I set four traps yesterday, for what looks like a pair of beaver on a removal complaint. I had the sow this morning. 22 degrees has been the high for the day so far at 02:40 pm. If I don't have the male in the morning, I may wait until I can walk on the ice.

we'll be froze up soon.. bye bye gadwalls..

If the wind dies down tonight. We had about 35 mph wind all day, spitting snow. It never got above 22 here today. Its down to 20 now. I was hoping to get the male out of there before it freezes. May have to pull and wait for walking ice.

Mark, what do beaver in your neck of the woods stash for winter food supply?

That mama has some extras to catch with showing a few mammary glands.

First day I've seen groups of Goldeneyes coming back thru. They are never here more than a few days ahead of the ice up.
Good work MJ....

Osky

Nice Chunky Bevah'

That depends on what is available. Willow, cotton wood and poplar if it is around. This crew had Russian olive mainly. It is hard enough to draw sparks off a chainsaw. I have seen them living on cattail roots, corn, and sunflowers too.
Northof50 I don't think so. Time will tell.

How old are those setters?? I’m still using the first ones I ever bought 40 years ago. They look just like yours.

I made the setters, after I lost the set I made before them. I never bought a pair. 1/4 x 1 x 24" Drill a hole for the bolt and the spring slots. Cut the slots out with a hack saw. I would guess they are 10 years old.
No sign of beaver movement today. About 3/8s an inch of clear ice around the edge. Busted the ice out around the traps.

Nice mature beaver! For a second I thought this was going to be a thread about you seeing my ex trip and fall.

No movement again today. Traps under 1/2 - 3/4" of ice. I pulled and will go back once I can walk on it.
You ever see a beaver build a stool to reach a cotton wood limb? They did here.

Stool beavers. Nice catch