Paul, I was scoping out some dams here in town and thought about this thread. These beavers have built a kid's excavator or crane toy into the dam along with the usual bottles and cans. There was also a large stainless bowl, like an oversized dog bowl. Never know what you'll find

Nice catch.

I'll tell about how this job was finished.

That last beaver was a bit smarter than the rest. Neither of the adults would have anything to do with lured sets. I think they had been exposed to lure before and didn't care much for what happened, whether it was watching a relative get caught or a close encounter themselves. Neither of the adults were missing any parts.

Because the adults wouldn't come to my lured snares, I made a dam break set. First night I caught the adult female. I was happy about that, because she's the one who is normally the last for me to catch, and she's normally pretty savvy. That adult male would have nothing to do with the dam break. After two nights of no action, I was contemplating on what to do next. I figured the next morning I'd pull that trap and make a set using sac oil. On the third morning on my way to pull the dam break trap, I noticed the dam had been repaired where I had walked on it breaking it down some. Some water had been flowing over it, but not a whole lot. Okay, this told me this beaver was location shy, not dam break shy. I figure he was probably right there when she got caught and saw her in distress at that spot. So, I moved that trap over to where he had just repaired the dam where I had been walking, and I made a small dam break set. The next morning there he was at the bottom of the drowning wire. Sometimes things work out through keen observation. Dad always told me that if you pay attention, the animal will show you how to catch it.

Anyway, I thought I'd wrap this up and maybe show a teaching point.

pretty good one too.

Thanks Paul

Dad always told me that if you pay attention, the animal will show you how to catch it.

Those few words have caused the death of no telling how many skittish critters over the years.


My city job started out with 5 adult females, get you some of that! lol. Actually thought of this post last week when i pulled a beaver up and the other side of the 330 had a lays potato chip bag in it, lol.

Thank you for the tale, and lesson.

That short post speaks volumes! Thanks Paul!

thats what you call job security did your dad have it before you

No, I got this contract shortly before I retired from the USAF. It was 1991 and have been trapping for the city ever since.

Good stuff!!^^^^^

Always learning...thanks Paul!

Not to many here in KS. When I do find one it gets a cat set on each side. Much more often than not one gets pelted. I dont even look for cat sign at a beaver dam just assume cats will show up regular.

You bet Danny, those beaver dams have produced a lot of pelts...Another good location I've had good results around are older dump sites with old cars, appliances & general junk.

Caught a lot of coyote, coon & fox poking around those.

Great thread Paul, very valuable nuggets of info in your posts.

lot of memories your dad is proud im sure

Paul from the pics I’m guessing Stoney Creek? Or is it the Big Ditch?

It's the ditch under Elm St. below the cemetery.

great job paul, that is my favorite saying let the animal's show you what they want,

Thanks Paul.

Paul, your dad taught me to "Listen to the animals, they will tell you what to do".