I would use a 330 but do any of you guys use 280s effectively for beaver.

use 280 Belisle have caught them in the 50 pound range. Only down side is if your trying to block a channel you might have to add some blocking sticks. Plus side is they fire faster if a Otter is going through.

I've used both for years, I just use the size that fills the gap/run best without to much blocking. I even use 220s for beaver, size of the beaver doesn't matter. They are used to going thru tight spots.

The 280 is an excellent trap for beaver especially at dam crossovers and stream channel sets where you may also catch an otter in a non-drowning situation. As "trappergbus" stated, "size of the beaver doesn't matter. They are used to going thru tight spots." Also my experience with the smaller 280 is that it closes faster and results in fewer, if any, poor catches especially on otter. The 280 will also capture more of the incidental mink and muskrats that often trigger 330 sets without getting caught.

What was said above, the size of the opening being set is what should determine the trap used. I even use 280s on floats. Almost always a hit right behind the ears. Beaver goes lights out quick and it helps keep them from tangling up or totally wrecking the float. Plus the float sits in the water a little better with the lighter 280 in it.

Thanks for the feedback.

EITHER OR cant say ive ever had a bad catch with a 280 nailed on last winter that was 1oz away from 70lbs no sign of struggle and DED dead!

280s are great traps, they fit tighter spots, and they’re perfect for some sets.


Generally speaking, I prefer 330s.

^^ what he said!

280 will catch beaver in the right circumstances,but the 330 is a beaver trap.

I’ve caught beaver in a 220. And a 280 works in tighter pinch points too....but the 330 is king.

I use 280s if I have to carry traps any distance. I can carry more of them at a time. 330s however need less blocking though it’s rarely a problem. I endorse both 100%.

Your targeting the head of the beaver so the size of the trap only relates to the set location your setting.
A well tuned BG Is going to hit that beaver right behind the ears and that's what you want.

Not always.Certain sets you want the beaver double struck,or at least further into the trap.Critical at multiple set 330's set side by side,in order to keep the other traps working after an initial catch.

330 is the trap to use for beaver effectively in all situations. You never want an educated beaver as sometime you will run into the mother of all beaver or one pulling a feeder stick which would snap or interfere with the entrance. If you have a 280 and are reaching for a 330, you do not have an all around trap. If you are going after other furbearers then the smaller sizes are what you set.