I run into the occasional situation that I think a cage trap would be pretty handy. I think I'll be looking for a couple at conventions this summer. I'm not looking for one of the clam type traps, I want something that my wife and kids can set if I'm not there. Do any of you fine folks have some brands that you recommend? Any info would be much appreciated.

Comstock

Comstock is the best all around cage. Can be set submerged or on land.
Any well built large raccoon cage will take a beaver on land.
I have captured Lots in havahearts.

Thank you both for the advice. I appreciate it.

4fur uses the z-trap cages with very good success Sam.

I’ve got 3 Comstocks.
I don’t use them on every job, but they are super in the right situation.
Catch a lot of otter in them as well.
Can be set submerged, partially submerged, or dry.
Pricey, but they’ve paid for themselves over and over for me.

Comstock.



Not cheap but effective.

wws

$400.00

And none available used.
50$ should get you a old haveheart 1079 ? Aprx 13x15x36
You could buy a lot of cage crips for that difference.

Myself I personally don’t know of too many situation that I could not substitute a comstock or one of Humpitulips swim through cages.
I quit applying for special permits for WA adc using conventional traps almost completely.

Agreed
Packing them is no fun vs. a 330 or a foot trap.
Also they are turtle catching jokers.
Main 2 reasons I don’t always use them.
But they dang sure have their place in my operation.

First 2 I bought were $295 each.
Got lucky and picked up the 3rd one at an auction for $150.

No turtle in wa. They are great for catch and release salmon/other..330 ..not so much release.
I like that you can trap without boots. Set and throw it in the run.
I’m still out on setting upside down or right side up. Each situation is different. Trying to use the door to my advantage.

As far as packing in,,,,, I’m a lazy convert trapper anymore.
Set and they will come….

I purchased one from Bruce Vandervort in WA and it works well.

Since my standard (most common) beaver set is a dam crossover with a foothold, I'd have to disagree. Sometimes you could set a cage on the downstream side, but not always, and I can't think of a situation in the last couple years where I could have set one effectively on the upstream side. Now I could see them being very effective dropped in runs where you would normally set a 330.

The city parks department bought 3 of them. I was afraid to use them because of theft issues.

I can’t see a reason why it could not work for you. The trap does not need to be it the water, doesn’t need to be level. Doesn’t need to be concealed . All changes for a educated beaver of course.

Thank you all for the information. Much appreciated.

I never worry about thieves. It is vandalism that scares me.
A earth anchor, a cable on the trap and a small lock.

City’s have been accepting to the contract having a damage/thief clause.
Draining districts are reluctant, but they are unlikely to have visitors to the area.

When doing work in public areas, my truck is not distinguishable from the general population.
In more obviously areas, I will sometimes pull a landscape trailer for smoke and mirrors.
And use the morning.

Only ever used the Comstock and it has been bullet proof for me.