With spring around the corner and one that appears might be early in north west alberta I've got beaver on my mind. One of my fondest memories is as soon as the ice is off my senior uncle and I would be found in a 14' aluminum boat. Box of barley water between us and a old marlin 22mag. It's been years since my uncle has passed and since then I've quit drinking, acquired my own marlin 24m in 22mag but the memories of being out on the lake with uncle Ross never fade.

He swore up and down that the 22mag was the best for spring beaver. So far I'm in agreement. What is your preferred beaver gun?

Been using a .22 Hornet and .221 Fireball....22 Mag is a great killing cartridge though, that always seemed to exceed expectations.

I would be just fine with a .22 Mag.

I havn't shot a bunch of them but my 22 hornet loaded with 40 grain nosler ballistic tips works good. Small hole lots of internal damage.

We can't do that.

Got a few 22's, 22-250, 223, 204ruger, 17 hmr and the ol trusty 22 mag. I tried my 22 a time or 2 but the 22mag seems to work the best imo.

Sorry to hear. Missing out is all I can say.

It would be a blast.

None for us either

I have shot a few but the effort finding them when they dive caused me to quit! Any comments on that?

I quit shooting them years ago. Too many sinkers that couldn’t be retrieved. Also a couple of midwinter swims to retrieve ones too far from shore and no boat.

Spring beaver! Sure brings back memories. Have hunted spring beavs in a few places in Alaska. Mostly with a 22 lr. Had a few sinkers and one or 2 that crawled back into the hole in the ice they came out of. Often spring hunting included muskrats and bears.
22 mag is pretty good. I have a. Short barrel 223 I want to try. Kinda concerned about the noise. Would also like to try the 17 wsm.
Most times it's not about the caliber and more about where you hit them.

Not allowed here in Maine as well.Used to be able to shoot muskrats but that got outlawed as well.Would be a blast.

22mag is the go-to gun !

Head shots. They won't sink. I've found with the 22 lr I get more sinkers but the 22mag seems just right. Not saying it doesn't happen but in my experience it's a lot less. For retrieving beaver in the river or creek I use a fishing rod.

That makes 3 states

Not in Nebraska. Not even if they are alive in a trap.



Charlie

I looked through our regulations here and it appears to be legal if you use a handgun. No shooting a rifle over water. If sure someone will speak up if that's not correct. I have never done it but if it's legal I'm all for anyone who wants to. I'd think a long barreled .22 mag with a scope would be good. Bring a fishing pole with a snagging hook.

Sorry to hear that some are not allowed to shoot beavers. I can't think of a more fun thing to do while being clothed. Depending on my work schedule and when the ice comes off I'll extend a invitation to you guys that maybe traveling north to Alaska this spring to stop in for a day and we'll go for a tour. I'd have to check with fish and feathers to make sure it's legal but I can't see why it wouldn't be as for the most part they are considered pests around here. Our season ends May 15 but we can shoot them all year around on private land.

I used a 22 mag. for years for beaver work in Arkansas. You will learn to get to them fast after they are hit as they can disappear pretty quick. I always went for head shots as that is your best target and most effective area. All of our work was after dark with spotlights. A whole different game then day light shooting.

Lots of trappers used to shoot beaver in the spring on the rivers.
Some shot 30+ in a run.Not sure what guns they used,likely22mag.

I use a 7.62x39.I only shoot the odd nuisance beaver.Speeds up the job on occasion,especially with new locations with only a pair of beaver.