The question of trap sizes comes up on a regular basis.Can I use a #160,#220,or a #11/2 or #2 for beaver.
Can I use a small trap on coyotes?
Most trappers,especially our new trappers,try to get by with what they have or what is of the least cost.This is a very big mistake.By trying to get by with the wrong traps,you are actually costing yourself money.An awful lot of animals are missed or easily pull out of traps that are to small.Not only have you lost a furbearer,you have educated them ,as to what a trap is.This only makes them harder to catch.
There is no trap made,that is right for each and every animal.That is why,different sized traps are made.
For Beaver--go with the #330,a#280 is a fair beaver trap,but you will have some refusals by large beavers.When I used 280s at my castor mounds,I had a large number of beaver,that tried to climb over them.The best move I ever made ,was to go to the 330s.
A #3 is the smallest that should be used ,as far as footholds go--for beavers.And these are for a front foot catch,only.The beavers large hind feet,make this a very ineffective trap for hind feet.
For back foot catches,go with nothing smaller than a #4,the 71/2 inch jawspread traps are even better.
You owe it to the animals you trap,and yourself to use the right sized traps.
I will soon make another post on trap sizes for other furbearing animals.
Tom
