trapping

[vonreed]

I was curious if there is much beaver and otter activity on the current and eleven point rivers. Or if anyone has noticed any trapping activity on these to wonderful rivers. any replies would be greatly appreciated. thanks

[Gavin]

Talked to a Agent Nichols on the Upper Current last Thursday afternoon and he said there is a very high concentration of otters on the river and that trappers had been working the area. Couldnt tell by me though, camped out on the river for 4 days, saw some orange tags on the banks (possible trap locations?), but didnt notice anyone checking traps. Cheers.

[Brian Sloss]

There are plenty of otters to be trapped on the Eleven Point, and though there is some trapping going on, there is definitely room for more. Bring your traps and go at it, the otters need to be thinned more than they are on the Eleven Point. $100/ pelt is what I here they are getting for otters.

[Sam Potter]

There are several otters and some beaver on the upper Current River. I know that trappers are after them every winter. Bryan is right on with the price of an otter pelt. They are running about $100 each for a large one. Actually the prices have come down a little this year, but still a good price for a single pelt. The largest Beaver I have ever seen in my life, and I have seen a lot of them, was on the Current River. This guy must have been close to 100 pounds, but it was several years ago and I'm sure, judging by the size, that he is gone by now.

I generally see otters when I am fishing alone, because I'm not talking to anyone and startling them before they see me. I have seen as many as 6 at one time. They are fun to watch, especially in the water. But they can really so some damage to ponds along the rivers. Cleaning all the fish out of a poind, in a very short time has become a trade mark left by these marvelous creatures.

Bryan is also correct about thinning them out. While a few are kind of nice to have around, like anything else, too many cause big problems. Just like the deer herds in the berbs and the geese on the golf course.

Gavin mentioned the red flags along the river banks, and he is correct about them used as trap markers. However sometimes the traps are removed and the flags are left behind. It is unfortunate that this happens, but it does. There is also the possibility of the trapper throwing (springing) the traps and not checking on them because they have a schedule conflict for a few days, but they generally just pull them if they are not going to be able to check them. There could be numerous reasons for them not checking the trap line. The wildlife code allows trappers, that use killing traps (conibear) or underwater colony traps, to only check them every 48 hours. All other traps must be checked every 24 hours. Some of these trap lines are miles long and it may take all day to check them. DO NOT assume that the trap is not there just because you can't see it. I always stay away from the markers and assume that there is a trap, and that it is set. Just like treating every gun as if it is loaded.

You may or may not agree with trapping animals as a means of controling numbers, but until the MDC allows hunting of these animals there is no other way to control them. And as I mentioned before, we have all seen the damage that deer herds and flocks of geese can cause. If you want to know how much damage otters cause, just talk to any of the farmers that have farms along the rivers. It is a very hot topic with them.

If you are interested in trapping otters, the rivers of the ozarks will provide you with ample opportunity. Bryan says come on down and I agree with him, Come on down, I believe the season runs through February 15th. If I remember, the limit is 20 otters per season. BUT make sure you check your wildlife code, because the state is divided into trapping zones with different limits and methods allowed.

Good Luck

"A bad day fishing is still a Great Day"

www.tightLine.biz

[vonreed]

I really appreciate you folks answering my questions. I live over in the springfield vacinity and me and a buddy were thinking about coming over and checking it out and coming over for 4 or 5 days and trapping our hearts out. I pretty much strictly trap during the winter although a long ways from being a professional. I have caught 10 otters this year which is pretty good for my location. I was also wondering if there is a good place you guys would recommend on staying the night. hotels are out of question. any good camping spots. Particularly where the most otters are, lol. thanks again

[Brian Sloss]

If you are coming to the 11 Point, I'd camp at Greer or Turner Mill. If you'd prefer a roof, you can rent a house with everything you need for $35- $45/night in alton, Mo. email me and I'll get you contact info. We have plenty of otter here and need trappers.

Brian

[slosh]

On the Current, there's numerous places you could camp. Tan Vat, aka swimming hole just down from Montauk, Montauk State Park, Parker Hollow, and Cedar Grove to name a few. All except the state park, the camping is free I believe.

[Sam Potter]

Slosh is correct about the camping areas. There is a location at TanVat and another location at Parker Hollow. These areas are located right on the river in the National Ozark Scenic River Section and come under the supervision of the National Park Service. Both areas are primitive sites without any facilities. You can also camp at Montauk State Park for a small fee. The following web site will give you more info http://www.mostateparks.com/montauk/camp.htm

Good Luck

"A bad day fishing is still a Great Day"

www.tightline.biz