On another thread I started I've learned 280's are far better for otter than 330's. Now, about 280's and beaver. Other than having to use more blocking in some areas are 280's adequate for most beavers in most situations? I'm starting to form the idea that 280's would be a better choice in areas with both beaver and otter but with my limited experience with both it's just a unproven theory. What's been you all's experience with 280's and beaver?

I went from footholds to Montgomery 600s(which were 280 size)I caught many beaver but eventually tried 330's.I have used 330s over 280s for decades now and consider them a much better trap for beaver than the 280.While 280s have there place in more confined areas and may be better --otterwise.I will stick to 330s.
Tom

IMO, 280 will take beaver as well as 330s, but would give the edge to 330s. However the 280 will give you more otter on a consistent basis. So I always figured it would equal out the same in animal count and I wanted the otter.

I've had some beaver knock down blocking to go around 280's. Enough that I don't use them much anymore when strictly after beaver. 330's are a much better beaver trap IMO. The only advantage of 280's for otter is a more favorable hold, more strikes behind the ears. Some trap brands, like Duke, only have a jaw spread of 8 1/2" one way, only 1/2" taller than a 280. If you want a dual type trap, one of the brands with an 8 1/2" jaw spread might work the best for you. Should definitely be magnum style though.

I prefer the 330 for both species. Once the triggers are tuned for limited travel and sensitivity I get proper strikes on both species and the larger opening of the 330 makes it less likely to have avoidance. The 280 does have it's place in small or narrow openings where a 330 does not fit well and it certainly kills both species.

I don't have the beaver experience of some of the guys that have posted before but the 330 is the better beaver trap in my opinion.

My 2 biggest beaver came from 280's that were set in channels that a 280 fit perfectly, both were in pretty swift current, and both set with otter in mind. Point being 280's will get the job done but 330's are more consistent for me.

280s have their place with my beaver gear. I don't use em often, and rarely more than one, but sometimes there's a tight place that I want to set, and that's what it takes. I generally carry a half dozen 330s and a 280 with stabilizers.

If I have to do much blocking, I'll just use a 330. If I have my choice, I'll use a 330, but there are times that a 280 just fits better. I find that they see the most use on my lines near roads/Culverts. Often times there is a small ditch that runs perpendicular to the drainage, and that's where I usually set a 280. I could dig out to make a 330 fit, or I could use a 280 as is. Just like snares, use the tool that fits. A little easier to fit in a tight place, just a little easier to get my T triggers underwater. Kills beaver stone dead.


I rarely need to set den exits, but there are times that I need to, if for no other reason than insurance, and 280s often fit perfectly.

Other than filing the dog so it sits on the tigger shoulders and filing a bevel ed edge on the front of the dog is there any other tuning I should be doing?

I disagree. It might give you better catches on the otter you catch but I can’t see how you will catch more.

x2....I normally only use a 280 if the spot is too narrow for a 330. My custom wishbone triggers catch otters equally well in either. Tuning a body gripper to trip with minimal trigger movement is MOST important for nabbing otter efficiently/humanely.

If your using 280s or 330s at castor mound sets It's not a issue on what trap your using. Since In most cases your leaving the trap about 4" to 5" out of the water.

I Had more beaver trying to go over the top of 280s at my castor mound sets.Cross sticks over the top helped,but far less problems with 330s set the same way.
Tom

What difference Is there If the 280 Is 6" out of the water or the 330 Is 6" out of the water and your cross staking over the trap?

Obvious difference is the width. Visually to me I want a nice big inviting opening, but thats just me...I have never tried a 280 at a castor set. Just looked too small for my liking.

I prefer an 11" sauvageau for castor sets. I also catch otter just fine in the 11" traps. If I have a smaller creek where the trap fits nice it gets a 280. If I have a bigger area I will reach for a 10 or 11" trap. I fit the trap to the hole erring on the side of the bigger trap every time. I find a critter aims for the center of an opening
Evidenced by the fact that my 11" sauvageaus on crossovers are commonly plugged up by rats. Almost always right behind the head. Seems the buggers find it good sport or something

There s no 6 inches out of the water--half submerged means 4 or 5 inches at the most out of the water.
And for me it has made a difference--and that is whom I am worried about--my success.
Again--its what works for me, and why I prefer 330s. I am more than happy making my castor mounds and using 330s--after all the beaver I have taken this way,I am not going to worry about it any more.
As long as I am happy--nothing else matters.
Tom

I prefer a bigger trap for another reason. My water levels fluctuate a 18" or more each way depending on the width. Makes for some sloppy castor sets at times, and a larger trap helps negate the effects of something I cannot control.

The dude asked If he could use a 280 In place of a 330 and the answer Is yes he can. And He probably dosen't care what makes you happy Tom. LOL

And Maybe In Tennessee he can place his trap all the way out of the water.
A beaver Is only about 6" wide actually his head Is only about 4" wide and a well placed 280 at a castor mound Is going to take them with no issues.

I know cross staking over the 330 works for Tom. But on my line It seems to say BEAVER there Is a 330 placed here. To me It just seems to be a bit un natural.

I cross stake the other way so I can adjust my trap up or down as I see fit. And there Is very little of the sticks showing above the water. And the beaver can get the trap off the cross sticks a lot easier and get out of site a bit better.
But If Toms way makes him happy so be It.LOL

Your water levels fluctuate at 18" each day? Seems like you may need 20" trap. LOL

Pretty sure there are a lot of beaver out there where those measurements won't apply. That's not to say that their heads won't fit through a 280 because they sure will. 6 inch wide beaver...really?

That Is an exception to the rule. LOl

But I bet It's head Is not much wider then 6". And the head Is the targeted area not the whole body.