More beaver questions

[four coil]

This past weekend I was out trapping beavers and scouting new areas to trap them. 2 areas that I scouted had dams and fresh cut trees from before freeze up. I didn't find any lodges. What could I be dealing with?  Is this a situation where the beaver or beavers did all this work and then left, or could they still be there under the ice living in the bank? If they are still there is there any tricks to find them?
Shawn

[Bogmaster]

 Shawn, you could be dealing with bank beavers.Look upstream of the dam for a feedbed.
 It is also possible they were cutting there in the fall and are gone..But that is not usually the case.
 Tom

[RdFx]

fourcoil , you can either put some bait poles or branches down in ice and see later if they are eaten off. Then you can set traps as you know bvr are there or just set some baited traps or else a bottom edge set  on key points in  the area where you see chewed trees.  Might be a bank den and might not  Good Luck

[four coil]

Thanks for the info. I'll try to set one of these spots with a baited coni. The pool where the most cuts are isn't real big so no matter where I set it they should see it.
Shawn

[sdb777]

As a complete novice in beaver trapping, wouldn't it be wise to breach the dam to see if it gets repaired?
When water levels drop something needs to be done to keep the entrance from being exposed...


Scott (no hope for me now) B

[Bogmaster]

 Scott,messing with a beaver dam is illegal in many states--thus breaking a dam open can result in charges being brought against you.
 Breaking a dam  when the ice is frozen can also result in the loss of all the beaver,plus any rats that are also inhabitants.
 Even in open water,and working damage control beaver-when dam breaking may be used--I avoid it.Working beaver with stable water conditions,is a lot easier.Rising and falling water is a real pain.
 Tom

[sdb777]

Good point Tom.  We don't get a lot of ice here in Arkansas.  When things do get icy, we certainly don't walk on it!  It will most likely be gone in a few hours.

As a lease member, we are encouraged to break any and all beaver damns.  It drowns those new seedlings that are planted by the paper company...but I can see your thinking would allow for a more stable icy walking experience.


Scott (standing corrected) B

[blakdog]

Shawn,
 1st. cut a 12x12 hole in the ice! Then stick your head into the hole! Look in all directions while saying come here beaver beaver beaver!! It works every time!! Trust me on this one!
Troy

[trappnman]

if you only have a beaver or two left, they often won't repair a dam during season if their entrances are still under water.