Author Topic: Otter sets? (Read 403 times)

wormbobskey · « **on:** May 21, 2005, 03:58:53 AM »

I've been told we will be having our first otter season next year and was wanting to hear what sets and bait/lures some of you fella's use to catch them. There is supposed to be a 2 otter limit, but I was thinking of trying to gang set on sign. Is this a good idea or not. Thanks, Worm.

Bogmaster · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2005, 05:24:44 AM »

Worm,Otter are not difficult to catch.I never use bait for otter,I do catch several a year in my lured castor mound sets for beaver.
Gang setting is a very good idea,otter travel together a good portion of the time.I did have several doubles this last season.The last double was 2 large males,the pelts were 73 inches and 72 inches long(this was from nose to tip of tail before stretching).
If you can set beaver dam crossovers,do so.These are otter hot spots.Narrow channels,crossovers from one body of water to another are also dynamite.Body grippers are my trap of choice.I did take 1 in a 220 this past season,but I do prefer the 330.Many trappers like the 280,but I do so much beaver work,that the 330 is just easier for me to use on both animals.
I spend more time trying to avoid catching otter,than I do catching them.
Our limit is only 4,so any accidental catches over this number,must be turned in to our DNR.
Tom

RdFx · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2005, 07:32:31 AM »

I concurr with everything Tom said...... also you have to have your traps set before you see sign most of the time as when you see sign they have been through and it might be awhile before they come back or another trapper might connect.....Set up old abandoned bvr houses and ponds also as otter STILL check these out... And another tip if you see otter going over land from a water source FOLLOW it as 99% of the time they are going to a bvr pond or flowage... you can get some good sets dry land and where they enter the water when they reach thier destination... Good luck

Newt · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2005, 03:35:33 PM »

I too concurr,
(Man did'nt make me sound smart? I love that word .I concurr,I Concurr, I CONCURR ,I CONCURR)
with Tom and RdFx.I like sett'n sign. In my travels I have found that most of the time. NOT all the time. Beavers will cross a dam more towards the center and otter to the ends (sides). And even more to the right side. When you are facing up stream.
Another set I make- When I find a old toilet. I dig it up then slick up the fresh dirt. Rake up a 8' circle,heeping up the debree. Then add otter lure and mink urine +++ some fish scales.And mix it in.Even when there is no old toilet. And I know the otter are swim'n past. I will pick out a likley look'n spot and make a toilet.

I CONCURR

steven49er · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2005, 07:14:39 AM »

I too concur.

Gangsetting is definately a good idea. Doubles are common and I once caught 3 in a location. Also many time I will have a beaver in one set and an otter in another.

The most otter I have seen in a group was five.