Smossy's 2014-2015 Trapping Season.

[Smossy]

Non existant.
Ive had 2 large guillotine style door traps. 5 6x6x24 colony traps and a few other assorted sets and I havent been able to produce in over 4 weeks. I know theres beavers and animals in the area and ive found more freshly chewed up trees in the area then I can count. Getting frusterated and about ready to just tap out. Ill take photos next time I go out for help.

[ouchfoss]

There was a few spots last year that were frustrating like that for me too. I've learned a few things since then about where the best spots are to place the trap (at least for beaver). What do you have for beaver traps?

[ouchfoss]

I read that wrong. I thought you had guillotine 6x6x24 traps.     
Finding their "paths" or trails on the creek or pond floor will really help out. Even if its in a big wide open area that is fairly deep with no brush or sticks nearby, find a way to lay your trap in one of their routes and it will produce eventually. My uncle just ran into that same situation a few days ago and the next day he had a 30 pounder. It was a big fairly wide creek that was about 5 feet deep and no brush anywhere so he just lowered the cage into the beaver trail and it worked perfect. His are 12x18x48 drownsets that are simalar to Bruce's design last year.

[Carp Commander]

Just keep after it! Everyone has gone through rough patches. Just being out is worth it!

[Smossy]

Not sure the exact dimensions but they sound close of not bigger then what you describe.  I have two of them set in a small channel of grass in a swamp that has been torn out by appearant beavers. You can clearly see whrre the grass is been torn or just abscent from the small channel about 1-2 feet wide at max. It goes from one beaver dome to some chewed up branches and trees.

[ouchfoss]

Sounds like the right place to put one. You might try placing in some other routes if possible. Seems like they can sometimes get trap shy if they have a cage smack them but not capture them. I had that happen in spot last year after I stuck one trap in the entrance to his lodge. Next day, the trap was tripped with nothing in it but it was pushed about 4 feet away from the lodge so he could obviously get around it. Never saw fresh sign in that area again and never caught one animal. You also might try some caster around your trap to coax him into going the trap.
Might be hard to do but you may have to admit defeat and just pull your trap and try somewhere else that has potential. There is at least 2 spots I know of that I have tried like heck to get a beaver out of because I know they are there but the lay of the land just makes it difficult and I have yet to get anything out of there. I try to move my traps after about 2 weeks of not getting anything and one week if its really crappy rainny weather.

[Smossy]

May be possible, One of my large guillotine style traps was triggered but empty. Not sure what set it off though. May stick my trail cam out there to try to get some idea of whats swimming around. I need to learn more of the open water style trapping I just get sketched out going into deep murky water lol.

[h20hunter]

Tagging to follow along....don't give up buddy, keep at it. I like the idea of the trail cam...throw a big card in there and set 'er to video.

[boneaddict]

There is a learning curve in every aspect of the outdoors.   You'll get to know your prey, and it will get easier and easier.   If it were that easy, there wouldn't be anything left to trap.   Study, learn and enjoy.   

[Humptulips]

If you are using scented sets and one has sprung your trap it could very well be trap shy to that scent. You might try a different brand of scent at a different location.
If you have a swim through type trap and you are afraid the water is too deep try looking around for a shallower place to set. It could be a long way from where you see the beaver sign and still be good. Beaver move around more then a lot of people think.

[Smossy]

If you are using scented sets and one has sprung your trap it could very well be trap shy to that scent. You might try a different brand of scent at a different location.
If you have a swim through type trap and you are afraid the water is too deep try looking around for a shallower place to set. It could be a long way from where you see the beaver sign and still be good. Beaver move around more then a lot of people think.

I used some of the castor scent you sent me last year on one of the large traps that was funneled and on shore, that one was never triggered and It sad for a week or so without ever getting a hit, Im moved everything to swim through style so it gives me alittle longer before checking each set. With work hours sometimes I dont have time to go out everyday.

[Smossy]

Managed to get a beaver today

[Trapper John]

We new you had it in you to hang in there    Nice Job ! 
There will be another one tomorrow    because its family and friends are going to come out and look for him tonight. 
JC 

[Smossy]

We new you had it in you to hang in there    Nice Job ! 
There will be another one tomorrow    because its family and friends are going to come out and look for him tonight. 
JC 

lol That would be nice, I know there's more in the area. Too much damage to be one tiny little guy.

[Smossy]

What do I do with the tail, if anything?