Does anyone carry a small axe or half-hatchet beaver trapping? If so, what brand and weight? I looked at the Estwing campers axe but it seems a little light.

I would like to get one sturdy enough for general purpose; cutting sticks for stabilizers, driving rebar stakes into the bank for drowning rods or kill poles into a mud bottom.

Thanks

I have the Hudson Bay/ Sam & Nealey axe that Trappers Post and a few others sell. Dont use it much except for ice trapping.No need most of the time to cut sticks for beaver trapping as they usually have em precut for ya unless you need bait sticks

Fiskars makes great axes that have plastic handles. Not traditional, but getting them wet doesn’t bother me. Utterly indestructible. Many lengths and widths.

Thanks for the input. I’ll have to check out those fiskars.

Although traditional small axes look better and work fine, the Fiskars are about indestructible as stated above. Also if you send one to the bottom in the muck, it isn't too expensive to replace.

I've used #3 and #4 axes, but what I prefer and have used a lot are what is called a boys axe, generally #2 1/2 and with about a 2 foot handle (think 26" but would have to check). I cut and sharpen stakes for drowning poles, drive them and bank stakes, plus stabilizers for bodygrips.

I just bought the 23" model to keep in my truck toolbox. Pretty sharp right out of the gate.

Agree. I have had the x27 splitting axe for several years, and it sure seems indestructible, so I bought the x7 hatchet and a fiskars framing hammer.

FOR THE MONEY.....estwing, then fiskars

I haven't looked at the fiskars yet but both my hammers are estwing and they're indestructible.

I like a 19" handle. 2 1/2 - 3 lbs. head.
Not heavy, not long.



Top two, trapping/camp axe, 19" handle


Fits in pack basket nicely...

I got one with an orange plastic handle. Cheap but I never leave it at a set either.

I also painted my safety and setters orange for the same reason.

The handiest tool for me for beaver trapping is a good quality set of limb loppers with telescoping handles.