Author Topic: 330s---The Beaver Machine (Read 654 times)

Bogmaster · « **on:** November 30, 2005, 06:15:28 AM »

Gents,I learned to trap beaver with footholds.As a matter of fact,the very first trap I set for them,caught 4 beavers in 4 nights.I used footholds and drowning wires for many years.
Then one day---Isaw the light---I purchased some of the Montgomery#600 body grippers--these were approximately 8 1/2"x8 1/2".
I used this trap for several years,I still used some footholds--and I caught beaver . I had passed on using 330s for one reason---- I was afraid of them.All this changed the day I had 4 beavers caught in my #600s--by the front foot.I was using body grippers to avoid dealing with live beaver.It was then I made one of the best choices I have ever made----I switched to 330s.
For the last several years all I set for beaver are 330s,haven't set a single foothold for them in 6 or 7 years---my Montgomery #600s were sold,and that money was put into 330s.
330s are my only tool for beaver---you heard me--my only tool.Now people will argue with me on the need for footholds,and the need for snares,to take beaver.Thats fine--use what you feel comfortable with.I have my comfort zone locked in, and that is 330s.
The main reason I bring this up,I see many posts other places .The bulk of these are people trying to get by with 220s for beaver---they have no 330s and want to get by with what they have.The biggest problem with this,is that most of these guys are novices at taking flat tails---the very last thing they should be using is a trap that is way to small.In the hands of an experienced beaver boy, a 220 may have its place.In my world,these places are very few and far between.
If you want to catch beavers,use the right equipment---this goes for any animal you persue.I quit using the #600s because they lacked size---330s have the right size.
While on this subject---when using the larger body grippers---always---always---always---use a safety grippers.For several years,I was hit and miss on using this device---not anymore.I will not,and I repeat----I will not set a 330 without using a safety grippers.They cost $5.95 and $6.95 each ,depending on the brand---cheaper insurance cannot be had.Once you start using them,you will find you are actually making sets faster than without them.You are not worried about the trap going off,so you can concentrate on making the set---not on watching the trap.
More to follow as we go along.
Tom

T-Bar · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2005, 05:35:22 PM »

Tom,

Don't want to infringe on your post here, but you reminded me of a problem I've found.

The safety gripper that I use doesn't open far enough to be able to get it off of a set 330. What I mean is when I put it on the 330 has to be compressed past the last notch on the trigger, so I've found its pointless for me to use cause I have to compress it to get it off anyway.

Do I just have a faulty safety gripper or am I not attaching it to the right part of a 330?

Bogmaster · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2005, 06:28:27 PM »

Some 330s are wider when set than some of the safety grippers.While they will fit the majority of 330s,there are some they wont.That is why I sell 2 types.I carry one that was designed to fit the species specific 330s,the species were the widest 330s when set,a regular grippers will not come close to fitting them.The larger ones fit all body grippers.
Tom

coyotero · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2005, 07:15:04 PM »

Tom do you have a preference in a particular brand of 330's?I have a friend who is an experienced "beaver boy" he set 50 330's on a stretch of river and the next day had 43 beaver.He had to stop and skin 20 so he could get to his take out point with the boat.He will never set that many traps at one time again.20 beaver a day is his max.

Bogmaster · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2005, 07:36:03 PM »

Coy, I often get asked if I am setting 100 to 150 330s on my beaver line---I think many of them think I am stretching the truth,when I tell them that 100 traps on a first check would produce 80 or more beavers.I do not like to skin more than a dozen beav a night,I do , but I try to keep things in the comfortable range if at all possible.
My favorite 330s are Species Specifics and Dukes,they make up the bulk of my 330 collection.
Tom

Watertrapper · « **Reply #5 on:** December 01, 2005, 04:11:47 AM »

Quote from: Bogmaster

Gents,I learned to trap beaver with footholds.As a matter of fact,the very first trap I set for them,caught 4 beavers in 4 nights.I used footholds and drowning wires for many years.
Then one day---Isaw the light---I purchased some of the Montgomery#600 body grippers--these were approximately 8 1/2"x8 1/2".
I used this trap for several years,I still used some footholds--and I caught beaver . I had passed on using 330s for one reason---- I was afraid of them.All this changed the day I had 4 beavers caught in my #600s--by the front foot.I was using body grippers to avoid dealing with live beaver.It was then I made one of the best choices I have ever made----I switched to 330s.
For the last several years all I set for beaver are 330s,haven't set a single foothold for them in 6 or 7 years---my Montgomery #600s were sold,and that money was put into 330s.
330s are my only tool for beaver---you heard me--my only tool.Now people will argue with me on the need for footholds,and the need for snares,to take beaver.Thats fine--use what you feel comfortable with.I have my comfort zone locked in, and that is 330s.
The main reason I bring this up,I see many posts other places .The bulk of these are people trying to get by with 220s for beaver---they have no 330s and want to get by with what they have.The biggest problem with this,is that most of these guys are novices at taking flat tails---the very last thing they should be using is a trap that is way to small.In the hands of an experienced beaver boy, a 220 may have its place.In my world,these places are very few and far between.
If you want to catch beavers,use the right equipment---this goes for any animal you persue.I quit using the #600s because they lacked size---330s have the right size.
While on this subject---when using the larger body grippers---always---always---always---use a safety grippers.For several years,I was hit and miss on using this device---not anymore.I will not,and I repeat----I will not set a 330 without using a safety grippers.They cost $5.95 and $6.95 each ,depending on the brand---cheaper insurance cannot be had.Once you start using them,you will find you are actually making sets faster than without them.You are not worried about the trap going off,so you can concentrate on making the set---not on watching the trap.
More to follow as we go along.
Tom

330's do rock. The only time I use snares or footholds for beaver is when I have to or when I'm making some kind of otter combo set. I wish I owned more.

Bogmaster · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2005, 05:01:39 AM »

I must say,I have never caught an otter in a snare--lol, but then, I have never set one for them.
But I do catch my fill in 330s(we are allowed to take 4 in the northern half of the state).I do not usually even bother making an otter specific set,I will pick up my limit in my 330s set for beaver.
Now ,when trapping in another state,I do make otter specific sets,but again my 330s are used.
I do love the 330,that and my #1 stoplosses.
Tom

Bobber · « **Reply #7 on:** December 01, 2005, 09:43:24 AM »

Tom would you spend the extra money for the Duke 330 magnums over the regular ones? It's not very much really , just wondering if they are a significant improvement over the regular ones?

Bogmaster · « **Reply #8 on:** December 01, 2005, 10:42:54 AM »

Bob,I have both of them.Both work just fine,a dead beav is a dead beav.
It is all up to the trapper,what he likes.I have taken 4 digit numbers of beaver in the Dukes,and also the same type of nubers in the species.Some guys find the mags a bit harder to stabilize and fence off,I dont have those problems.Either way,mag or regular,they work well.
Tom

Bridger158 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 01, 2005, 05:40:53 PM »

Bog, I am very afraid of 330`s. I don`t particularly enjoy messing with 280s because when i squeeze the jaws together the safety latchs act like they wanna come off and that just bothers me.

Bogmaster · « **Reply #10 on:** December 01, 2005, 06:20:06 PM »

Thats where the safety grippers comes into play.It is put on as soon as you get the jaws opened,that way you are covered,if the spring safety comes undone.
Tom

Bobber · « **Reply #11 on:** December 02, 2005, 06:13:52 AM »

Your sure right about those saftey grippers as I have had a couple of close calls with the 330's and I've only tried beaver trapping recently. Although not part of this topic , getting your hand caught in a CDR or other big beaver size foothold could be very bad also. I would wear the setters around my neck on a cord . I've snapped a #3 jump on my hand before and let me tell you it isn't any fun getting out of one by yourself, while standing in 3' of cold water! I think I'm actually more afraid of getting caught in a foothold like a CDR.

Macthediver · « **Reply #12 on:** December 03, 2005, 06:09:42 AM »

Tom
I have seen your demo several times and I'm up to speed on most of how you set. Truth is I have not tried it as of yet but do plan to do so this season
My question is this. I can not recall if you set your trigger on the top or the bottom? I'm thinking bottom ? but please clarify trigger configuration if you will.

Thanks in advance

Mark

Bogmaster · « **Reply #13 on:** December 03, 2005, 01:26:13 PM »

Mark,I always set with the trigger on the bottom.I bend them in a rounded m.When the trap is half submerged,the entire trigger is under the water---all a beaver sees,is an open shot,right to the mound.
Tom