Beaver
Castor canadensis
The heavyweight of the water line — big pelts, valuable castor, and steady demand from managers.
Typical Size
30 – 70 lb
Prime Season
Late fall – early spring
Overview
Beavers are the largest North American rodent and a prized water furbearer. Beyond fur, their castor is valuable and their dam-building often creates flooding problems, making trappers a welcome tool for landowners.
Identification
- 30-70 lb massive body with rich brown fur
- Broad, flat, scaly tail
- Large orange incisors
- Webbed hind feet built for swimming
Habitat
Field Sign
Behavior
Primarily nocturnal, working dams, lodges, and feed areas along predictable underwater travel routes. Colony animals with strong site fidelity.
Best Sets
Conibear Drowning Set
When: In runs, dam crossovers, and lodge entrances
Trap: 330 bodygrip staked in the travel channel
View full set instructions →
Castor Mound Set
When: At scent mounds along the bank
Trap: Foothold on a drowning rig baited with castor lure
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Dam / Slide Set
When: Where beavers cross dams or use bank slides
Trap: 330 bodygrip or foothold with a drowning wire
View full set instructions →
Bait & Lure
Fur Handling
Skin open (round), flesh thoroughly, and stretch on a hoop or board into the classic round shape. Save the castor glands — they have real market value.
