I just got an email in regard to what I think is a small beaver job. I will need a non resident trapping license @ $133 and round trip mileage is 90 miles. So far, I've made it clear that I would probably charge $25/beaver. I am not trying to make money, just make expenses, which I probably will not do at my present bidding rate. So how do you guys do it? I am not locked in so I can make changes or walk away.

You might want to put in a clause for potential trap theft. Also, for a 90 mile drive I'd charge more than $25. Probably charge mileage at the Federal rate.

I'd charge a set up fee than a per beaver rate.

Can you give me more info on how to charge base on a set up fee? Is a set up fee based on number of traps, number of days, distance traveled, or what?

You need to get paid for your time. I would charge $100.00 set up fee and $25.00 per beaver.
The other thing Is are you a accomplished beaver trapper. Can you go In there and get the job done In a few days.

I've been trapping beavers for years, probably not the best on this site but I can get the job done. I am not set up for large scale beaver trapping but have a couple dozen conibear, couple dozen #4 footholds and 50 snares. I dont know how big the job is as I havent seen the site yet. I am dealing with a semi daffy lady on email so this may get to the point that I just tell her to find someone else.

And has anyone else tried to trap these beaver previously? Beaver are pretty easy to trap if you know much about it, UNLESS they are trap wise. I used to love to catch trapwise beaver for the challenge, but it can be a real pain and isn't usually a paying proposition.

I would make sure and ask if anyone else has tried to trap them.

She says someone used to trap them for her and I am pretty sure I know the trapper. He is presently in a nursing home in very bad shape. The worst ones I have tried to trap are the ones that get shot at all the time, they are very shy.

A nuisance permit from the DNR with your name listed as the trapper, should be your trapping license. At least it is in Michigan. Here if you trapped all the beaver out today, more will soon move in.

If your going to charge and you should you better get some set up money before you get to trapping.
And look Into a depredation permit before buying that non resident tag.

Yep, already lined it out to the landowner they have to have depredation permit before I purchase the license.

Even if you are able to get them all in one night you will have the $133.00 license, plus gas for 180 miles so at 18 mpg @$2.00 a gallon that is about $20.00 for gas. so $153.00 so far. You also have wear and tear on your vehicle plus clean up costs afterwards maybe. Then you have your time to consider also. If there is only a pair of two year olds and you get them the first night you are out $103.00 plus your time spent.
Most likely you will have to make several trips and hopefully there are plenty of beaver to get some cash going in your favor. You will need at least the $100.00 set up fee to even hope to break even. I see where she has had a beaver trapper in there before. Plan on educated beaver and set accordingly right off the get go and pray that they are not.

$100/beaver
$.50/km (5 trips max).
$100 to lower water to natural flow.

I basically broke this down for her but she has balked to the point I told her to find someone else. I've learned from this so the next time it comes up I will be much better prepared to furnish a solid bid. Thanks to everyone that responded as you helped to educate me for the future, that is always a good thing. Thanks again, Owen

Lots of good advice from trappers that have been there done that.
Consider others might ask for insurance too.
Get your numbers together and stick to your guns.
The best advertising you can create is to get the job done...word gets out.
Jobs that are very close you can alter your prices to get the experience and to put the word out about your services.

With the formula we use for 2 beaver and 3 trips,with lowering the water you would get $517.50.
5 trips and 6 beaver would pay $1,062.50.

I wouldn't even look at that job for less than 750.00 starting point and go up when I get there. You are 2 hours a day just travel. plus time on the job. yes, your travel to and from has to be paid for. I would think you are going to be 2 hours a day on the job setting and checking. you are now 4 plus hours each day on time. even if that is a setup and pull the next day job you are 8 hours total time. Phone time, estimating and planning. A small beaver job is what? 4 ,5 or 2 beavers? even at 5 x25 that is 125.00 you make as profit? all the other costs are operating expenses!!! you are providing a service for someone you are not asking them for trapping permission. I wouldn't operate without insurance, as soon as you take money for providing a service you are now liable for your actions and anything unforeseen that can happen out of your control. you can not think what you get for your day job mindset. you must think what is your employer charging the customer for your time and theirs. For example, if you are making 20 dollars an hour on a day job your employer is at least charging 50 to 60 and most likely more just for you. (I am assuming you work for someone, not self-employed) I started wildlife /ADC work back in 1979 doing just what you are thinking, believe me, you need to charge what you are worth, not fur prices. I would bet minimum hourly service company rates around your area are 50 to 75 an hour at a low rate and if in a populated area 75 to 100. around DC even more. Please I am just adding food for thought, nothing more.

If I charge for beaver, I charge $50 a head, but I think I’m going to start charging $175 upfront that covers 2 beavers, then $50 a head.

I charge an inspection fee to show up and flat rate. others in my area that charge a head fee, that are full-time business anyway, will most of the time charge an inspection, set up and head fee. this is not fun trapping it is a business.

Two things to remember when doing nuisance beaver work-One -and most important- you have to remove ALL the beaver.If you dont you will not last in the business.Two-dont be greedy and overcharge.Charge a reasonable rate for your professional services and you will get happy customers that will use you all the time.Repeat steady customers,especially corporate customers like local roads boards,Municipalities,logging companys,Highway departments,etc is where the money is.And get the equipment necessary to lower the water.You dont need machinery there are plenty of hand tools available to get the job done in any situation.