What is a good 330 for the price? Are Dukes and Bridgers decent or junk? I know Belisle is supposed to be the best but they are pricey. I've never done any beaver trapping but they are tearing up the backside of our farm. Good time to learn.

Dukes will be fine for what you need. I have a few and they've done their job so far without any problems.

Canebrake, I use Duke 330's with no problems. I am by no means a professional beaver trapper but they work well for keeping the beavers in check on my farm. Eric

Thanks for the replies. What is the difference between the Duke 330 and 330 Magnum?

I'm not sure but the regulars will work fine. Get a couple, some locking setters, and Backbreaker and you will be set

for 10 more dollars i'd go belisle. they are a magnum meaning they close all the way, have hooks that stay where you put them and a great trigger. That's all i use. tried others and they got sold. I can start a fire with flint and steel but I use a bic lighter. Not that extreme with bg's but you won' regret getting a better trap. snares might be a good option also

Sometimes I prefer the Duke b/c they're 1" shorter, which in some cases is just enough to meet our 50% submersion law.

The Bridgers are fine but the safety's are better on the Belisle.

I earned a good living with Duke and Bridgers and liked them better once I modded the safeties so they stay in place like a Belisle.

What a great idea john. Duke's safetys are way too loose. It looks like you just wrapped some thin wire.

Closing all the way? Most critters are at least 3" to 4" thick so what's the difference if the trap closes all the way.

Dukes work for me.

Quicker dispatch due greater pressure with complete closure I would think.

But with a beaver sized critter I don't see any advantage. Since the springs are only traveling as far as the critter will let them. I can see It If you were trapping frogs or snakes.

Magnums are good if you have muskrats tripping your traps. The rats will pay for the difference in price the first year you use them. And they are eliminated so they can't spring the trap before a beaver. I have caught lots of tail caught rats in 330 magnums.

^^^^^^^^^^^^ Right on, that's the prime advantage of full closure traps and well worth the extra money.

Very unlucky rats.

True, but if a person joins the 330 club by pinching themselves in such a set, the situation could turn out extra bad. I guess a trapper just has to evaluate if that increased hazard is worth the advantage they provide. I can see both sides.

Well where I trapped beaver they had no rats so It wasn't a issue for me. And with the price of rats I would rather push the triggers off to one side and not have them plugging my beaver traps.

will a duke hold a beaver by the tail? don' know never had it happen.
I know a Belisle will. had it happen.

If your trapping for income any fur-bearer of value is better than an empty trap.

I know a Belisle and a Bridger will, I don't own any Duke magnums but if they close tight I suppose they would too.