Starting to get ready to catch a 1000 muskrats come fall . Making up some more colony traps and got to thinking why don't I have beaver size . Then I got to thinking I don't know anybudy that has beaver size. So I look up beaver colony traps and what I'm reading they work great on beaver but not otter . For otter you need power doors . Seems like that's a good thing . If your trapping beaver and your tag out on otter or there non target then just use the gravity doored colony trap . Has any buddy made beaver size and did you make them folding . Sounds like the guys out in WA have all kinds of ways

Never heard of no beaver colony traps. Always known them as live traps.

They must work because there not legal for reg fur trapping here in Michigan but there legal for ADC . It could be the way to go in areas where there's a chance of non target otter or trapping runs . I know I kill the muskrats by the truck load with colony traps . With the beaver size you would need a heavy gauge door . With muskrats we tried 8+8 and the rats would bend the wire out and get out . So we went 5" tall and 8" wide and that solved that problem . Don't need them tall but wide is good some times . Last year I made some with lead sinkers on the doors to make them close faster in faster running water . Also went 3' on that model . I always wondered why they didn't catch much in faster water till one day I was walking up and this rat took off down stream . The muskrat went right into the trap and bounced off the dead rats in the trap and back out before the door could close . It happened so fast it took a min for my brain to catch up with my eyes . Maybe adding lead to the doors of the beaver size would help catch more otter .

I have one I made at the beginning of the summer that shows very good promise.

I have another I am working on without the same copacity. Will try to show soon.Different design. Probably show while at the Tenn.fall get together.



Mine have powered doors.

I'm sure you do Kirk and im sure it will be tested and tested and tested and even have video of the animal testing it before it hits the hands of the pickup driving trapper . I'm also sure it will hold up to catch after catch with out brake downs . This is just my thought what this trap should have . The trap should work with or without the power doors . Multiy catch is good and if the otter can beat the doors that's good to . The trap should have smaller size wire . Why one might ask . Smaller wire means less weeds , algae , sticks ect get caught on the wire when set in creeks , I truly hate trying to get that stuff off my colony traps . My colony traps I make just for bottom edge creeks are longer but have 1/2x1" wire and one simple dip and there clean of all that stuff . the reg colony I make for setting rat runs have the 1"x2" wire and when I do set these in creeks it's crazy how hard it is to clean these traps of debri . I know no big deal but when your out running a 100 mile long trap line of hundreds of bottom edge colony traps set in creeks it is a big deal . Every time it rains you go oh no . Also you must set walking down stream so your not plugging up your traps . With the smaller sized wire the stuff just rolls off and the stuff that does get caught simply cleans off .

The most important thing I can say about Kirk Dekalb, his traps and design is that he is always his worst critic and always trying to make a trap better then the one he currently has on the market.

I admire Kirk's innovation and how he is changing modern live cage trapping today!

I have thought that a funnel might be a better way for beaver. No need for any weights or springs. The disadvantage would be in a current.

Any one have comments on use of funnels for beaver ?

I have know idea what a beaver funnel is but a got this butter fly feeling just reading them words so please explane .

X2

What we have, here in Wash. isn't a true colony trap. it is 12x12x48 the doors are angled in, when set they are held up by rods with a trip rod in the center( Vinke has posted pics of this trap). Beaver swims into trap hits trip rod and doors close, on the original no springs and no lock, This allows for additional beaver to push their way into the trap. When set in den entrances and lodge entrances they do push in. And you get multiple catches, this gives the impression of a colony trap for beaver, it isn't, it is a cage trap without doorlocks, BUT, The otter do beat the doors so a spring was added in the next generation trap because otter ARE LEGAL to catch in a colony trap or beaver cage trap or whatever type of trap you are using, if the county is open for them, that is.

Robb and Scott, I think the best thing is that besides Kirk, Jim Comstock and Gregg Smith are also working overtime to give us the best products they can. I would like to give a special thanks to these three individuals. They make all of us feel important!

You got a lot of merit.

do you have any pictures

Couldnt decide on comstock, dekalb, or tomahawk (think that is owned by Greg mentioned above) on my last order but ended up w/ tomahawk. Very well built w/ a coon proof pan so to speak. Real pleased so far.

Pesky-

Been trying to get a picture myself for quite a while. Was told the trap was 18 wide 12 tall and 48 long. Doors could either be 1/4 bar or 1/4 bar frame with wire. Doors swung in and rested on bottom. No spring.
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Picture would be nice.

I hope that is postive comment . My thought is just like rats a funnel allow them in without a moving door but finding the exit is difficult. They would have to be stout as I have seen how strong a trapped beaver can be. However just as with any drowner dispatch is fast. I have wanted to attempt a proto type, perhaps you Kirk De have a thought or....perhaps better experience with such a design.

Pesky...a funnel is just as you would think. A funnel leading into a cyclinder cage large enough for a critter to push into. Just like a minnow trap funneled in but not out.

If you need addition info feel free to pm or call me, I do think you have my number.

Yes the ones I use and make are 12x18x48 and 16x16x48 the doors open in and drop when the animal hits a rod in the middle of the trap the doors free fall and are made of 1/4 rod. I have had extra beavers push their way into the trap. I am going outside right now to take a picture hopefully I can get it posted.

Pesky...a funnel is just as you would think. A funnel leading into a cyclinder cage large enough for a critter to push into. Just like a minnow trap funneled in but not out.

If you need addition info feel free to pm or call me, I do think you have my number.[/quote] I got ya I've trapped many a minnow . Got a minnow trap on the truck right now . Ok I got ya like them muskrat traps that look like a minnow trap . Almost bought one last year at the convention maybe I'll get one at the convention this saturday . I know about a 100 culverts to try it on

awesome

Will post some pics tomorrow after work (graveyard). Have both traps spring dorrs and falling doors.