during some adc work. Got 2 wide runs and set on them with 10x22 conis. Anyway, I got alot of traps that only got sticks in them. Wondering if anyone has a simple old trick they could pass along. I'm sure the size of the trap has alot to do with it. But I put 2 sticks upright in front of trap. Hoping maybe there stick wouldn't fit thru and just them to get caught. Would use a 330 except I already painted and put away for the next season.

I don't think changing the size of the trap will help now with the particular beaver that sprung your traps. They won't forget the experience and will avoid the square looking traps now at least that's been my experience. You may have to resort to footholds or snares to get the educated ones now.

I don’t know if I’m sold on these oversized beaver traps.I have one mb 1216 and that trap has been sprung and empty 3 times more than any other trap I own.It catches otter good but the only beaver I caught was by hind quarter at a 45 degree angle.if you don’t mind spending money the snare shop has sauvageau 11x12 in stock.These traps are beaver catching machines.Order today set trap tomorrow if the sticker shock doesn’t kill ya!

I had the same problems as Mad Scientist with the MB's. They were always sprung and empty. I set them in my backyard and pushed a stick into the trigger and there was a big hesitation once the dog flipped. I started to set them on the very fist notch and change the spring angles. This helped but still found them unset most times. The 660's worked very well, but are pretty heavy to carry out.

Fence the channels lightly and if they are deep enough set some driving sets with a coni on the bottom. I don't have any experience with the big traps but would surely dig a 330 or two out.

The sticks the beaver seems to be carrying is the problem not the trap. That particular beaver needs a bracelet placed in front of some mud.

I agree with Gary. Grab his foot right quick. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that trap...maybe it needs a trigger adjustment, though.

Setting up a camera would answer a lot of your questions.