Paul mentioned one fella here and I know two other trappers in NC (independent wildlife control agents) that have licenses to do explosives. They all get calls from other trappers who have potential jobs. And there are probably others that are USDA Wildlife Services employees. And you might not have the bureaucratic permit process in your location that we have in more populated areas. But in spite of the permit process cost, there are still situations where blowing them is the best option. And since you do not know anyone offering this service, it might be a good niche for you to fill.

I've never done any boom type removals. Been lucky I guess.
I have wondered about one of the portable winches with grapple though.

QBD,
I'm not sure I want to mess around with det cord, caps, electrial charges, etc.

I don't mind mixing 2 mostly safe ingredients and pouring in a pvc pipe pushed into the mud...then shooting with a .243 from 100 yds plus away...lol

If I can even see 100 yds in that particular swamp...

I ripped lots of those kind of dams swamp.I have a chainsaw with a 3 foot bar for the stick dams and rooted junk.
The stickdams are impossible to rip out here when it freezes in the fall,that is when the chainsaw with the long bar really helps.

Tannerite works real good. I poked a 2 holes in the dam big enough to get the cans in. As with some things to do with beaver, the deeper the better. I wrapped some primer cord around a tree and each can then shoved them in the holes I made. If you shoot the primer cord wrapped around the tree it will set off the tannerite. Make sure you use a good solid tree and a rifle with enough ft/lbs of energy for the primer cord. Once the dam is opened up prepare to spend the night shift shooting beavers as they will have it rebuilt in no time.

Sounds like a job for Hals buddies Grump and Restor !

I'd have to hire help to cut open a beaver dam with a chainsaw. I must not be as physically fit as you...lol

Most times I have em caught b4 water is released. Sometimes that dramatic water drop will reveal one I missed.

Oh ok. I was packing a bag to come give you a hand but talk of the critters that want to kill you down there made decide that I'd much rather deal with the grizzly bears here. Good luck and in my experience you don't have to be 100 yds away. I'm trying to remember what size of cans we used but they didn't seem very big. Maybe 1/2 lb.

The heat-humidity here is the biggest concern and annoyance here when trapping beavers this time of year and then only on set and pull days. Had to go back to truck one day last week and sit in AC for about 30 min to cool off. Heat index was 110F....was over 100F index at 0900 hrs.

Gators move out of the way and don't return while you're there. Cottonmouths dont move out of way but the key is seeing them b4 you get too close......move slowly and look closely b4 reaching or squatting down. Skeeter, deer flies, etc...just a common nuisance.

Yep you can have it. Snakes scare the bejesus out of me and 3 days of 110 F (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) near killed me last summer. No thanks.

Beavering in the heat isn't a problem. I can at least get in the water.

Coyotes in the heat is a real pia. The way I sweat kneeling to make a set I might as well go roll in the mud. I'm seriously considering ground cloth or possibly split leg apron to try keep myself presentable.

Around here we use to use fertilizer, Diesel and a charge.

The explosives are the same. Just substitute fuel oil for the aluminum powder and use a detonator. You have to place the explosive on or near the bottom of the dam. Otherwise the energy just goes up if placed on top. This makes the Tannerite impossible to use because you can’t actually get a bullet into the tannerite to set it off. Our local USDA trapper and dam blower told me that usually one pound will work for the average dam if the bottom is hard enough. Had to use 6 pounds for my farms because we essentially have no bottom around here.

Had several big time farmers over the years tell me that back in the day they used a pound of black powder, in a one liter plastic bottle, taped up tight, with a water proof fuse drilled through the bottle cap positioned at the base of a beaver dam and it worked fine. Too many houses now for something like that to take place. But if you are in the swamps or back in the boonies it just might work for you. Hope that helps someone.

I've ripped thousands out by hand for years right down to natural flow.Some big ones too.
Still do but its a little harder when your older.
Ripped out 7 the other day finishing off a contract.
[/quote]
The OP did not ask what size rake to use, What license he needs, He asked for advise on Tannerite.

From the great info gathered here from this thread, some PMs, and my short internet research...

A) 2" pvc pipe about 24" to 30" long. This amount will blow an impressive breach in most dams.
B) Cap pipe on one end.
C) Mix Tannerite on scene and fill pipe.
D) Cap pipe.
E) Shove or insert into upstream side of dam, leaving enough of pipe visible that you can hit from about + or - 100 yds away. Best to angle pipe into dam to create lift of debris towards downstream side. Water pressure will assist after discharge. Debris/mud in dam will create less blast resistance than the water will, hence blast will direct more in that direction.
F) Shoot from upstream side if possible as blowout will be more towards downstream side of dam due to the water pressure.
G) Use rifle caliber that delivers minimum 2000 fps. A .243 is good.
H) Use ear plugs and stay behind a large tree if possible.
I) You will need a manufacturer's license from ATF if you mix off site and travel on public roads with mixed binary ingredients, including Tannerite-type stuff. The manufacturer's license is also needed to use the binary mixes for commercial purposes, ie charging landowner to blow dams. This license is $200 initially and then $100 with every 3-years renewal.
J) State and local permits may be needed.
K) Tannerite brand is the better quality binary mix that is currently available.....it's a bit more powerful.
L) Always think safety. Dont get complacent. Always be mindful of the "shrapnel effect of the sticks and logs.

Thanks for all the great info!

I.posted what I've learned to help others that may need to use this stuff in a limited amount when other options are not available...and does not need to become a fully licensed explosives guy.

Can't bring myself to cool off in this....


but you are correct about coyote trapping in the heat!

With waders I'm going in. My lower half might get a couple degrees cooler.

But I got the advantage on you. Most of my water is flowing or spring sourced. Some of those swamps just sit and stew.

Just saw your question....

No...not part of agreement, but I have landowners that have asked and are willing to pay for the extra assistance.

A local timber company wants me to breach them, if I can, but it's not part of our beaver removal agreement. If I can do this safely...and legally, then I will be a more valuable asset to them.