Getting Started With Beaver Trapping? How Easy?

[whitfang]

My landowner for deer hunting in Indiana has problems with beavers.  He farms trees for lumber so 'naturally' he dislikes beavers and whitetails.  We've talked about trapping/hunting beavers but have not done anything about them yet.

How easily can you get started with beaver trapping on a small scale?

How much will getting started cost?

Are beavers more beneficial than destructive?

How idiot-proof can you make trapping? 

[Bogmaster]

 I teach kids to trap beaver,and they have had immediate success.I would expect the same for anyone willing to listen and follow directions.
  A few 330's and some good castor based lures,are all you need to get started --equipment wise.
 Tom

[whitfang]

I see some 330 beaver traps on ebay.  And scent is available via mailorder from a bunch of places.

So, you place the trap underwater near a beaver hut and scent it?  Then check it daily? And these traps are supposed to kill the beaver, not just hold it?

Can you sell the skins and meat?

Unfortunately, I think Indiana's beaver trapping season ends in about a week.

[Bogmaster]

 It is a little bit more complex than that--but not a whole lot.
 I sell everything you need for those beaver--and I ain't on e-bay.
 First thing you need to do--find out when your season ends,also your laws regarding trapping beaver.The fur can be sold,and in some places--meat.
 You can always give me a call for directions and help.
 Tom

[claythomas]

Just my little opinion, but from what I know, even if you feel comfortable buying traps you've never layed you rhands on, traps on E-bay go for way too much money.

[ncmountainman]

If I cant evaluate used equipment in person I stick with used equipment dealers that have a good rep and I know in advance which parts can be easily replaced without adding too much to the total cost of depreciated equipment. Good new traps are reliable and dont cost that much compared to what fur they can catch when the fur market is doing ok.

Professional lure makers sell good high quality lures that take years of experience to learn how to make. They use the right ammount of ingredients and sell lure that will consistently produce. Trappers make the lures work for them by making good sets in the right locations.