Here in Wisconsin we gotta stay 15' away from beaver dam with our sets. So can I set the lodge or no? Are there restrictions on that too or is this fair game? I've got a nice sized lodge I'd like to set & thinking about getting some 330s and finding some runs. Water depth is anywhere from shallow to too deep for waders with partial ice surround. It'd be easier to set closer to lodge where it's shallower.
Any replies appreciated, if I gotta I can contact DNR too. Thanks guys

You can set the lodge or den. Just stay hat 15" away from the dam. Sometimes there will be a channel leading to the dam.

I curious. How do they measure that? From the closest stick in the dam? I've seen whole small trees wedged into a dam. They might stretch 20 feed down stream.

They measure from anything exposed above/at water line here in Maine.

That is a good question,the base of a large dam can be a long ways out from the top too.
What is the purpose of a law like that except to make life more difficult for a working trapper?It will not prevent any beaver from getting trapped.

That stems from the days when beaver were scarce.

And the only set anybody knew was the "dam break" set.

I think it's to avoid incidental take of otter. Not saying I like the law, but I think that's the reason for it.

I Lived and Trapped there for 12 years.... did a lot of fur and ADC work , never bothered me then... but I'm glad Mn. does not have those rules.

I think landowers can trap within 15 feet of the dam, but I don't think even the Agent is allowed to.

DP's are allowed there, that I know, but I think that's it.

Great, thanks for the info. I'll be getting to those guys next weekend then. I'm only looking to take a few as it's a half mile walk in on public land, a long walk out with these big beaver we got here. With it being partial ice in a narrow river channel would it be a waste of time using castor mound set? Or try it & see. I've never tried snares & don't own 330s yet (was planning to get some for this location)

Be careful and safe if you begin by using 330's a half mile from the road. They are great, but don't get your hand caught in them. Just be prepared and thoughtful.

I don't know as a castor mound set is ever a waste of time.

Snares are light weight in that they are ez to carry in. Just have them set up to drown the beaver.