Got to give a HUGE thanks to Swamp Wolf!!

I’m on a property now mainly for coons and possums and noticed a couple trails going over the dam that separates a couple ponds. In fact I posted on here about them and ended up placing a camera. Well, turns out there are beavers and otters using the trails.

Here’s where the HUGE thanks comes in. I AM NOT A WATER TRAPPER. I mean I had no clue and PM’ed Swamp. Told him the situation and sent pics. My questions were what do I need, as in everything to catch them, and then what do I do? He gave me his preferences and everything I’d need to get started. He even went as far as sending me my pics back with drawings on where to set and how to anchor.

Well, $300 later and I had all my gear. I set the traps 2 nights ago and connected this morning with my FIRST Beaver!! Yes I am freaking stoked about it! It weighed 42# and 15oz…say 43#!! May not be big to y’all but that joker looked like a submarine to me!!

So Swamp…a sincere THANK YOU! You could’ve ignored me but you didn’t! Thank you for your choice of gear and setters. I’ll be honest, those traps scare me to death, but I’m getting over it, lol. My biggest thing to remember is to remove the dang safeties!! Twice I’ve gotten home and thought CRAP I forgot to take the safeties off!! Luckily its only 10 minutes from the house!

Congrats

Your welcome! Those otters will be wearing a Belisle soon too.

Way to go.Congrats

Easy pickings in that location. Good job.

Good deal and another thanks to Swamp Wolf for giving back. He's one of the good guys.

Congratulations on your first beaver.

Here’s another thing I didn’t realize…beaver smell good. I mean everything about it.
I came home and YouTubed a few videos, sharpened the knives and figured I’d give it a try. Got it skinned, got the oil glands, the castor, and saving the tail! It just has this pleasing odor to it. Almost an addictive type of odor. Unfortunately it’s also a lingering odor. Don’t know if it’s the actual beaver itself or the fact I nicked the oil glands but I could smell this all day long vs some of the baits and lures I use for land critters, lol.

That meat is some of the best canine bait going too!

you most likely cut the oil pouches.

Nice Wanna be love those Belisle traps.

Not most likely…I did. First time ever playing with a 4 legged beaver. A learning process going on here, lol.

With that said…I’m gonna take a guess and say I caught a female seeing how I found/see no male parts? Or are they hid somewhere?

Congratulations! That is a nice sized female beaver. If it had been a male you would have noticed the penis when you removed the castor glands and oil glands. You are now officially hooked.

....and the testicles.....

Congratulations sir. I’m glad you chose to catch them. I agree on swamp wolf. Everything I’ve seen shows he’s a stand up guy.


To my nose, castor is a pleasant smell. Oil, not so much after a few days.


The meat is absolutely delicious when handled properly. Just be careful not to contaminate the meat with castor/oil. I cooked it last night. I brought leftovers to work and they ate every last one.

Careful wanna Be, beaver trapping is addictive, hi my name is wanna Be and I trap beaver. Lol

Awesome story all around. Great people on this site.

X2

Good job, Great adventure and success

And, makes a tasty stew!