WEATHER KEEPS DELAYING _ICE OUT(AND SPRING BEAVER)

[Bogmaster]

 Its snowing out right now,seems like we will never get rid of all our ice.It is going to take a lot of real warm weather to get the ice moving out.
 How many of you guys are on hold right now,when it comes to chasing spring beaver?
 Tom

[tfyksen]

I have 50 #330's that have been itching to get out for the past week.  Talked to another fella who has got 40 mb750's that have been riding around with him for a while.  Snowing here in Central, WI at the moment and our season in the South half of the state closes the 31st.

 I might set a couple iced-in lodges tomorrow.  But with my luck the ice will go out the day after the sets are in, ha.

Teal

[four coil]

Still chasing them with chainsaws and spuds. Lots of ice on the ponds. Found some creeks that are on the verge a letting go of the ice, maybe next weekend.
Shawn

[RdFx]

Set up anything that is open and wait.  This year i think it will be a drawn out spring run of bvr  and not a  quick two week or so rush after the ice goes out all at once... WIth gas prices you will have to  plan your trapline  so you arent doing unnecessary running around  wasting gas.   n Also use  your maximum check time but when you set double  up  at location so if you connect with a bvr you have another open for next bvr coming along.   Ive connected with doubles many times and  good places ive even had three at one time... anything can happen in spring bvr trapping 

[Bogmaster]

 I tend to set heavier,have st 8 traps in less than 100 feet and had 8 beav the next morning.6 many times.If you have the traps set them,they aren't going to catch anything in the shed.
 Tom

[four coil]

When we were looking for new areas yesterday we found a small dam at a fork between two creeks. One of the creeks is open and the other was frozen solid. We walk up the frozen creek looking for another dam or lodge. In about a 1/2 mile stretch there must have been 50 trees down from this past year. It looked like a kid got a chainsaw for Christmas and needed to try it out. Most of the trees were left right where they laid, untouched. Never found a dam or lodge. The creeks flow to another bigger river that I believe has some beaver in it. That river is still frozen. I guess we should set some castor mounds on the open creek like Lee said. Didn't see any sign that beaver are there now. Also there is about 1' of snow right up to the water. How do you make such a set with this condition? Should I knock the snow down to the bare ground so the beaver isn't looking up at the mound?
Shawn

[Bogmaster]

 Just scrape the snow away,and throw down your fresh mud.The smell of your lure and the sight of fresh mud will attract any beaver ,passing through.
 Tom

[RdFx]

I concurr with Boggys  system of setting traps but  if your  on public land you could be setting yourself  up for a big disappointment  when you come back and find all that $$$$$$$$$$$traps$$$$$$$$$  gone.  Ive set more traps but on private land or where  i have deep water to hide catch... also  Boggys  method of scrape, mud, apply lure , set trap   is a common denominator in spring bvr trapping....  . good luck....

[Bogmaster]

 I do trap a lot of public land,but a lot of my 330's are hidden from passer bys.I use my lures to bring beaver where I want to take them.I go where no man--dares to follow---lol.Brush ,trees,anything to hinder someone.
 Thats why I love the castor mound set---you dictate to the beavers---where you are going to take them.
 Tom