Author Topic: Beaver lure (Read 1562 times)

wormbobskey · « **on:** March 07, 2003, 03:23:10 AM »

Can someone give me a simple lure formula using dry, ground beaver castor? Also how to prepare beaver castor that I have drying in my trapping room? Thanks, Worm

Dan Mich Trapper · « **Reply #1 on:** March 07, 2003, 05:32:59 AM »

All I did to my castors was grind them into powder and mix with propolyne glycol (spelling ) . Some guys I know use Vodka to mix with also , helps keep it from freezing .

wormbobskey · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2003, 07:00:25 AM »

Where can I get some of the propolyne glycol? I've heard about using vodka or gin to preserve the castors. Thanks for the information. Worm

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2003, 07:27:35 AM »

When using vodka does one add it to the castor or drink it? :-D

Alcohol may very well facillitate dissolution of the castor; I really don't know. However, as an anti freez or perservative take note that when it evaporates its gone and there is no residual to affect a condition.

I believe I saw that they use propolyene glycol as a winterizer in camping trailers and the like...try NAPA type stores.

Dan Mich Trapper · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2003, 08:58:24 AM »

Propolyne glycol can be bought at many trapping supply houses . Not sure if its availible at your local corner store or not .

wormbobskey · « **Reply #5 on:** March 07, 2003, 01:03:09 PM »

Would anyone know the quanities to mix. I just got 2 oz. from a guy on trapperman that are dried and ground already, plus I have 3 beaver castors hanging up to dry. I imagine that the ones I have hanging will make about an ounce, so I will have about 3 ounces total to mix up. I may save an ounce to put in other lures. Worm

Dan Mich Trapper · « **Reply #6 on:** March 08, 2003, 03:46:24 AM »

I just mixed mine till it was a paste I liked . Dont really think it matters unless you are mixing other ingrediants like foods to your lure , then I think amounts matter .

wormbobskey · « **Reply #7 on:** March 08, 2003, 01:16:03 PM »

About all I'm looking for is something to make the castor work better. I don't want to take away from the natural calling ability of the castor, so I wouldn't add anything to it. I have always heard that with beaver, it is either food or sex/territory that they are interested in. I have also heard that most animals are interested in the smell of beaver castor. Should I save some to add to other lures, such as fox or coyotes? I noticed that muskrats were always getting into my castor mound sets. This is only my second year at beaver trapping and I would like some of you seasoned pro's letting me know whats up. I can't imagine having tried to catch beaver without the help of people that contribute to this and other trapping web sites. I thank you all. Worm

Dan Mich Trapper · « **Reply #8 on:** March 08, 2003, 08:09:08 PM »

I dont have a problem at all with putting a small bit of castor in a dirthole for fox or coyotes . Had good luck doing that .

trappnman · « **Reply #9 on:** March 09, 2003, 01:38:01 AM »

A quick effective beaver lure can be made by mixing the castor into soft vaseline. Amounts don't matter- just add some castor and mix it up. Stop when it has a strong castor odor. Vaseline works very well to hold the odor in and the lure is easy to apply andlasts a long time. I also make a quick mink lure by doing the same thing with cut up mink glands.

Rick Hatton · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2003, 04:50:16 PM »

First start with the castors themselves. Use ONLY #1 grade full large pods. Anything less will not attract those big blankets at certian times of the year. Hang clean pods for a few weeks before grinding. With 10 ozs of ground castors, add 3-4 ozs of propylene glycol to form a thick paste. To that add 1 oz of anis extract. You'll have a simple homemade beaver lure that will kick most of the commercial guys' butts.... And only 3 things in it. Remember the KISS theory!

Rick Hatton · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2003, 01:45:44 PM »

Worm,
The amount of Anis I've given will only intensify the castor base as they complement each other greatly. After a few days in a jar (stirred regularly) you wont ever detect the anis but the castors grow stronger. I can't stress enough about the quality of the grade of the castors though. Remember you can purchase 3 grades. For other lures that call for castor it doesn't really matter, but for beaver, it really does seperate the men from the boys

wormbobskey · « **Reply #12 on:** March 18, 2003, 06:55:58 AM »

Rick, how can I tell #1 castor from #3 castor? Would #1 be from those big blanket beaver or is it just how they are handled, the scent they give off or what? I have 3 castors hanging up right now, but the biggest beaver was about 35 lbs. I still haven't found any propylene glycol yet. I like the idea of using the soft vasoline to mix with the castor. What is your opinion on its use. Can that anise oil be picked up at a drug store or would I have to order it through the mail. Thanks for the information, Worm.

Mallard · « **Reply #13 on:** March 18, 2003, 08:44:47 AM »

A while back several folks were vouching for the old Michigan Mud. That still available Rick? Seems like Tim B produced that old 70# chissel tooth with that stuff. :-)

Rick Hatton · « **Reply #14 on:** March 23, 2003, 05:37:39 AM »

Worm,
The 3 grades were seperated for buying and selling purposes.
#1's being large full puds (your 35 pounder could grade as such). #2's are from smaller beaver with full pods or large beaver sorta half empty or #1's that have dried way too long. #3's are those empty shells no matter how large or small the beaver was. This is kinda over-simplifying it a bit but you can get more info from, I believe, Fur Harvesters of America as they put out a pamphlet that not only explains in greater detail the 3 grades but also has pictures and what to look for. Again, I only used #1's for my "Michigan Mud" but did use the other grades for any lure that called for casters for other species. Ace and I talked about the use of vaseline in the past and it could be ok for water based furbearers but like Ace said "I'd never consider it for canines" and I agree. I purchased my Propylene Glycol from Minnesota Trapline Products. But you could also use Glycerene and you could purchase that at the drug store although it's pretty expensive there. I see no real diference between the 2 except for thickness.
Yes you can use the Anise extract from the grocery store.
Mallard, I sold all my lures to Joe to sell at his store. He also handles Ace's lures as well.

Asa Lenon · « **Reply #15 on:** March 23, 2003, 04:04:36 PM »

Rick promotes the #1 castors for lures because he likes the smaller #2's for soup and the #3's in place of lasagna shells. When I was at Rick's camp he had a tree with nails pounded into it, just outside the door with castors hanging on the nails drying for lunch. If they get too dry, he grates them and uses them like parmasan cheese to sprinkle on his eggs. Rick says "Back to the land means back to the land", no more grocery store flavorings for him! Ace :lol:

RdFx · « **Reply #16 on:** March 23, 2003, 04:20:47 PM »

Ha , you forgot about how Rick dabs abit of castor behind the ear when he goes to town on friday nite to get SUPPLIES! LOL