The castor set IS my change up a lot of the time. When possible, I start out with blind sets. When possible, I only use blind sets. If there’s flooding and/or blind sets are fewer and farther between, I’ll use castor sets.


When I need a change up after I’ve started using lure, I’ll make mud pie/crawl out sets with no lure, or castor/oil from family members. A lot of people like using the colony members’ sac oil. I like to use their castor with a little sac oil mixed in, and I’ll put it somewhere that they’ll smell it. I check the weather forecast for the next day or two and I’ll put this set on the upwind side, just a small bit of mud and debris or, most times, just rub the castor/oil on a stick or branch above or beyond the trap. If dealing with a trap shy beaver, I will ONLY make the best sets that I can. This means putting a 330 in a pinch, because I don’t want to have all kinds of fencing, or, even better, a snare or foothold, or, my personal favorite, a Torp.

Indeed. Beaver aren't thinkers, lol. It is similar to trapping big giant muskrats.

Sounds like a good set. When using corn, you’re using a cob? Beavers here don’t see corn, but I wonder how they’d react to it. I’m going to have to try it. I really like the idea of using something that contrasts so well—-yellow corn against a dark bank

The trapper Is his own worst enemy when It comes to trapping beaver. Most go In like a bull In a china shop and think the beaver don't know what's going on.
THye may not be to smart but they know that something Isn't right.

When I'm on ADC job I scout It like some black opts operation. I don't even carry In any gear. But when I have It planned I'm In and out with as less disturbance as I can. This system works for me.

I might not be as sneaky when fur trapping but I do plan ahead before I start setting traps.

That happens more them we like to admit.

I had the last beaver blocked Into It's hut with 330s. It final chewed out through the top of the hut after 7 checks and never to be seen again.

I always found those small pond beavers to be the hardest to catch. I spent a few nights sitting up with the shot gun to take the last one.

A old time beaver trapper told me that when he made a castor set he just used a stick with castor on It. He tied a piece of string to that stick and then tied that string to the trap. When he made a catch the beaver left with the scent stick. And that set was just as good as new when re setting.

I'm working on one of those right now, started with all blind sets and then to snares. 7 dead but saw sign today at the culvert with sticks and mud against my 330 Sat in the truck and thunk on it a spell. Now 2 gaps in the brush are guarded with snares leading to a small castor mound next to an excisting mound, no lure. I'm thinking its the old girl. Normally those are the tough ones. May have to spend an evening with #4buckshot..

This is a county job so they want em all gone. If I was fur trapping I'd be gone. I always go in and access the situation before I set up a control job, and ask one question, has any one tried to trap these yet?? If not I'll set every blind set with a 330, then to snares and footholds. Sac oil has been the end to a few and I always have my own castor lure and 2 from others. I never get close to the house until most are dead and when I do its like I'm stalking a Booner.

Am not sure if you are in Corn area.
Corn is my mainstay for Beaver, not a change up.
Corn is King in my area.
Beavers know about Corn around here.
A half or whole ear of Corn placed in a pocket does the trick for me.