Author Topic: Hello from the UP of Michigan! (Read 529 times)

Bow Hunter Brandon · « **on:** February 09, 2006, 05:34:11 PM »

I just registered on the site and am new to trapping.

I have been reading about trapping and decided to give it a try now that I live in the UP. I moved here from Metro Detroit area. Although it wasnt part of metro detroit when I grew up we got absorbed over time. Down state I worked for a large company doing there IT work now my wife and I bought a resort and are running that and also building a IT business up as well. Been here about 3 months now and I love it but I seldom get to bed on time with how much work there is to do with both businesses. Plus my slight obsession with reading about trapping

I found the site from Bogmaster. I bought all of my start up gear from him this week. Mostly Targeting beavers but the stream they were cutting on froze up and I am bumming. I did set a 330 today in the area under the ice at a choke point. We will see. Otherwise I am going to be getting out and checking some of the open water we still do have.

Anyway I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself.

Oh and Malard I saw you hanging around. Do you or anyone else want to give me tips on beaver below the ice?

Bogmaster · « **Reply #1 on:** February 09, 2006, 06:58:02 PM »

Brandon,glad to have you with us.And thank you for the order.
If you have that open water set it up.Easier,quicker and safer than chasing under ice beavers.
If you decide on under ice beaver,look for their feedbeds.You can hang baited 330s around the feedbed.Popple works very well.Only problem with trapping under ice---especially this year,is dangerous ice.Even in sub zero weather,beaver runs can be covered with very thin ice.The more active the colony,the thinner the ice.The main objective of under ice beavers is their feedbed.I passed on under ice beaver this year,took to many unexpected plunges,after rats in dec.,decided not to press my luck and abandoned thoughts of any ice bound beaver.
A 330 set in an under ice beaver run will connect,but it will also cause remaining beavers to stay put.
If you decide to pass on your open water,we will go into under ice baited sets,more thoroughly.
Tom

Bow Hunter Brandon · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2006, 03:06:51 AM »

Thanks Tom I set my 330 in a way at the chock point that "hopefully" The beaver will move it out of the way when caught. We will see.

I am not sure how I would find feed beds with 3 feet of snow on the ponds

I look at the open water. I have 3 spots in mind. One where an active beaver river goes fast and turns into more of a brook trout stream another is downstream of a older beaver pond that feeds into a catail marsh and then a large lake. The third is a large riiver below a man made dam that flows at a good clip.

Saturday I am grabing my neo waders small backpack and snow shoes between that gear I should be able to scout a good amount.

Asa Lenon · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2006, 06:06:20 AM »

Welcome Brandon! :-) I'm here in the good 'ol U.P. too! Ace

Bow Hunter Brandon · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2006, 06:21:47 AM »

Quote from: Asa Lenon

Welcome Brandon! :-) I'm here in the good 'ol U.P. too! Ace

Best place in the world isnt it? :mrgreen:

Are your trapping over there? What are conditions like.

Asa Lenon · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2006, 07:58:05 AM »

Brandon wrote...
Best place in the world isnt it?

'Yup, especially when one compares it to the Detroit metro area, LOL!

Ace

RdFx · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2006, 12:12:43 PM »

Welcome aboard Brandon. Let us know what you find in your bvr scouting. Dont be afraid to ask questions as we all started out as new trappers at one time also. Good luck and be safe.