Footholds for Beavers

[G3TrapperNC]

If you could only have 1 type of footholds for beavers, which would it be and why? What type of drowning lock would it have?

I need to buy a couple and don't know where to start.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

[Deadfall_Paul]

NC

I'm not much of a beaver trapper.
Maybe Tim could help you out with trap selection.
Good luck.

[akhomesteader]

I usually use snares under the ice, if i have to use a foothold I use either 4# Newhouses or 750 Eliminators. The Newhouses have been modified; 6"chain swiveled in the center of the cross with a drowner at the other end.. Good Luck!

[TimWilcox]

I used #4 Double Long Springs, I like the way the traps stayed put ! No wobble at all, those big springs seemed to make a difference as far as keeping the trap still.

[G3TrapperNC]

Tim - Thanks for the reply ;D

Any suggestions on maufacturer? I know that there is a difference in jaw spread sometimes. I would like the larger jaw spread to avoid fired empty traps.

Also, any suggestion for drowning locks? Is there any difference with them?

This rookie really appreciates the advice. Just moved here, and until the next trapper ed from the state trapping association, I am on my own!

Thanks again.

John - NC

[TimWilcox]

Now your talking to the right person because I do not have any drowner locks. So I used what I had ! All I did was use a swivel, ran the cable through the small hole so it could slide down the cable & it would lock on the way back up. I attatched the trap to the swivel by using a J Hook. Cables were 8 feet long. Traps I used were Blake & Lambs, I'm sure any brand trap will be fine.

[CrowHillTrapper]

I'm with Tim on this one, I too started using footholds for beaver this year. I got some brand new Sleepy Creek #4 double long springs, and I love them. I was told to go with the CDR's or the MB 750's which I know are also great traps but I went this route. I set one five days ago along a muddy clay bank baited with a willow stick and Dobbins food lure. The first day it had nothing but the following three days I had three big beautiful beavers in it. So why would I change a good thing. They held great up on the front wrist of each beaver. I had the trap attached from the swivel to a 220lb quick link to a "L" drowner lock that was secured to a concrete block. Today I didn't get one but that was ok I needed a break.
Hope this helps.

[G3TrapperNC]

I went with the CDR 7.5's. I like the Paws-I-Trip Pans....they are very easy to set when you have the setters. I set one tonight, I will see what happens.