First year trapper here and I just want to thank everyone for the knowledge and wisdom this page provides to those of us who are new and wanting to learn how to trap. I've spent countless hours in the Archives reading on tips and techniques to apply and finally felt knowledgeable enough to come up with a plan to target beavers. I decided to go with the foothold drowning wire method and learned a great deal from reading tutorials and tips. One member specifically, Goldy, who has a wealth of knowledge. I personally don't know you Goldy, but thank you so much for tips on proper trap placement and just all of the knowledge you have provided on this site.

I decided on Sunday (1/22) it was go time and went with the Bridger #5 coil spring on a 10 foot 3/32 cable with L-locks. The setup was a castor mound set, approximately 15-18" from the water with guiding sticks on the edge of the bank. The guiding sticks were approximately 14-16" apart and looked identical to the one Goldy posted in "Beaver: Footholds with pics" in the Water Trapping Archive. With the advice and picture tutorial of Goldy, I landed on night one with a beautiful 17lb wood muncher and was able to catch it by the back foot. Perfect execution and all the credit goes to this site. The unique thing is the beaver tried swimming through the cinder block and lodged itself in it so I guess if the drowning cable somehow didn't work, the cinder block provided extra support. It was a remarkable experience and I just wanted to share my success story with those who helped me achieve it. God bless and thank you again.

Great job on a first night, first time catch.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Great work! It’s just the beginning! Nothing like the joys of a first catch.

You're Hooked Now Man!!!

Congratulations

Yup, you done went and done it now. No blackberry thicket or briar thicket will be to thick to keep you from getting in and setting for them. lol

Might as well add one of these to your trapping sled.

Try some beaver stew. I can't believe how many I feed the dogs before I tried them.. now they all get eaten if it's cool weather.

Great catch!

It's official...now ya got beaver fever.lol

Thank you. I'm already chomping at the bit for beaver #2.

Way to go, that's awesome!!! First night beaver is something you can definitely hang your hat on.

Might add a stop on the cable so a larger beaver can't pull directly on the cinder block. Not taking anything away from your success. Just a tip.

One person you need to pay more attention to is jbyrd. Extend your arms out for the photo so it looks like a 60 pounder.
Congratulations. You are now addicted.

Great job, you will be hooked!

And extra points given ...for the foothold / drowning rig..

Nice job !

WTG might want to add a little more weight . great job

Nice job

Oh boy, now you’ve done it!!!! You gonna be sucking eggs and chasing rabbits in no time!!! Just kidding!!! Congrats!! There’s nothing like your first one!!!

Way to go congratulations

I think Roy was Joking....

Great photo too. We all love the smile, good luck in the future.....jk