Tactics for beaver?

[Jellyhead]

Normally I trap beaver. But next year I may not have as much time as I normally do to trap them.

I'm wondering if any of you have sucessfully hunted beaver? I've got a few ideas, but alot more questions.

My idea is to kick a dam out close to the lodge in the morning, and go back at sunset and see if I can kill one or two when they come to fix the dam.

Hopefully before it gets too dark, or on a moonlit night.

I'd like to save the fur, but don't know what gun to use. I fear ricochetes with a rifle, but a close head shot should be doable, and most ponds here have pretty steep banks.

Anyone ever use a light on them? Do they respond to calls? And what about scents to get them right close to the bank. And lastly, do they sink when you shoot em?

Thanks,

Aaron

[FWS]

Hunting beaver is actually fairly common in Scandanavian countries where they actually sell guided hunts for them.

Swedish Beaver Hunting

Beaver Hunting In Finland

Efficacy of Cartridge Type and Projectile Design in the Harvest of Beaver

;D

[richc]

We used to do some beaver shootin' when I was in highschool. Mostly it took place under the bleachers down at the ball park. I don't remember callin' em though.

[robertw]

I prefer a 22 mag and head shots. I use an "Aimpointe" (sp?) Laser for low light shots on coons and beaver. The laser makes shooting a lot easier than trying to aquire the target in a scope.

My preferred ammo is the Federal 30 grain jacketed hollow point.

[edge]

I'm in with the 22 WMR,although I use the CCI Jacketed bullets;recovery largely depends on water depth and bottom conditions;when I sniped beaver,hides were not the consideration.

Edge

[fishhead]

Are Beavers predators? I've seen them in the Mojave river but never called one in. I heard they eat trees?

[Jellyhead]

Yeah they're predators alright, they "sneak" up on the tree before they grab it by the trunk and repeatedly bite it an bring it down and dismember it. It's very greusom

You can call them by raking bone on a tree to simulate other beavers attacking a tree, or making a "creaking" tree in distress call (very effective when there is no wind)

Just funning! Thanks for all the suggestions above.

Aaron

[Bigfoot]

A while back I heard of a few folks expiramening with beaver kit in distress recordings to call beaver . does anybody know haow well this works ?

[Mud Turtle]

Michigan- Illegal to shoot beaver, otter, muskrat and mink.

[edge]

**Michigan- Illegal to shoot beaver, otter, muskrat and mink. **

Not on a damage permit.Only restriction is explosives.

[trappincoyotes39]

For me it means the last beaver or two on a complaint that I either want to clear up fast or trap shy,snare shy etc, or a flat pond with zero banks. I use a shotgun, use to be with copper plated BB's and a full choke, lately the last 1.5 years dead coyote T shot.

I find the dam and make a nice big break mid day and come back the last hour before dark and wait on them. Or plugged tile and knock it open in a pond setting.

Some have had luck with beaver babies sound, I have found it to be less effective in my area. Others say it has worked well.

[redsnow]

You asked if they sink, after being shot. I've only shot one beaver that wasn't in a trap or snare, and it sank quick. I did find a long pole and snared it by the tail, and recovered the thing. Years ago a local landowner had problem beaver, he blasted them with a high power rifle and he told me they all sank. The one I shot was on an ADC job, so it was legal.