I have never trapped beaver/otter before, but am gathering some equipment to give it a go. So far I have 2 B&L #44 dbls, 2 330 and 2 280 Belisle body grips. I built 4 stabilizer stands for the BG’s and 2 drowning rod setups for the footholds. I also have some anchor weights to use if needed. My waders and setters are in the mail. Haven’t ever skinned/fleshed a beaver before but have done lots of coyotes and badgers! Am hoping some of that will help in the process. Only one way to find out!

Good luck.

That's a good start on some quality beaver tools! Good luck in your venture...same principles apply to beaver.... set on sign.... stabilize your traps well etc...

Good You Tube videos on put up.

Skinned my first beaver this evening...easier than a yote or badger, but that doesn't mean I did a real good job! Lol Just a matter of the knack of where to cut, I'm thinking.

Skinning wasn't a issue fleshing was a beast. A good wide beam and quality fleshing knife will help a lot. Or learn to clean skin.

I have read lots of horror stories of how difficult skinning and fleshing beaver can be. I am a little concerned about diving into the first trap setting session and maybe catching two or three beaver in the first check! It seems like the possibility of multiple catches is pretty high. Not really knowing what to expect in the time required to put them up is a little spooky!

You’ll be hooked. Prepare to get wet if you do it enough.


A tip that’s rarely mentioned is to treat those 280s and 330s like you’re dealing with a loaded gun. Respect them and always know where their strike zone is. If you think getting wet is a bad day, think about wearing a 330. I’ve worn a number of body grips, but my goal is to never wear one of the big ones. I try to make it a point to respect 330s.



Good luck

I had never touched a 330 before I unboxed these. After using a rope to get one set with the safety’s on and fitting it on the stabilizer, all I could think of is this thing really could hurt you! I came in the house and ordered a pair of locking setters and jaw safeties!

Good idea on the setters and safeties. You won't regret those purchases. Good luck!

Build yourself a beaver trough for skinning. Keeps you from chasing that fat rascal all over a flat surface.

A good fleshing knife is a must you will kill yourself with a cheap dull one, I use hoops and pig rings it’s the way to go as it shapes the hides for you almost fool proof.

I will Swamp, if I get serious in the beaver game...right now I'm just trying to get good enough to help some friends out. I can't stand beaver, they have no rhyme or reason to what they do. I've been trying to get one for a year, and finally connected, I just don't get it.

Beaver are dumb until you pinch one then look out they get a PHD pretty quickly. Suckers for that castor scent.

I have been using one of Lee S’s knives. That is a great fleshing knife! I’m betting it won’t disappoint me on the beaver! I have heard that an educated beaver is tougher to catch than an educated coyote. I guess that I will have to form my own opinion on that after I run into a smart beaver!

Nice thing about beaver is they are probably the nicest animal to skin in regards to what my daughter calls the "yuck" factor. You can also have them sit for awhile before going bad on you. If I catch a bunch you can rough skin them and fold the pelt meat side in and they are okay in a cool spot like that for day or two until you can get at them.

Is that a possum to the left of the last beaver or is that a mutant cat?

Badger would be my guess.

brother you dont want those blake and lamb 44s they are no good for beaver , i will be happy to trade you out some duke number 3s .............am kidding good luck and if you can get you some more of the bl 44 i have used them for many years they rock!

old coy check out coon creek outdoors on youtube his fur handling videos on skinning, fleshing and boarding beaver.