
<br />ercised when setting and p acing
<br />the trap.
<br />
<br />Figure 7. Basic method of setting and stak-
<br />ing a Conibear® 330 trap·
<br />Additional stakes are normally used (see
<br />Figure 8 ).
<br />
<br /> g°°d's~cceS~;i AdditiOnal expertise
<br /> and improved techniques will be
<br /> gained through experience.
<br />
<br />In some states where beavers have
<br />become serious economic pests,
<br />special regulations and exemptions
<br />have been passed to allow for in-
<br />creased control efforts. For exam-
<br />ple, some allow trapping and snar-
<br />ing of beavers and other control
<br />measures throughout the year.'
<br />However, other states prohibit trap-
<br />ping except during the established
<br />fur trapping seasons. Others have
<br />allowed exemptions for removal of
<br />beavers only on lands owned or
<br />controlled by persons who are suf-
<br />fering losses. Still, others require a
<br />special permit from the state fish
<br />and wildlife agency.
<br />
<br />Of the variety of traps commonly
<br />allowed for use in beaver control,
<br />the Conibear® type, size 330, is
<br />one of the most effective for most
<br />situations (Figure 7). Not all trap-
<br />pers will agree that this type trap is
<br />most effective; however, it is the
<br />
<br /> Some additional equipment will ·
<br /> help when trapping beavers. This'
<br /> includes an axe, hatchet, or large .
<br /> cutting tool, hip boots or w~,de[~,
<br /> wire and wire'~c~tters. When using
<br /> the Conibear type trap, some peo-
<br /> ple employ a device or tool called
<br /> "setting tongs." Others use a piece
<br /> of 3/8 or 1/2-inch (9.53 or 12.7 mm)
<br /> nylon or other rope. Most people
<br /> who use these traps extensively. use
<br /> only their hands. Regardless of the
<br /> techniques used to set the trap,
<br /> care should be exercised.
<br />
<br />Earlier models of this type of trap
<br />came with some round, heavy steel
<br />coils which were dangerous to han-
<br />dle unless properly utilized in set-
<br />ting the trap. They are not
<br />necessary to safely set the trap..
<br />However, the two safety hooks,
<br />one on each spring, must be
<br />carefully utilized as each spring is
<br />depressed, as well as during the
<br />procedure of trap placement. On
<br />newer packaging of this type trap,
<br />an additional safety catch (not at-
<br />tached to the springs) is included
<br />for extra precaution against in-
<br />advertent spring release. The'last
<br />step before leaving a set once the
<br />trap is in place is to lift the safety
<br />hook attached to each spring,
<br />
<br />type most commonly used by pro- sliding,the..safet, y,,hook back from
<br />fessional trappers and..fur~ t~appeF~.:...· .,the trap part toward the spring eye
<br />who ~re t~apping principally for
<br /> making sure to keep hands and
<br />
<br />beavers. This trap kills a trapped
<br />beaver almost instantly. When pro-
<br />perly set, this type trap prevents
<br />any escape by a beaver, regardless
<br />of its size. Designed primarily for
<br />water use, it is equa'lly effective in
<br />deep and shallow water. Because
<br />of its size, effectiveness, mobility
<br />-- no need for additional ap-
<br />paratus to'drown the beaver, and
<br />
<br />feet safely away from the center, of
<br />the trap. If the extra (unattached)
<br />safety catch is employed, it should
<br />be removed prior to removal of
<br />those attached to the springs to
<br />avoid it being in the way of move-
<br />ment of the safety hooks.
<br />
<br />
<br />
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