I have permission to trap a river bank city park. They have a beaver problem. They said go ahead and trap but use discretion. There is a series of islands right next to the park. They are owned by the state and are public land. The hut is on one of those islands. The access is from the park. Normally I park in the far parking area and go in early or later so there less chance of people seeing me and asking questions. Anyway. My wife saw a couple big bucks on those islands during the rut while she was taking a walk. I figured since I was already out there messing w/ the beaver, I would put up a camera hoping to get pics of the Big 10 pt she saw. The Camera is up, lots of doe pics, no big buck pics. However, I've also been getting pics of a real pretty red fox. I had to replace the battery on the camera. I figured if I'm already going out there, I might as well throw in a couple sets to try and get that fox. I went out there and there was no one around. I'm like "Perfect I just drive to the close parking area so I don't have to walk as far and i can do this quicker." It's 4:30 and I don't have much time before it gets dark. I crossed the ice. The snow was virgin. No people tracks other than what was on walking trail. I threw in the 2 sets, replaced the battery and adjusted the camera to cover both sets. I was kind pleased because it went quicker than expected. I decided to do a little scouting on my way back to the truck. I made a loop and followed a trail that led me back to where I entered the brush. Here's the interesting part! There was an extra set of boot prints that I was pretty sure were NOT where I walked previously. At first I was confused because it was the same tread as my muck boots. I walked around a bit to investigate. It looked like someone was tracking me but I wasn't 100% sure. It was definitely odd as to why someone else would be out there in below 0 temps. Then I headed back to where I crossed the ice. When I got there, there were my tracks AND his tracks coming and going. Now I'm 100% sure he was tracking me. I followed his tracks to the bank. From there he went down the walking trail. He did not go to my truck which is a good thing. Before I backtracked him, I did not follow his tracks to see how far into the brush he tracked me but this is not a big place. He was with 100yds of me. If he went into the brush any distance at all then he was probably watching me make the sets. My tracks lead right to where I'm set up. Here's my question, do I pull those sets and camera in the AM? He was definitely not a GW because a GW would 've come right up to me and asked questions or would've been waiting at my truck. I have permission to trap so I'm not breaking the law. I just don't feel comfortable knowing that some potential tree hugger could follow my tracks right to my sets and camera. I'm also little bit miffed at myself. I should've been sneakier and I know it.

I would put a 2nd camera up and if you get pics and your stuff stolen turn them in

Maybe just a nosey person that has no bad intent

Trapping in a city park sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Permission or not.

I would keep trapping.

no catch is worth the hassle this is bound to be. I'd pull them an move on

Hard to be sneaky in frsh snow. I'd be afraid a trail going to the island every day from you checking traps is going to draw attention for sure. Seems like ur playing with fire.

Its in a city park with beaver problems.You see a fox and decide you want him too.You're told to use descretion.If your there because of the beaver that's what you should be concentrating on,the fox isn't causing a problem.And if this is a city park there's no way this will end well if you start making predator sets.

I know where you’re talking. Those islands used to have some homeless on them believe it or not. The ones you’re talking about are clear now and have been for some time. Lots of early walkers on the trail there. Curiosity kills the cat. They’ll follow people no matter where you go.

Beaver problems in a city park? How much are they paying you and do you have insurance?
There’s a local guy here that traps in big ole Winnipeg. The city backs him up though, they give him signage to put up to warn the public. Sometimes the signage attracts attention but the city doesn’t let it go anywhere.

Yeah I am not sure it’s worth it. I stumbled upon a few “goldmines” but with public presence a regular thing I passed.
I always think, “is this worth dealing with a worst case scenario?”

At the most I would stick to beaver only…but if people have dogs in the area I would avoid it.

This says it all.

Mac

Sounds like Missoula or maybe Bozangeles. Not ideal.

Thanks for the advice guys. I pretty much knew the answer before I posted. I'm pulling everything as soon as I finish my AM coffee. The reason I posted is because a buddy suggested that it wasn't anything to worry about. I disagreed with him .I Figured I'd post and see if I was reading this wrong. Anyway, I knew going in that I shouldn't draw attention to the situation. Now that I've drawn attention, it's time to pull and get out of there.

Yeah I had a similar situation once, I had a couple drowning rigs stolen...not worth the one beaver I got before the thief showed up

Definitely not worth it. I pulled the traps and camera. I Came in from my normal direction. No one around. He was all over that island either last night or this morning. It's a little early for shed hunting but that all I can think he was doing. I'm done w/ that place.

I've been trapping in several city parks for 15 years or more and so far, I have had no real issues. Sure a few colony traps end up tossed out in deep water, but the city pays me for them.
Can't use foot holds in those parks. Just snares and small BGs and colony traps.

Id keep trapping and not worry about it.
Probably just a serial killer or something

Boy ain’t that the truth !! OP don’t run any equipment you like out there. Sounds like a fruitloop that’s possibly going to take your equipment. I’d hide a camera up high and try and get a picture of the “ Man Tracker”!

I was wary as soon as you said CITY