We are now permitted to use bodygrip traps in Oklahoma on private lands. They must be submerged and with a maximum size of 12 inches.

I mainly plan to trap beaver. The pelts aren't hardly worth the effort, but I guess I can supplement that with drying and selling castor and some skulls.

The main motivation would be the carcasses for meat... 3 German Shepherds eat a lot of kibble... And that cost is pretty high. So being able to feed them "free" meat is worth looking at.

Anyway...

Recommendations are appreciated. I've poked around a bit but bodygrips are a new thing to me for the most part. And cost is always a consideration.

Mike

Everyone will say Belisle. If you have the money that's what I would get. If not the new Dukes are more reasonable. If you shop around you might be able to pick up a few used ones. All the 330's will work just depends on your budget.

Appreciate it. I did look at the Belisle's. And the Bridgers too.

Are the stands worth the added expense? Or should I just use locally available materials?

Mike

The tall H-stands for deep water trapping are a great tool and quickly pay for themselves.
They are great for deep bank den, feed holes, channel sets. The shorter H-stands are quick to use
BUT if you are setting strictly underwater sets probably not necessary as dry chewed beaver
sticks, hand cut wooden stakes or re-rod stakes can be used instead.

Belisles……lol. But I think by the time they cross into the US, they’re pretty expensive and the Duke copies might be a better option. They’re new but seem to be holding up so far.
The tall stands are great for quick setting but they’re easier to spot if theft is a concern. You can stack two 330s in deep channels too. Once closed, the ones I use hold the trap securely and the odd time you’ll get a double. I still have to put a tack weld bump on mine 13” up to hold the top trap, the stands can get a bit sloppy for a double.
Good to see you can use these tools, they’re extremely effective!

On a side note, Ian at Dam Beaver Trapping Supplies appears to be entering the bodygrip game, there’s new traps on our approved list called the DAM, but that’s all I know for now.

What makes Belisles (and now the new Dukes) the best ones on the market are the clip-type spring safeties. You'll thank yourself again and again if you acquire this type BG. Floppy safeties will cause you some real pain, eventually.

Another feature is the "magnum"-type jaws that almost completely close enabling them to hold a foot or a tail. This will save you a catch that will be missed with the other type BG jaws.

Buy Dukes they will do the job.

Don't overlook beaver meat for your own table. They make for very good tablefare.

Beaver pelts are selling for prices today higher than you will likely ever see in your lifetime.

If these prices aren't high enough for you.....then the castors and skulls aren't gonna pad your wallet either.

But, trapping for the meat for your dogs should save you a few $$.

I use the short stands an the tall. They make things easier and faster for me.

Dukes will work fine. Belisles kill deader and a lil faster.

Stands are super slick, but they are one more thing to haul in and out and can stick out in certain spots.

Both things depend on where you are trapping. Small line on private? Belisles and stands. Good number and/or on public? Dukes and sticks you find onsite.

Duke now has the Supermag. Just like the Belisles, but cheaper.

skip the H stands and go to V stands. they fit every size traps from 110s to 330s

the stands are just fast and simple. If you have to walk in a lot then I leave em in the truck. I hate looking for sticks. Then looking for ones that are the right size with minimal trimming. Then finding ones that arent rotten.

Sniper, got a pick of these V stands? Can you get tall ones?

Thanks all!

Mike

Shakey, F&T sells these one. Im not sure if this is what sniper is talking about

I don't believe they make tall versions. I'd bet if you contact Nick Erny he'd make some.

They aren't hard to make if you have a welder.