Some damage control for neighbors.

[BilletHead]

       Have some new neighbors to the south a half mile. Good folks moving from Kansas and building a house. There are two older ponds on the property. We have become good friends with them. So the last few years even before they bought the place beaver have set up residence there. They asked if there was anything that could be done. This being said I have trapped many things and done well doing that but have never trapped beaver. Done muskrat and mink but this would be the first for beaver. So last year I borrowed three 330 conibear traps and got some instruction and set them. So I did not buy a trapping license for just damage control as I was not going to utilize the catch. I must say the 330 conibear trap is a dangerous and scary thing. Don't like them but set it I did and caught one beaver. I gave up the beaver to the proper authority who donated it to a scout pack to mess with. Left them set a couple weeks without another catch. Job seemed to be done for last year!

   Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. Neighbors said hey I think the beavers are back. I knew this for quite awhile but had not said nothing. Really doing damage to the trees. Not only cutting birch but oak, cherry and some real old beautiful sweetgums. I told them I would get back to it. Pond is low and easy setting. Just what I need easy! I still had the 330s in my possession and set them. Three bank den entrances. I did this year buy the trapping license just in case and glad I did. 

   Night one, 43 pounds.  

     I gifted this one to a friend who is a real trapper. He brought over three more conibears and caster lure and instruction on making castor mound sets. So with them set day two brought this,   This one I did take out the caster sacks and cut out backstraps for eating. Caster is high dollar but it takes many, many beaver to make a pound. This year castor is going for 80 bucks a pound dried. These will be gifted to my friend who collects it to make more lure. It has a real pleasant odor.    Do you know what it is used for? Might surprise some of you. It is actually neat stuff.

Castoreum - Wikipedia

            Day three was a catch I was really hoping for and the reason I bought my trapping license. My first otter and it was a nice dark one. Male 44 inches from nose to tail. 

    Like most fur now not worth much at all. Like @wily I checked into getting a mount, way too much. Then I asked about a rug type mount again that starts at 400 bucks, again no way. Decided to do a soft tan. It can be left case skinned or split up the belly to spread out. this I could do. Took it to get tagged, 

    Then delivered to the taxidermist for the wait in line to get it done. Last two mornings went to find empty sets. Good chance it was just a couple bachelor beavers living up there. Three of the 330s will be going back to owner for him to set. I will leave the original three to be checked daily for maybe another beaver or another otter maybe?

[wily]

You are the man...that is awesome...good job and congratulations 

[BilletHead]

6 minutes ago, wily said:

You are the man...that is awesome...good job and congratulations 

            Thanks Kendall. Wish your son lots of luck. Keep posting his adventures I enjoy it. I  live through others successes more now. 

[jdmidwest]

Odd catch on the otter, almost made it thru.  I wish I had time to trap.  It's a fun sport.

[BilletHead]

3 minutes ago, jdmidwest said:

Odd catch on the otter, almost made it thru.  I wish I had time to trap.  It's a fun sport.

                    JD as you know they are fast swimmers. This was in a big bank hole den. He had to be moving pretty fast to get snapped that far back. I actually was confused when I checked the set. The big conibear was gone but wire leading into the hole. Then I seen just the tip of his tail out of the hole entrance. I just pulled the wire until everything wedged up. Then started pulling the tail out to claim my prize. 

[wily]

That’s a cool description...good job

[jdmidwest]

I bet he flopped around for a while.

I certified for cable restraints and run them one season on the farm before Dad got yeller dog.  Caught 2 coyotes.

Can't set them any more with him running loose

[Flysmallie]

3 hours ago, jdmidwest said:

I bet he flopped around for a while.

I certified for cable restraints and run them one season on the farm before Dad got yeller dog.  Caught 2 coyotes.

Can't set them any more with him running loose

Caught my yeller dog in a long spring trap when I was about 10. He wasn't impressed. 

[Terrierman]

Nice job!  Yeah those big conibears are a little intimidating.

[Johnsfolly]

Get those skulls cleaned Marty. I may want to buy another beaver or otter to go with the ones that I have.