I haven’t been there yet but was told the dams were taken out 5-6 weeks ago. If they are still there is there different approach for beavers that are rebuilding? I’m hoping I get to do something for them because it could turn into access to about 8000 acres of untrapped prime coyote and cat country.

When I am doing damage control work where I have to catch them all and there is a big pond, I'll drain it and set the channels upstream of where the beavers are likely to gather limbs for dam repair to avoid catching lumber instead of beavers.
Doing this is the quickest way get in and get out with all of them.

Draining the pond really limits the areas where beaver can travel.The only water left is usually in the deepest entrance runs and channels, perfect for submerged bodygrips.They will hole up or leave for a while after a catastrophic event,but will return in a few days to undertake repairs when they believe things are safe.Good time to have your traps ready.
There should be some repair work by now if the beaver are there if it has been 5 weeks since the pond was drained.

I haven't tried that approach yet, but I sure like the idea of doing it that way. I think I may try it next time

I do it a little differently and have found that I deal with less problem beavers at the end of the colony.

I blind set every trail where I can put a foothold in position to drown where the beavers are more out of sight. I just assume have the relatives think the others went out for a camping trip.

Once that slows down I'll either give it a few days or start using lure from castor of the caught colony mates. Sometimes I mix it up but usually will keep the separate castor and oil from the A male and female, assuming I've caught them.

Common sets are castor mounds or trenches with castor. I normally keep a food set working in there as well. Variety is the spice of life, eh?

Once phase three is done, I'll will break the dam and position traps to guard the hole(s) from the repair men.

Then I throw a bunch of 330s out there when the water is down. Dive poles, channels, whatever is available.

Then I will finally approach and set the hut. I like to have a camera on the water during this last phase. Just to see who's swimming around my stuff. But it seems if there's a beaver left, it's a matter of just waiting him/her out. They gotta come out to eat.

There's no telling how long this process will take. It's honestly overnight sometimes and all the beavers are gone if it's a mated pair. Other times it takes a couple months. Then sometimes you realize you're fighting 3 beaver houses.

Either way, it's darn fun. I'd have to say that I love cat and beaver trapping the same. And I love chasing cats. Heck yotes too. There's nothing better than just being outside.

But to answer your question, brother. They'll still be getting in and out of the water.

With lowered water levels, assuming they haven't rebuilt, you'll see the fresh slides and crawlouts. You'll see where they're chewing. Blind set these spots. Then go through the phases. Develop new ones that work for you. I wouldn't go near the hut yet....but that's only my method.

It really depends on the drainage they are using. If it still holds waist deep water and there are den holes that are still submerged they may still be there.
If the water is completely gone, they may be miles downstream or relocated to a lake or pond.

They may return 1 by 1 or in a group after a rain.

Go check for sign armed with 330's.
Good luck

Registered: 02/23/09
Posts: 7282
Loc: California
I do it a little differently and have found that I deal with less problem beavers at the end of the colony.

I blind set the crap out of every trail where I can out a foothold in position to drown where the beavers are more out of sight. I just assume the relatives thinking the other relatives went out for a camping trip.

Once that slows down I'll either give it a few days or start using lire from castor of the caught colony mates. Sometimes I mix it up but usually will keep the separate castor and oil from the A male and female, assiluming I've caught them.

Common sets are castor mounds or trenches with castor. I normally keep a food set working in there as well. Variety is the spice of life, eh?

Once phase three is done, I'll will break the dam and position traps to guard the hole(s) from the repair men.

Then I throw a bunch of 330s out there when the water is down. Dive poles, channels, whatever is available.

Then I will finally approach nd set the hut. I like to have a camera on the water during this last phase. Just to see who's swimming around my stuff. But it seems if there's a beaver left, it's a matter of just waiting him/her out. They gotta come out to eat.

There's no telling how long this process will take. It's honestly overnight sometimes and all the beavers are gone if it's a matted pair. Other times it takes a couple months. Then you realize you're fighting 3 beaver houses.

Either way, it's darn fun. I'd have to say that I love cat and beaver trapping the same. And I love chasing cats. Heck yotes too. There's nothing better than just being outside.




Good advice here ^^
I've always trapped hard before breaking dams. Usually remove the water in stages over several trips when possible.
Then set the low water level to get the rest. IMO best way to avoid problem beavers.

I'll also add that i tend to trap farthest from where I know the beavers are living first. I make my way back toward the main pond/dam. I resist the temptation sometimes. Lol.

I agree with this point 100%, even after completely draining the swamp. Draining puts them on edge, and bum rushing the lodge can drive them out of the area for a couple of weeks or longer.