Missouri’s Beaver A Guide to Management, Nuisance Prevention and Damage Control The Missouri Department of Conservation would like to thank the North Carolina Extension Service, the Cooperative Extension Service at Kansas State University in Manhattan and the Kansas Fish and Game Commission for various materials, information and ideas used to create this manual.

Writer: Ron McNeely Editors: Gene Kelly and Joan McKee Illustrator: David Besenger

Copyright © 1995, Revised 2010 by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Missouri Department of Conservation is available to all individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. Questions should be directed to the Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to Chief, Public Civil Rights, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. CONTENTS

Introduction to Missouri’s Beaver...... 4 Role in Missouri history ...... 5 Life history ...... 6 Physical characteristics...... 6 Social structure...... 6 Feeding habits...... 7 Storing food...... 8 Tree girdling ...... 8 Lodges and dens...... 8 Dam building...... 9 Economic value ...... 10 Damage prevention and control ...... 12 Nonlethal methods...... 12 Saving valuable trees ...... 12 Protecting boat docks ...... 13 Keeping overflow tubes unplugged ...... 13 Deterring burrowing in dams ...... 14 Controlling flooding ...... 14 Destroying dams ...... 15 Live trapping...... 15 Lethal methods...... 15 Shooting ...... 16 Trapping...... 16 Guide to trapping nuisance beaver...... 17 Body-grip traps...... 17 Bank-den sets ...... 17 Channel sets ...... 18 Using castor ...... 19 Castor sets using body-grip traps...... 19 Castor sets using foot-hold traps ...... 20 Castor sets using snares...... 21 Castor lure recipe ...... 22 Controlling problem beaver in small streams ...... 22 Trapping in ponds and watershed structures ...... 24 Trapping as a business venture...... 25 Nuisance control ...... 25 Selling meat ...... 25 Marketing castor glands ...... 25 Dealing in pelts...... 25 Preparing beaver for market ...... 26 Skinning...... 26 Processing the meat ...... 28 Fleshing the skin...... 28 Drying the pelt ...... 28 3 INTRODUCTION TO MISSOURI’S BEAVER

eaver, more than any other habitat is found. Beaver are present in ing ornamental trees on his lawn and, animals besides humans, alter most streams that have a year-round as a result, have an entirely different Bthe environment to meet their water flow, in farm ponds, in city and view point. Often landowners’ attitudes needs. The dams they build in streams, private lakes and in large bodies of change from wanting to protect beaver the trees they cut for food and the water. Increasingly, beaver are becoming when the animals are not causing prob- channels they dig to increase their more common in urban areas. lems to wanting them destroyed when mobility in the water bring diversity The contacts with these industrious property is being damaged. in plant and animal life to the area. rodents result in a variety of attitudes. As beaver and people move into Now that beaver populations are again A farmer with a small stream on the each other’s backyard, many Missou- thriving throughout Missouri and the land may benefit from a beaver dam rians want to learn more about these United States, more people are coming that stores much needed water during wild animals—either to enjoy watching into contact with the alterations that a drought. Another farmer may have them or to learn how to take preven- these animals make on the landscape. a serious problem when beaver dams tive measures to protect property. This As their populations increase, beaver flood bottomland crops. To one urban booklet is a guide to both understand- are no longer only associated with wild, dweller living in a lake-front home, bea- ing these semi-aquatic animals and remote wilderness areas. They are abun- ver may be something to be enjoyed how to avoid nuisance beaver prob- dant all over Missouri wherever suitable and protected. A neighbor may be los- lems.

As beaver and people move into each other’s backyard, many Missourians want to learn more about these wild animals— either to enjoy watching them or to learn how to take preventive measures to protect property.

4 ROLE IN MISSOURI HISTORY

bundant when Europeans 1804 to 1806 was to explore the area’s Europe during the early 1800s. The first arrived, beaver played an potential for the fur trade. Not only dense, almost down-like underfur was Aimportant role in the early set- did the two adventurers write about used to make the best quality felt for tlement of Missouri. In the 1700s the fur traders they met as they traveled hats. The higher the percentage of bea- French came in search of fine beaver up the Missouri River, but at night ver fur, the more expensive the hat. pelts and other furs that were popular their own men set traps, which often But fashion is fickle, as the trap- in Europe. Old dugout canoes, called supplied beaver meat for the expedi- pers and traders soon found out. The pirogues, have been unearthed along tion. After the trip, Clark returned up discovery of the silk worm brought streams in Missouri in recent years as the Missouri River to establish Fort about a new popular style of hats, evidence of those early French beaver Osage, a fur trade outpost near what is which caused the beaver fur market to trappers. One of these historic boats now Kansas City. plummet by the end of the 1830s. was found along the Thompson Fork Missouri played a key role in the Even with a lower demand, trapping River in Grundy County and another in early fur trade. Many trading compa- continued in the United States. Inten- the Kansas City area at the confluence nies had headquarters in St. Louis, once sive unregulated trapping caused the of the Blue and Missouri rivers. known as the world fur trading center. number of beaver to steadily decline Much of the purpose for Meri- The businesses sent trappers further until they were considered extirpated wether Lewis’ and William Clark’s into the wilderness to find more furs. from Missouri by 1929. Beaver trapping famous Missouri River expedition from As a result, these adventurers and was prohibited in Missouri from 1929 the companies that sponsored them to 1953. helped open up the Western frontier in As soon as they were protected, the late 1700s and early 1800s. beaver began repopulating the state. One famous St. Louis fur trader, Animals from upstream began coloniz- Joseph Roubidoux III, set up a trading ing the Missouri River and its tributar- post at the mouth of Blacksnake Creek ies in north Missouri. In southern Mis- on the banks of the Missouri River in souri, six purchased pairs were released what is now St. Joseph, the city he later in 1928 and 1929. Beaver from the west founded and named after his patron are thought to have repopulated the saint. There, he traded with trappers southwestern part of the state. and Native Americans for beaver pelts Although special farmer-damage and other furs. trapping permits were allowed as early The journals of Lewis and Clark also as 1945, the first modern beaver trap- noted the city of St. Charles as a fur ping season didn’t begin until 1953. town, where most of its inhabitants The first season lasted 15 days in were employed in the fur trade. only 76 of the 114 counties. Gradu- In the 1830s, mountain men trav- ally the season was lengthened and eled through Missouri on their way expanded to include more counties. west after beaver pelts. “Kit” Carson In 1956, a 46-day season opened was a native Missourian who joined statewide. The market for beaver pelts their ranks. Another famous explorer, at that time was low, and the beaver Daniel Boone, after he migrated to population continued to increase. Missouri from Kentucky in 1799, went Beaver pelt prices have remained up the Grand River one winter on a relatively low through the years. beaver trapping expedition accom- Although trappers continue to take panied by a young servant. The two beaver, harvest pressure has not found themselves surrounded by been adequate to control population American Indians and were forced to growth. break camp and beat a hasty retreat. As a result, the current beaver trap- Fashion fueled the lucrative bea- ping season remains liberal. In the mid ver fur market that enticed men to 1990s, beaver have become plentiful, make journeys into uncharted terri- not only in Missouri, but all across the tory. Men’s hats, made from the finest North American continent where suit- beaver pelts, were the rage throughout able habitat is found.

5 LIFE HISTORY Physical characteristics their body submerged. Although their remains. This forms a beveled edge vision is only fair above water, beaver that the beaver sharpens by gnawing. More at home in the water, beaver get see much better when submerged. A Beaver use these opposed pairs of out on dry land to cut trees and other membrane closes over the beavers’ chisels to cut trees of most any diam- vegetation for food and occasionally eyes to protect them when underwa- eter. These sharp teeth also are used to to travel short distances overland from ter. Both the ears and nose have valves remove the trees’ outer dead bark and one water habitat to another. Special that close when the beaver submerges. to cut loose the cambium—the inner characteristics enable this semi-aquatic As an aid in gnawing underwater, the growing layer of the tree that beaver animal to adapt to both environments. lips meet behind the incisor teeth, use as a principle food source during Perhaps the most commonly recog- which prevent water from entering the the winter months. nized feature is the beaver’s broad flat, mouth. Beaver vary in color from a light to a scaly tail, which the animal uses for sta- Beaver can regulate their blood dark brown. The darker-colored beaver bility while sitting and feeding or while chemistry, heart rate and circulation are more prevalent in central and chewing its way through a tree. In the patterns so they can work underwa- southern Missouri, while the lighter water, it serves as a warning device ter for up to 15 minutes. When held ones occur in the north and northwest. when an alarmed beaver slaps it on the underwater, beaver do not drown In the fur trade, the lighter shades— surface of the water. When swimming, as most mammals do. Instead, they referred to as “pales,” “blondes” and the beaver uses its tail as a rudder. remain calm until they realize they are “silvers”—are more in demand. Beaver The front feet are equipped with in trouble. At that point, the beaver with black fur rarely occur in Missouri. heavy toenails for digging bank dens, will frantically try to surface and, if No matter what color, all beaver have dredging up mud from the stream unable to do so, will die in about a a dense underfur that traps air and bottom for dam building, digging minute from a condition called narco- protects them from cold water in the channels, and for handling food and sis or carbon dioxide poisoning. Most winter. It is this underfur that is so construction material. other warm-blooded animals will die highly prized in the fur industry. The large webbed hind feet are in three minutes from what is called Male and female beaver are difficult used to propel the animal through the “wet” drowning. This means that unlike to identify without a physical examina- water. The three outer toes on the hind beaver, they inhale water into their tion. Both sexes have one opening— feet have typical claws, but the fourth lungs and die from lack of oxygen. called the cloacal—that is used by the toe has a split or double toenail that Missouri’s largest rodent, an adult reproductive and excretory systems. beaver use as a comb to rid their fur of beaver averages between 30 to 50 The male’s penis is hidden inside this lice and to distribute oil from the oil pounds, but trappers on occasion opening. Sometimes it is possible to sacs to help waterproof their fur. catch ones that weigh more than 100 observe the two pairs of teats on a Other specializations have helped pounds. Beaver, like most rodents, female when the animal is in the late the beaver adapt to their aquatic way have front teeth that grow continually stages of pregnancy or is nursing. of life. The location of the eyes near the throughout their lifetime. The back top of the head allows beaver to see side of their four orange incisors wears above the water while keeping most of away, and the harder front surface Social structure Beaver are social animals. They usually live in family units, called colonies, that consist of an adult pair and the young Beaver deposit castor, the from that year. The male parent stays scented oil from their castor in the area although the female may glands, on a small mound keep him at a distance when the young of mud and leaves that are small. the beaver places near the Beaver in Missouri usually breed in water’s edge. February, and the young are born in late April or early May. Occasionally some females breed later in the year, but they still have only one litter a year. A young female beaver may have two or three young—called kits—in its first litter. Older females produce larger litters. Even though beaver only have four teats, they may have as many as

6 LIFE HISTORY

Beaver cache their winter food supply in the water behind the dam. It often looks like a brush pile in the water with the tips of some of the branches sticking above the surface.

seven young—and on rare occasions indicate that sometimes the wounds on lake banks that seldom flood the eight or more. The average litter size, are severe. castor mounds may build up over however, is three or four. Beaver usually mate for life. They the years into conical mounds several Yearling beaver may naturally establish their territory during the inches high. Although beaver make disperse on their own in early spring or spring, and the female is especially castor mounds throughout the year, be driven out of the colony when their protective of the home territory during there is a period of increased cas- parents have a new litter. A mated the summer while the kits are small. tor mounding activity from January pair of young beaver may move into Both parents are persistent in main- through March and especially after suitable habitat and establish territory taining their dam or plugging tubes in the ice melts off the streams and the during the summer of their second ponds, to maintain maximum water beaver become more active. year. Much like young Canada geese, depth to keep their young safe. Although usually nocturnal, beaver this first year in the chosen new ter- Beaver in Missouri have few natural are more likely to be active during ritory is the “honeymoon” year, the predators. Coyotes, bobcats, dogs and daylight hours in late winter and early time before the pair has its first litter. great horned owls may occasionally spring during the mating season. They Occasionally a solitary beaver, which catch and kill young beaver when they also can be seen during the day soon trappers refer to as a “bachelor,” may are on land. Recently, river otter have after the ice has thawed and when set up a territory by itself. been suspected of killing young beaver. young beaver are dispersing. Beaver During mating season, many However, people are the only signifi- also may be seen in the early mornings beaver—especially in areas of higher cant predators. or late evenings, particularly if they populations—show fresh bite marks. Male and female beaver produce have become used to humans. This is attributed to rivalry among a scented oil from their castor glands adult males, defending territory, or the that is used to mark territory and to result of adults driving off last year’s attract mates. The castor is deposited Feeding habits young. Adult beaver of both sexes on a small mound of mud and leaves Beaver seem to be totally herbivorous. often show scars from bites received that beaver haul out of the stream or They are sometimes accused of eating throughout their lives. Most beaver lake. Along most streams these castor fish, especially if remains of fish are survive these battles, but the scars mounds are soon washed away, but found at a beaver colony.

7 However, there is no recorded proof corn and soybeans that grow along the water with the tips of the branches of beaver eating fish. Otter, mink and edge of the pond or stream banks. sticking above the surface. raccoons living in the same habitat are Beaver eat green corn and some- Feed beds usually are present likely responsible. times use the stalks for dam mainte- near a wintering active colony, but In Missouri, silver maple, willow nance. Corn fields bordering beaver fall flooding may wash out the food and cottonwood bark are the beavers’ colonies often have well worn trails supply. Missouri winters, even in the preferred winter food. When these over which the beaver drag the corn northern part of the state, are relatively foods are not available, beaver can stalks into the water. This type of mild. Streams and ponds are seldom make do with hardwoods, such as ash, nonwoody vegetation is estimated to ice covered for long periods of time, oak, hickory and walnut. Beaver that constitute three-fifths of the beavers’ allowing beaver to survive despite the feed on the bark of hardwoods for an annual food. loss of their food cache. In fast mov- extended period are poorly nourished ing streams or ones with many springs, and have little fat reserve compared beaver may not store food for winter to those feeding on the softer maples, Storing food and may rely exclusively on food they willows and cottonwood. A flurry of beaver activity takes place obtain from the shore. Feeding in this Ornamental trees such as poplar in late October and early November fashion is more common in extreme and weeping willow, as well as apple as the colony prepares for winter. southern Missouri, where spring fed and other fruit trees, also appeal to Dams are built up and kept in good streams and normal winter tempera- beaver. These preferences often cause repair, saplings and trees are cut, and tures remain high enough to permit an conflicts with people. See how to pro- the winter food supply is laid in. As ice-free flow all year. tect these trees on Page 12. winter approaches, beaver build their In spring and summer beaver seem food cache or feed bed. After a tree is to depend less upon tree bark for food felled, the branches are cut to suitable Tree girdling and turn to aquatic plants and tender lengths of 2 to 4 feet and floated to Sometimes beaver partially or com- green shoots of terrestrial plants, such the feed bed located near the winter pletely girdle cottonwood, oak or other as giant ragweed, pigweed, sunflower, lodge or bank dens. This food storage large trees that grow along the stream smartweed, cattail, bulrushes, sedges, area often looks like a brush pile in the or lake bank. Beaver do not seem to be trying to cut the tree or to obtain food when they do this. Often the girdling will be on the lower side of the tree next to the water. One theory is that beaver gnaw to maintain wear on their teeth. Gnawing wears away the ends of the ever-growing incisor teeth that otherwise would grow into the lower jaw, block the mouth, and cause the beaver to starve. The “gnaw trees” are often in areas where castor mounds are found and, therefore, may have some territorial significance. Lodges and dens Beaver in Missouri often select a high bank or take advantage of the earth- holding roots under a tree to dig a den. The entrance may be from a few inches to several feet below the water’s sur- face. Beaver usually have at least two or three entrances to their bank dens or lodges. Only when banks are too low to permit the digging of dens do Missouri beaver often live in dens that beaver build lodges of sticks and mud they have built into the stream bank. out in the middle of the pond.

8 Inside the bank den, a foot or two Dam building most beaver dams is mud. The back above the water level, a living chamber of the dam is sticks, weeds and other is hollowed out large enough for the People have long marveled at the natural debris to hold the mud core beaver to feed, sleep and move about. dam building ingenuity of “nature’s of the dam together. Many people The floor of the chamber is covered engineers.” The purpose of the dam think beaver cut trees primarily for with shredded wood that prevents is to add more depth to a stream, building dams. Most of the sticks and puddles of water from forming on which allows beaver more room for other debris used in building a dam the chamber floor when beaver swim swimming, moving sticks through the are already in the pond or stream. The into the den. Sometimes the digging water and for storing their winter food beaver simply float the material to the of the hollowed chamber results in a supply. By regulating the water’s depth, dam and place it. cave-in of the bank. Beaver thatch over beaver can protect the entrance to Most beaver colonies in streams these holes with mud and sticks. These their bank dens. Beaver dams and the have one main dam, above which mounds, referred to as bank lodges, space they provide affords safety from the colony lives and spends most of often extend down over the bank. In predators. Beaver do not build dams in its time. There may be two or more winter the well-maintained mud-and- larger streams where there is sufficient smaller dams built below the main stick thatch freezes solid and keeps the depth and too much stream flow. dam to give the beaver colony more beaver warm and predators out. In the fall, beaver pay special atten- space and mobility. Beaver often cross In winter, the beaver can swim tion to the construction and upkeep back and forth over the dams in their out of the lodge to the feed bed even of their dams. They build them in a daily feeding routine. when the pond is ice covered. They narrow place in a stream, often where Beaver often dredge channels in the may chew off a stick that is interwoven some drift or logs already constricts upper reaches of their pond to give in the underwater storage area and the water flow. First, a few sticks, them added mobility. These are care- bring it back into the lodge to feed on weeds, rocks or other natural debris fully constructed with the mud neatly the bark. Ice may cover the stream or are lodged in the shallow constricted furrowed out to each side. Beaver are beaver pond for weeks, but the beaver area, then beaver dredge up mud from more comfortable in the water and will still have access to their food source the stream bottom with their front go to great lengths to dig channels so under the ice. Strings of bubbles and feet and push the mud up against the they can swim rather than walk. These discarded peeled sticks and droppings sticks, weeds and other debris. The channels also save them energy, as bea- under the ice indicate the lodge’s sticks hold the mud in place and keep ver can tow a large tree branch in the entrance. The ice is usually thinner it from washing away. water much easier than they can drag right above the entrance to the lodge As the water level rises, more sticks it on the ground. or bank dens because of the activity of are added and more mud is pushed the beaver swimming in and out. up against the debris. The core of Besides the main lodge near the winter feed bed, an established beaver colony may have several dens along the banks in the same area. These bank dens are sometimes diffi- cult to detect. Some mem- bers of the colony may live in these extra dens or use them as dining areas. Bank dens often col- lapse when flooded, which may happen several times a year. Usually beaver abandon these caved in bank dens and dig new ones. After the beaver move out, raccoons, mink, muskrats and otters may If the bank above a den collapses, the move in. beaver often repair it with sticks and mud.

9 ECONOMIC VALUE

eaver have played an important sured from the top of the pelt to the tive in high quality perfumes. Most of role in settling our state and bottom and from one side of the pelt the castor sold on the market goes to Bcountry, and continue to be to the other. At a Hudson Bay trading the perfume trade, but it also is used appreciated by trappers and others post, an eight-point blanket would to make trapping bait and lures. Many who enjoy the benefits of living near a have cost eight blanket beaver pelts. animals besides beaver are attracted thriving beaver pond. Today, a prime blanket beaver pelt is to the castor smell, including coyotes, Trapping still is pursued by many worth about $15 in Missouri, while an raccoons and bobcats. The explorers Missourians even though it is not as eight-point Hudson Bay blanket sells Lewis and Clark described in their profitable as it once was. Beaver pelt for $245. By today’s standard, it would journals how to make castor bait for prices have fluctuated widely over the take 16 prime beaver pelts to buy the trapping beaver. Modern day trappers years. In colonial times, the beaver pelt same blanket that eight beaver pelts use similar recipes. See recipe on Page was the standard or basis of value for once purchased. 22. commodities or money. The famous Today few people trade beaver Although not found on many Hudson Bay point blanket was pur- pelts for blankets. Cash is the preferred menus today, beaver tail was con- chased with prime beaver pelts. The medium of exchange. Some Missouri sidered a delicacy by early European blankets were marked with lines to beaver fur is purchased by the hatter trappers and Native Americans. Today indicate how much they were worth. market to be made into expensive felt some people still regard beaver meat For example, a blanket marked with hats. Other pelts are used for men’s as delicious, especially when cooked five points cost five beaver pelts. Hence and women’s fur coats. with barbecue sauce. See Judy Foley’s the term “blanket” beaver. Most people don’t think of beaver recipe on Page 11. A blanket beaver pelt is stretched in when they purchase perfume, but Beaver have been a major influ- the oval or round shape and measures castoreum, which is extracted from the ence on the land and on wildlife. For a total of at least 65 inches, when mea- beavers’ castor glands, is used as a fixa- centuries beaver dams have backed up

Ways to cook beaver by Ken Drenon Beaver can be prepared about any oughly and, after soaking overnight ◾ Kabobs are another method of way you would beef: roasted, stewed, in a solution of water and baking grilling. Cube the meat, place on a fried, pressured, canned, jerked or soda, you’re ready to fix your favorite skewer, alternating with vegetables grilled. recipe, substituting beaver for beef. of your choice. Remember to use Boned meat is easiest to work ◾ Try slicing meat from a young bacon on each side of the beaver with. A fillet knife works well to beaver into strips. Drop the strips cubes. remove the backstrap, and the two into a bag containing a couple of ◾ Beaver can be ground and substi- large chunks of meat available from cups of flour and a couple of table- tuted for hamburger, but like veni- each hind leg. spoons of corn starch. Shake well, son, pork or beef fat is a necessary One critical factor to remem- then place the coated strips into additional ingredient. ber when cooking beaver is to first a deep fryer containing vegetable ◾ Everyone has their favorite stew remove all the white fat from the oil, and cook until golden brown. recipes; that’s another natural exterior and both the clear and Drain on a paper towel, salt and place for beaver meat. fibrous membrane from the meat. pepper to taste. Use a fillet knife to cut the meat ◾ There are a number of other ways ◾ Another method is to roll up the away from the tallow or membrane. to prepare beaver. Cy Littlebee’s backstrap, surround it with a strip It’s a good idea to “peel” the meat Guide to Cooking Fish & Game, of thick-cut bacon, peg the whole even if there is no tallow because, which contains several other works with a couple of toothpicks during skinning, fluid from the castor methods of preparing beaver, and place on the grill. Cook until glands may contaminate the carcass, is available for purchase at just done and the juicy results giving the meat an off flavor, and www.mdcnatureshop.com. will be every bit as good as sirloin your kitchen a peculiar odor. —from the Missouri Conservationist, steak. After peeling you have dark red, February 1995 lean cuts of meat. Wash them thor-

10 ECONOMIC VALUE

silt-laden streams and subsequently formed many of the fertile valley floors Beaver smothered in barbecue sauce in the wooded areas of North America. Their dams often stabilize stream flow —from the kitchen of Judy Foley of Braymer, Mo. and slow runoff. Ponds made by beaver The size of the beaver is one of the ◾ Remove the foil, and with a fork dams create habitat for fish, birds, most important aspects in prepar- and knife tear off shreds of meat mammals and many kinds of aquatic ing this meal. The preferred size from the bones. life. Muskrats, otter, raccoons, mink, should be 15 to 25 pounds. Larger ◾ Place the meat in a baking dish, wood ducks and numerous other ones are usually tough and have a and discard the bones. forms of wildlife benefit from beaver strong game taste. activities. ◾ The outer parts of the meat will ◾ First, take a beaver that’s already Beaver ponds create excellent be fully cooked. The closer to the been cleaned and carve off all wetland wildlife habitat and can pro- center, the less cooked it will be. remaining visible fat, even if you vide opportunities for bird watchers, Place the least cooked meat on have to cut into the meat. Fat is wildlife photographers and anglers. top. Cover the dish with foil and found throughout the meat, but Aesthetic and educational benefits are bake for at least 2 hours at 300 cutting off as much as possible available for people who enjoy watch- degrees. will make the meat less greasy. ing and studying wildlife. Seeing the ◾ While the meat is in the oven, beaver dams and cuttings or glimpsing ◾ Cooking the meat is a slow, all- prepare the barbecue sauce. the animals collecting their food can day process. Place the trimmed ◾ Pour it over the meat, and bake be a wilderness experience even in meat in a large roaster and fill it uncovered for the last 45 minutes. heavily populated urban areas where with water. Cover loosely with foil and cook at 300 degrees. beaver sometimes set up their territo- Barbecue sauce recipe ries. ◾ Every 1 1/2 hours drain the Property damage caused by beaver roaster completely. Do not throw 4 tablespoons butter or margarine varies from slight to significant. Beaver the greasy water down the drain. 2 medium onions, minced dams sometimes cause flooding of ◾ Refill the roaster with fresh water 4 tablespoons vinegar roads and agricultural cropland. Bea- and continue cooking. Do this at 4 tablespoons brown sugar vers sometimes plug up overflow tubes least three times. This process will 4 tablespoons lemon juice to ponds and watershed structures and draw out a lot of the fat. 2 cups catsup build dams across pond spillways. By ◾ Continue to check every 1 1/2 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce digging bank dens, these industrious hours, until the beaver has 1 tablespoon prepared mustard rodents sometimes weaken pond dams cooked at least 8 hours. 1 cup water 1 cup chopped celery or levees. Dens dug into stream banks ◾ At this point, the meat should fall 1/4 teaspoon salt adjacent to fields can undermine the away from the bones and most of bank and cause a threat to farm equip- it, except for the part closest to Brown the onion in the butter, then ment working along the water’s edge. the bone, should be brown. People who live along lakes and add the remaining ingredients. Sim- ◾ Remove the meat from the oven, streams sometimes have conflicts mer for 30 minutes. drain off the water and let stand when beaver cut down ornamental covered with foil for about 1 hour. trees on their lawns. Many people also complain about beaver chewing the plastic foam that supports their boat docks. Beaver will sometime bring Nutritional Values sticks in under the boat docks as they attempt to build lodging for them- Beaver is higher in food energy and protein than beef, and selves in the foam. also lower in fat. With the increase in the beaver Protein Fat population, more conflicts are likely Calories Grams Grams to occur. This booklet offers sugges- One pound beef 1,106 84.8 88.9 tions on how to protect property while One pound beaver 1,125 132.5 62.1 ensuring that Missouri’s beaver popula- (Source: United States Department of Agriculture, tion remains healthy. Agriculture handbook No. 456)

11 DAMAGE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

iewpoints vary widely as to what constitutes beaver dam- Vage. For example, when beaver cut trees along a stream well away from people and their homes in a natural stream situation, one landowner might enjoy watching the beaver and, there- fore, find the sight of their cuttings, dam and lodge aesthetically pleasing. Another might think their presence is ruining the landscape. A farmer with 40 acres of soybeans flooded by a beaver dam has a definite problem, as does a lake-front property owner whose ornamental trees have been cut by beaver. Because no two beaver problems are alike, the solution needs to fit the situation. Below are suggestions that may help you protect your property. If you need additional help evaluating a situation, call the conservation agent in your area. Nonlethal methods Once a colony of beaver establishes its territory in a pond, lake or stream it is virtually impossible to make it move somewhere else through the use of nonlethal techniques. It is sometimes possible to enjoy beavers in the area while still preserving property. The following tips may keep these rodents from being too destructive.

Saving valuable trees Beaver cutting trees along lake front property is one of the most common complaints. If there are only a few trees Valuable trees can be protected from beaver damage with inexpensive wire fencing. to protect or if some of the trees need protection more than others, wire and never wrap the tree tightly or nail to steel posts and dug into the ground fencing around each individual tree the wire to the tree. Make sure the will exclude beaver. An apron, consist- could be the answer. A rigid welded- wire is firmly attached to the ground ing of a strip of wire laid on the ground wire fence using 4-inch mesh or smaller so the beaver can’t chew on the roots. in front of the fence, might have to be is often effective in preventing beaver As the tree continues to grow, the wire added if beaver try to burrow under- damage. The height of the fence should may have to be replaced every few neath. Electric fencing is effective in be at least 36 inches. years. some situations to exclude beaver from Cut the wire into widths large In some situations it is possible to an area with desirable trees. enough to encircle each tree, leaving 2 build a fence at the shoreline to keep If there are too many trees to pro- or 3 inches between the tree and the beaver from leaving the water and tect by wire fencing, the only solution fence so the tree will have ample room gaining access to trees you want to may be to remove the beaver by trap- to grow. Avoid using soft chicken wire, protect. A fence of rigid wire fastened ping or shooting. 12 DAMAGE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Protecting boat docks A suitcase-style live trap with willow twigs and Lake shorelines often slope too slowly castor used as bait can or are too gravelly for beaver to build help eliminate beaver a bank den. Changing water levels on in deep water around lakes also make bank dens less attrac- boat docks. tive. Because of the lack of better locations, beaver sometimes attempt to build living quarters in boat docks by chewing out the plastic foam flota- tion, which often causes damage to the dock. Most boat docks with foam flota- tion have gaps between the flotation blocks. This gives the beaver access between the blocks to hollow out a cavity in the foam, much like they hol- low out a chamber in a bank den. The result is a cavity in the foam under the floor of the boat dock. One way to protect the dock is to make sure the foam blocks are butted tightly together when the flotation is replaced or when the dock is originally constructed. Galvanized welded wire wrapped around the flotation blocks is another way to protect a dock. The wire should be no greater than 4-inch mesh and heavy enough to resist rusting. After flotation blocks have been measured, snares, work best when set in shallower Research has shown that the sound the wire can be cut to size on the dock, water near the bank. They are not and movement of running water moti- then fitted around the blocks to give effective in the deeper water surround- vate beaver to plug overflow tubes and complete protection to the foam. ing docks. repair breaks in dams. This behavior is Another option is to replace Live traps work best at boat docks if thought to have evolved from the need the foam blocks with flotation logs only one or two beaver are causing the to maintain a constant water depth encased in a hard polyethylene shell problem. If several beaver are involved, adequate for protection from natural that is resistant to chewing by beaver. the beaver may become wise to the predators and for daily movement to This flotation system is available com- traps before all the animals are caught. feeding sites. However, during periods mercially. Beaver removal to control damage at of heavy rain, beaver may allow leaks in In large lakes, protection of the boat docks should be a last resort. dams or in plugged drain tubes to go boat dock flotation system is usually unrepaired instead of doing their usual the best option. Removal of nuisance Keeping overflow nightly ritual of checking and plugging beaver by trapping in large bodies of even the small leaks. water is seldom the long-term answer tubes unplugged Various devices have been devel- because other beaver will soon replace Beaver often move up small streams oped over the years to cope with this the beaver removed. and establish themselves in watershed behavior. The Clemson pond leveler Although usually not recom- structures and farm ponds. Once in consists of a 10-inch intake pipe that mended, live trapping sometimes can the ponds they usually plug up the is pierced with numerous 2-inch be a short-term option. The Hancock- overflow tubes. This can cause erosion diameter holes. These holes take in style live traps are often the best to the pond dam if the water level is water at a slow and steady rate, which choice because they can be wired to raised enough for the water to flow beaver can’t detect. The intake pipe is and suspended from the dock. Body- over the dam. Pond dams can be seri- suspended inside a welded wire cylin- grip and foot-hold traps, as well as ously damaged or ruined as a result. der that prevents beaver from plugging 13 Deterring burrowing in dams Beaver can cause serious damage to pond dams when they burrow to make bank dens. Once beaver have begun digging into pond dams, usually the only option is to remove them. Preventing damage from beaver should begin when the pond or lake is being built. Give the new dam a 3-to-1 With a perforated pipe installed on the upstream side of a beaver dam, water level slope and rip-rap with large rock about and flooding can be controlled without removing the beaver. the size of a bowling ball. This will help discourage beaver and other animals the small holes. The intake pipe is Beaver may still build a dam against from burrowing. Large quantities of rock attached to the existing drain pipe and the welded wire panel, but the panel dumped into the water along the dam held securely in place by steel posts. will prevent the complete plugging of an established pond or lake also can Another method is to place .4 of the overflow tube. This solution be effective in controlling burrowing. gauge or 1/4 inch diameter galvanized requires some maintenance to remove welded-wire panels with a 4 x 4 inch sticks and other debris that the beaver Controlling flooding mesh around an overflow pipe to keep place in the wire panels. beaver from directly plugging the drain In the case of a plugged drain tube Flooding sometimes can be controlled tube. Commercially available hog and or road culvert, the dam should be while keeping the beaver colony in cattle panels can be used. Build the removed, and a heavy wire mesh fence the area, but it often takes more time fencing in a semicircle in the water of No. 6 concrete re-enforcing wire and energy than lethal methods. One a few feet in front of the overflow should be installed around the mouth option is to tear out the existing dam pipe. The ends of the fencing should of the culvert and secured with steel and construct a woven wire fence be up against each end of the pond’s posts. If the beaver build a dam on the across the stream at a constricted dam. This should keep the beaver fence, a perforated tube can be placed place a short distance upstream. This out because they prefer to approach through the fence to keep the water at method may cause the beaver to build a potential dam site from the water. the desired level. back the dam against the woven wire Push the panels into the mud so the Many of the techniques for pre- fence or in another location where it beaver cannot swim under them. Held venting beaver from plugging drain will not be a problem. up with steel posts, this fencing often is tubes and culverts aren’t economically Perforated pipes can be installed in all that is needed to keep beaver from feasible to apply over large areas. Also, beaver dams to regulate flow, but they plugging up a culvert and damaging a these techniques often are only a tem- require almost constant maintenance pond. porary solution. because debris and siltation clog the

Side view of pond overflow tube Top view of pond overflow tube A fence constructed a few feet in front on an overflow tube will keep beaver from blocking the flow of water.

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14 pipe. On the positive side, installing work. Relocating beaver can mean mortality rate from stress and fighting a pipe not only eliminates or reduces transferring the animals to another is sure to be high. beaver damage, but also preserves the location where they may again cause Live trapping may be the only option colony and the habitat enjoyed by problems. Also, most landowners do available in areas where city ordinances many other wildlife species. not want someone else’s problem bea- prohibit the use of body-grip or foot- ver released on or near their property. hold traps, or at boat docks where the Destroying dams Because of Missouri’s high beaver water often is deep. Hancock-style live population, it is difficult to find a place traps can be used in a variety of situ- Destroying dams by hand or with a to release them. These animals are very ations from vertical banks or sides of backhoe is often tried to make bea- territorial, and any beaver relocated boat docks to gently sloping lake shores. ver move, but it is usually ineffective into suitable habitat is sure to encoun- They can be baited with green willow or because they will quickly repair the bro- ter other beaver in their established ter- cottonwood twigs, scented with beaver ken dams. There are no repellents that ritories. The newly introduced beaver, castor, and effectively used to live trap will cause beaver to leave an established which is disoriented and at a disadvan- beaver. Conventional live traps, such as territory. Diesel fuel or other chemicals tage, are often viciously attacked and the wire cage terrestrial traps used to usually do not discourage beaver and sometimes die from these encounters. capture raccoons, squirrels, skunks and only results in polluting the water. Live trapping beaver is not a simple other land animals are not effective for In situations where beaver damage process. It is very difficult to success- beaver. is not too great and lethal methods fully live trap and move an entire The Hancock-style live traps are of control are not desirable, it may be colony of beaver. Even if a pair of large and close with a strong force. best to just live with the problem. beaver and young of the year in an Every precaution should be taken to In some cases, a combination of established colony could be success- make sure an unsuspecting person animal removal and nonlethal options fully live trapped and moved, the does not accidentally spring the trap may be the answer. Because beaver are chances of the family staying together and get injured. a fairly shy animal, trapping, combined as a unit is remote. The family would with lodge and dam destruction, can be disoriented and would scatter, and Lethal methods sometimes cause some of them to the young of the year may not survive. move to an area where they may not Also, female beaver should not be While not all animals fall under this be considered a nuisance. trapped and released before the young provision, the Wildlife Code of Missouri, are old enough to survive on their own. under Rule 4.130, allows landowners Studies indicate that most wildlife to use lethal methods to protect their Live trapping that are live trapped and relocated property from nuisance beaver any Although live trapping and releasing have a high mortality rate when time of the year. the animals at another location may released in areas with established Property owners also may hire sound like a good way to solve a nui- populations of the same species. someone to trap or hunt nuisance ani- sance beaver problem, it usually doesn’t Because beaver are very territorial, the mals for them. Beaver that are causing

If beaver persist in blocking a culvert, a perforated pipe can be added below the water surface.

A heavy wire mesh fence can sometimes keep beaver from plugging a culvert or overflow pipe.

15 property damage may be taken at any time and without permit, but only by shooting or trapping except with writ- ten authorization of the director of the Conservation Department. Under this provision, beaver may be controlled only on the owner’s property to prevent further damage. Nuisance beaver captured or killed out of season may not be used, trans- ported, sold or given away, and must be reported to an agent of the Con- servation Department within 24 hours and disposed of in accordance with the agent’s instructions. These rules do not apply to all animals. Special permission is required to destroy migratory birds, deer, turkey, black bears and endangered species. Check with a conservation agent or the Wildlife Code of Missouri for more details. Shooting According to Rule 4.130 of the Wild- life Code of Missouri, landowners may not shoot beaver unless the animals are causing damage to their property. Because shooting problem beaver can be time consuming, this method works Trapping ing nuisance beaver. A Conservation best in isolated cases when only a few Department wildlife damage control beaver are causing damage. The use of traps for problem beaver biologist can sell these tools at cost Since beaver are mostly nocturnal, must be in compliance with the Con- to a landowner for use in controlling servation Department’s regulations. the best time to try to shoot them is nuisance beaver. Additionally, these The main provisions are listed below. just after sundown. If the local conser- damage control biologists can provide For more details, see Rule 8.510 of the vation agent approves, a landowner special authorization to use snares Wildlife Code. may use an artificial light to hold a above water, which are otherwise ille- ◾ Traps must be attended daily. beaver still long enough to take aim gal in Missouri. and shoot. Beaver do not have good ◾ Traps must be metal with smooth or A landowner with no experience in eyesight above water, so it usually rubber jaws. using traps or snares should contact isn’t necessary to hide as long as the ◾ Traps must be labeled with the user’s the local conservation agent, who will shooter stays motionless and keeps name and address. help set up a training session with a low. The best locations are near lodges ◾ Traps must not be set in paths made or newly broken beaver dams. wildlife damage control biologist. An or used by people or domestic alternative to landowners doing the Safety is a major concern when animals. shooting across water, especially in trapping themselves would be to con- a residential area. Always check city ◾ Body-grip traps set for beaver must tact a local trapper who could catch ordinances that may prohibit the use be underwater. the problem beaver during the regular of firearms. A shotgun loaded with ◾ Special written authorization is trapping season or whenever the dam- heavy shot—No. 4s or larger—at close needed before snares can be used age is occurring, provided the local range is the recommended choice. A anywhere but underwater. conservation agent is notified. Often rifle should be used only in the hands In most cases, trapping beaver with agents can provide a list of experienced of an experienced shooter because rifle foot-hold traps, body-grip traps or trappers in the area who deal with bullets can ricochet off water. snares are the best options for catch- nuisance animal problems. 16 GUIDE TO TRAPPING NUISANCE BEAVER

hen trapping beaver in dam- age situations, it is desirable Wto trap all the beaver in the colony. Even one beaver may continue to plug drain tubes, cut trees or rebuild dams. Several traps and trapping methods have proven effective in controlling nuisance beaver. Select the trap and method from the ones listed below that best suits your situation. Body-grip traps Body-grip traps, like the #330 Conibear, are most commonly used by beaver trappers in Missouri. These traps can be set for beaver in a variety of situations. The most com- mon place to set a body-grip trap is at the entrances to bank dens or lodges. These traps also are effective when set in channels the beaver have dug, or in places where the stream or a chan- Body-grip traps can be effective when set in shallow water at a lodge entrance. nel is narrowly restricted. The water To reduce catching smaller nontarget animals, set the trigger to one side. passage should be further restricted with sticks stuck upright into the mud to cause the beaver to swim through poor choice because even the #330 size To set the traps at the deeper bank- the trap. Willow or cottonwood sticks traps with a 10-inch jaw span may not dens or lodge entrances, chest waders sometimes work as bait when trapping be large enough to catch some of the are essential. Even then, there may be under ice with these traps. larger adults. A 70-pound beaver, for entrances to bank dens and lodges If castor is used as a lure, a trapper example, is too large to get more than that cannot be set because they are can dig a trench in which to place the its head in a 10-inch #330 body-grip in 5 or 6 feet of water. In these cases, trap. Natural inlets or trails worn by trap, so the smaller 7- or 8-inch body- setting the bank dens in conjunction the beaver as they enter and leave the grip traps are much too small. The with traps at other locations baited water make good locations for castor smaller body-grip traps catch more with castor may catch the remaining sets using body-grip traps. non-target animals, while the larger animals. If there are only two or three Body-grip traps are more versatile 10-inch trap with the trigger set to bank-dens or lodge entrances, body- than snares and other traps because one side will permit some muskrats to grip traps work well alone. they can be used at many different swim through without being caught. If thick ice covers the stream or types of locations. A disadvantage is pond, the bank-den or lodge entrances that these powerful traps are difficult Bank-den sets sets are the best option. It is possible to for some people to set. A trap-setting trap beaver in baited traps under the tool is available commercially, or you All entrances to all active bank dens ice, but this method isn’t very effective can make your own using an 8-foot must be set to eliminate a colony of in Missouri. Because of the state’s mild section of nylon rope with a perma- beaver. If only some of the active bank- winters, beaver aren’t locked under nent loop tied in one end. Place your den or lodge entrances are set, the the ice for long periods of time, have foot through the loop, thread the beaver will soon become wise to the access to fresh food and aren’t easily rope up through the spring eyes of the traps and avoid using those entrances. enticed to bait. trap, then around and up through the This will make them more difficult to During spring and summer, bank spring eyes again. Pull on the rope to trap with the body-grip traps in any dens may be hard to locate because compress the springs. situation afterward. If an entire colony their entrances are not marked by the Occasionally, beaver trappers is to be trapped, it must be done as peeled sticks and other sign, such as choose the smaller size body-grip quickly as possible, preferably in one or the scoured appearance of the bottom traps. Experience shows this to be a two nights. of the entrance and droppings around 17 the area. Also, there may be several cross on top of the trap. A few more grip traps must be completely underwa- bank dens in a stream or pond, and sticks may be placed on either side to ter to be legal and should never be set locating all of them may be difficult. guide the beaver into the trap. Beaver where people or pets might get caught Beaver do not require much in the way usually swim on the bottom when they in them when wading or swimming. of shelter in summer and may move enter or exit their dens, therefore dive To find bank-den and lodge from one den to another. The lodges sticks placed across the top of the trap entrances under ice, look for the are usually obvious, but in spring and on the water surface are not usually presence of bubbles, which indicates summer beaver may abandon them needed. Always wire the body-grip beaver activity. If the lodge is an active when traps are set. In spring and sum- traps securely to a stake or sapling on one, there probably will be a number mer, body-grip traps or snares baited the bank so that the beaver and the of white peeled sticks collected under with castor and set in trenches or trap can be recovered. the ice just above the entrances. If channels are often more productive. If the lodge entrance is in deep snow has been on the ice for a few If the bank dens are shallow, set a water, a body-grip trap can be wired days, look for separation of snow and body-grip trap by resting it on the bot- to a pole after both springs are pulled ice at the bank, which indicates a tom of the entrance with the trigger to the side away from the trigger at bank den. Peeled sticks may be visible. on top and to one side. This will help a 45 degree angle. The pole with the The ice also is thinner right over the avoid catching muskrats that also may attached trap is then pushed into the entrances because of the activity of the mud so the trap is on the bottom in be using the lodges or dens. beaver swimming in and out. front of the entrance. The trigger in this The trap can be held upright with a Beaver trapping at bank dens under case should be on the bottom, and the couple of slender sticks small enough the ice is effective if all bank-den and top safety catch should be wired back to go between the corners of the steel lodge entrances can be located and so the trap’s jaws or springs don’t catch. set. Sometimes the entrances will be jaws. These sticks should be pushed This set also can be made by push- under the feed bed or in water that is in the mud at an angle through the ing a pole into the mud to one side of too deep to set. In such cases, it is best springs of the trap so that both sticks the lodge’s entrance, then sliding the to wait until the ice melts and trap the rings of the springs over the pole until beaver at castor sets along the bank. the trap rests on the bottom. A long slender stick can be pushed into the mud to cross between the trap’s jaws Channel sets to keep it from swinging on the pole. Properly placed channel sets can be The safety catches should be wired the most effective use of body-grip back and the trap securely wired to traps. Usually channel sets are placed a sapling or root on the bank, so the where the beaver will swim into the animal and trap can be retrieved. trap without being enticed by bait or To be most effective, every active lure. The most effective channel sets bank den should be set. Care should are those made in streams after the be taken when working with body-grip dams have been broken and most of traps because they are powerful and the water drained out. The low water can cause injury to the trapper. Body- conditions will often reveal good

An active beaver channel is a good place to set a trap.

A Conibear-style trap can be attached to a pole so it can be set in deep water in front of a den opening.

18 locations for body-grip traps, such as or pond banks than any other time used to draw beaver to the area, then channels that the beaver have dug or of the year. The castor mound may baited traps can be set. restricted areas that can be fenced off be just a small blob of mud and sticks When using castor, many trappers with sticks. If a narrow channel in a pulled up on the bank, or it may be build a “mud pie” by making a little beaver pond can be located or created, a larger conical mound that different mound of mud and leaves on the bank it can have the potential for catching beaver have added to for years. Castor to imitate a beaver castor mound. every beaver in the colony. mounds are usually present in areas Experience has shown that this really A natural inlet in the bank or a place where beaver live. isn’t necessary. An inlet or trench dug where a small creek comes in offers In selecting locations for trap or into the bank and smeared with the another good channel set location. snare sets using castor, it isn’t neces- mud is effective in attracting the beaver Occasionally, beaver will be castor sary to find the beavers’ actual castor to the castor and into the trap or snare. mounding in these locations. To be mounds although these locations Body-grip traps, snares or foot-hold most effective, place the trap in the always are good. traps can be baited with castor. Foot- channel, fence it off with sticks on Castor sets can be made at any hold traps are probably a lesser choice either side, and put a dive stick at the location along streams, lakes or ponds because of the unpredictability of just water’s surface or just below to keep the where beaver are actively leaving signs where to place the trap to get the bea- beaver from swimming over the trap. If of their presence. It is important to ver to step in it. castor mounding activity is noted in the choose locations near areas where bea- inlet, the addition of some castor lure ver swim during their nightly activities. Castor sets using may draw the beaver into the trap. Castor sets can be made in the water Beaver also use channels to swim at the bottom of trails where beaver go body-grip traps from a denning area to a feeding place. up on the bank to feed, near bank dens Once the location has been chosen for If a channel is located under the ice, a or lodges, near beaver dams or along a castor set using a body-grip trap, use hole can be chopped above it so the pond dams or levees where the beaver a spade to cut a trench into the bank. trap can be put in place. Use sticks have a crossover trail. At the crossover The trench should resemble a deep to narrow the area and to guide the trails, castor sets should be made to trail worn by the beaver as they leave beaver into the trap. one side of the trail if river otter are in the water and go up on the bank. If the same area to avoid catching them. possible the location should be where Using castor Small breaks in beaver dams or breaks the bank isn’t too steep or too sloping. in plugged tubes at farm ponds can be The bank should be a firm mud bank In open water conditions, beaver can readily be drawn to a trap with a lure made from the castor glands of beaver. Castor lure Castor lure also is available commer- cially. It is important to use a good quality lure. Some trappers argue that beaver can only be trapped using castor lure during mating season. However, beaver do some castor mounding year- round and respond readily to castor lure at trap sets during any season. Both male and female beaver react to castor as a territorial response. Beaver instinc- tively respond to the castor lure placed at sets in their territory, much as people respond to discovering an intruder has invaded their home or yard. Beaver react to the evidence—in this case, the castor—by becoming excited or upset and making an effort to further investi- gate the apparent intrusion. Beaver can be enticed Just prior to and during the mat- into a trap by placing ing season, more evidence of castor castor lure on the bank mounding can be found along stream at the end of a trench.

19 free of tree roots or rocks. For the #330 be pushed upright into the mud on normally travel the shoreline and not body-grip trap, the trench should be either side of the trap if needed to fence enter the trap, and otter seem to avoid dug 14 inches deep at the shoreline and off the trap and to prevent the beaver the castor trenches. Dogs or other pets 16 inches wide. The trench should be from going around the trap and up the aren’t going to be in the minimum dug to extend well out into the water bank. Because these powerful animals 14-inches of water where the traps and up into the bank about 3 feet. The may struggle for a few minutes, the trap are set. When using the body-grip end of the trench on the bank should needs to be securely wired to a stake trap in a trench set, there is no need be sloped to resemble a beaver trail. firmly driven into the bank or around to construct a drowning device since The body-grip trap should fit down the base of a nearby sapling. The upper the trap is designed to kill the beaver into the trench so that it is completely end of the trench should be smeared almost instantly. This set allows the underwater at the shoreline and has a with mud to make it look shiny and trapper to pick the key location and couple of inches clearance underneath give it a “beaver used” appearance. let the beaver come to the set. Often it. The trap is kept off the bottom so A dive stick at least 2 or 3 inches in three or four castor sets will take a pair mud won’t settle around the bottom diameter should be placed on or near of beaver from a pond the first night jaws and slow or impede the trap’s the water just above the trap to make of trapping if the sets are located and action. The set springs of the trap can the beaver dive under the water and constructed properly. rest on the sides of the trench in such into the trap. The castor should be a manner as to support the trap and placed at the upper end of the trench Castor sets using keep it off the bottom of the trench. just 3 or 4 inches above water level. Two dry slender sticks about 1/2 The castor should not be placed too foot-hold traps inch in diameter and 14 inches to 16 high on the bank, or the beaver will Castor sets also work with foot-hold inches long are pushed down on an have a tendency to climb the bank traps, but they are trickier to use. angle between the top corners of the around the trench. Guide sticks set Because even experienced trappers jaws of the set trap and between the in the trench to the sides of the trap, often have sprung foot-hold traps with springs to support the trap and to coupled with the placement of the cas- no catch, less experienced trappers serve as guide sticks. Other sticks can tor, should cause the beaver to swim will want to start out with body-grip through the trap as it enters the trench traps. Even with the trapper’s care and to investigate the bait. experience, foot-hold traps are more The trigger of the trap, when set likely to catch non-target animals such on the top and to one side, will avoid as muskrats, raccoons or otter. catching muskrats, but more impor- The trench for a foot-hold trap tantly it will allow larger beaver to be can be subtle compared to the deep far enough into the trap to be caught trench necessary for a body-grip trap. when the trap activates. A small trench can be dug into the Body-grip traps with castor sets bank to resemble a slightly worn trail can be very effective and selective with a short lead into the bank, which when used properly. Muskrats are lets water flow into the inlet and gives rarely caught when traps are set at the the beaver a place to approach. The castor trenches. Raccoons and mink trap should be bedded firmly and level are unlikely to be caught because they in about 8 inches of water. A larger foot-hold trap with a 6-inch jaw spread should be used. Hind-foot catches are common because beaver are likely to swim up to the bank and step in the trap set with a back foot. The trap should be set slightly off to one side to allow for the spacing of If the water is at the beaver’s feet. When using foot- least 3 1/2 feet hold traps, it is necessary to set them deep, a tangle adjacent to at least 3 1/2 feet of water stake can be used and rig a device to drown the beaver. as a drowning Otherwise, the animal may wring off its device with a foot and escape. foot-hold trap.

20 If the stream or pond bottom is Another drowning system is a slide that beginning beaver trappers make mud, a stake and a tangle stake works lock device. Slide locks are usually “L” is to have the weight on the drowning well as a drowning device. The stakes shaped pieces of metal with one end device in only 1 foot or 2 feet of water, should be dry, solid poles long enough attached to the trap chain. A hole, which isn’t adequate to drown beaver. to be driven well down into the mud. drilled in the other end, allows a place An advantage of the slide lock If the poles are made of green wood, to run the stake wire through the lock. drowning device is that the weight can the beaver may cut them off. The wire Wire used for the drowning device be thrown into the deep water—with- should be tied off low to the stake, should be at least 16 gauge. Smaller out the trapper actually having to wade which is then driven firmly into the wire can be used if it is doubled. One in. To retrieve the captured animal, the mud bottom because beaver will some- end of the wire is tied securely to a trapper merely pulls the wire out of the times chew it off. The stake and tangle stake on the bank near where the deep water. Heavy feed sacks—filled stake are both driven into the mud in trap is set, and the other end is tied with rocks, sand or dirt and tied off to water at least 3 feet deep and spaced 2 to a stake or to a weight of at least 20 the wire—make a good weight. Cinder or 3 feet apart so that the beaver, when pounds that is in water at least 3 feet blocks or heavy rocks also work. caught, wraps around the stakes. deep. The wire should be pulled tight If a stake is used in deep water After the first wrap, the beaver is in with no kinks that will impede the slide instead of a weight, the wire should be water too deep to reach the bank or lock. Beaver, when caught in the trap, tied near the end of the stick so that touch the bottom. Sixteen-gauge tie will dive and work down the one-way when the stick is driven into the mud, wire, doubled and twisted together slide lock until they are in deep water, the wire is buried in the stream bed. to form a cable, can be used. To be where they will drown. The stakes should be firmly driven or effective, the length of wire from the Slide lock devices can be very effec- pushed into the stream bottom, but trap to the anchor stake must be long tive and may be the only option if the not so much so that the trapper can- enough to reach from the anchor stake stream bed is rocky or gravelly and not pull them up. to the tangle stake. The stakes should stakes cannot be used. It is important be driven so they are angled away from when using these drowning devices Castor sets using snares the bank and each other to help work to make sure that the water is deep the beaver closer to the bottom. enough. One of the biggest mistakes Although dry-land snare sets using castor are very effective, they can be used only after receiving training and written authorization from the Side view Top view Conservation Department. Snares offer the following advantages: the sets are easy to put in place; a minimum of work is needed to prepare the site; they are light to carry, cheap to buy; and they pose no danger to humans. In urban areas where body-grip traps or foot-hold traps are prohibited by city ordinance, snares can be used to catch beaver alive for later euthanasia. Snares are less likely to catch otters than body-grip traps. To use a snare, construct a shallow trench like the ones used with a body- grip trap. Put a 9- to 10-inch loop size in the snare. Securely tie the snare to a nearby sapling or stake. If desired, a drowning device can be used. Snared In water that beaver are usually caught just behind is too deep for the front shoulders. wading, a slide Using snares has its disadvantages. lock attached The beaver will normally remain alive to a weight unless a drowning device is used. Also, will serve as a late in the summer, when young beaver drowning device. 21 Castor mixed with the beaver’s own oil and glycerin can be used without the addition of the birch or anise oil to Castor lure effectively trap beaver, but the oil of sweet birch seems to make the castor more attractive. Additional oil from the oil sacs of freshly caught beaver always can be added to enhance the lure. Some trappers use only the oil from the oil sacs to trap beaver. The recipe above, however, is time proven and reli- able. Some of the commercially avail- able beaver lures are not as dependable. Don’t use castor to trap members of the same beaver colony from which the castor has been taken. Beaver are more attracted to beaver castor from other colonies.

Controlling problem beaver in small streams A combination of dam destruction and trapping can effectively control Snares are effective at catching beaver, but their use anywhere but underwater beaver that cause problems by build- requires special authorization. ing dams in small streams. Sometimes there is only one dam to remove, but often beaver will build a series of dams. become active and are moving around, F until they are cured to a semi-dry If so, the colony usually will live above they may trip the snares without get- state. The castors can be sold on the the largest dam that is the uppermost ting caught. The loop size that would market in this stage or made into a in the series. When there is more than ordinarily be right for an adult beaver lure. If you are making your own lure, one, the beaver usually will move back is too large for a young beaver. High you also will want to remove and save and forth among them. Sometimes, wind, heavy rain or anything bumping the oil sacs. however, members of the beaver the snare may cause the loop to close. To make a lure, grind the semi-dry colony may be scattered up and down Snares also can be used on land castors in a meat grinder. Then mix the stream in different locations and trails that lead to cornfields or trees. the ground castors with the oil from above different dams. Snares should be used out of water the sacs taken from the same beaver. The dams sometimes look quite only when necessary because of the Add enough glycerin to make a heavy formidable, with a height of 5 feet or possibility of nontarget catches. paste. Add six or eight drops of oil of more and water backed up the stream Again, special authorization is sweet birch to 4 ounces of castor. If too for quite some distance. However, if required to use snares anywhere but much oil of sweet birch is added, it will the stream isn’t too large and if the underwater. dominate the castor smell. Oil of sweet flow isn’t too great, the dams can be birch and ground beaver castor can be torn out, the water level dropped and purchased from trapper supply dealers. body-grip traps set in narrowed off Castor lure recipe Oil of anise, which is available from places in the stream or in channels bea- Castor-based lure for beaver trapping herb and spice shops, can be substi- ver have made. Often the problem can can be purchased from various trap- tuted for sweet birch oil. Use anise be resolved in 24 to 48 hours. ping supply dealers, but many trappers oil sparingly—between six and eight Simply breaking a hole in the dam is prefer making their own. drops. Add a little at a time and sniff. not enough disturbance to discourage After removing the pair of cas- As with sweet birch oil, the anise oil beaver. They usually will repair these tor glands from a beaver, dry them should just be discernible. The castor breaks in the dam the same night. To for four to seven days at 70 degrees should be the dominate smell. be effective, the breaks must be deep 22 and wide enough to drain the water as the stream channel behind the dam. because occasionally when the beaver from the pool, thus placing the beaver An axe comes in handy for cutting out become disturbed by the rapid fall of in a vulnerable position when they an occasional stick or small log that is the water level, they surface and can come to repair the dam. lodged in the dam. be shot. Once all the dams are broken Secondary dams should be When most of the sticks on the and the water level has dropped, it destroyed first, starting with the dam back of the dam have been cleared is easier to locate the bank dens or furthest downstream and working away, take the mattock and strike into lodges where the beaver are living. At upstream from one dam to the next. the dam’s top rim to get a flow of water this point, several body-grip traps can With the proper equipment, most started. Stand directly downstream be set in the existing channels or nar- beaver dams can be breached with below the break. Use the mattock to rowed places in the stream between hand tools and the water can be loosen the mud, sticks, and debris and the bank dens and the break in the drained within a few hours. A mattock, pull them downstream with the flow. dam. The beaver are vulnerable at this a hand tool with a pick bit on one side Be sure to start the break at least 3 or point because the water that afforded and a horizontally widened bit on the 4 feet wide. An even wider break will them safety and mobility is gone. They other, is the best tool for destroying drain the water more quickly. Once the easily can be caught in body-grip traps a dam. Chest waders and shoulder water flow becomes heavy, you can when they attempt to escape from the length rubber gloves also are needed, stand on top of the dam to continue lodges or to rebuild the dams. especially if the weather is cold. deepening the break. The water flow Enough traps should be used to A backhoe, dragline or dynamite will carry away the mud and debris. catch all the beaver in the colony in can be used, but is not recommended. If the water flow becomes rapid and the first night or two. If some of the In many cases heavy equipment can- heavy, wait for it to run down before runs leading into the bank dens still not be moved into position along the work is resumed. Most beaver dams in have water in them, they can be set stream. Also, backhoes and draglines small streams can be broken out in a with body-grip traps. Traps should be are expensive. Dynamite is dangerous few minutes to an hour depending on maintained until all the beaver in the and hard to obtain. their size. The break must be kept wide colony have been trapped or have left. To break a beaver dam using hand enough and cut down deep enough to It is a waste of time and energy to tools, first choose the area where the allow the water to drain out as quickly break the dams without following up stream channel below the dam is the as possible. with trapping. The beaver will rebuild deepest. This will allow as much water As soon as the secondary dams are the dams, and the problem remains. as possible to be drained. Clear away all breached, the main dam, where most Occasionally beaver will dam or sticks in preparation for making a 3- or of the colony lives, can be destroyed. A plug overflow tubes in large lakes or 4-foot wide break that will be as deep rifle or shotgun should be kept handy impoundments of water that can’t be

After the castor glands are cut away, the oil sacs can be seen just Penis above the vent as in Oil sacs illustration #2.

Castor Glands

23 quickly or easily drained. In such cases, set body-grip traps above a break in the dam if a channel or narrow place in the immediate vicinity of the dam can be fenced off. Foot-hold traps often are effective when placed at the break in water approximately 8 inches deep and 10 inches behind the dam. That way, they will catch the beaver as they approach to repair the dam. If placed in the break, beaver will spring the trap with mud and debris as they approach to repair the dam. The trap should be placed deep for a hind-foot catch and to avoid nontarget catches. Be certain the trap is firmly embedded and level on the bottom, and attached to a drowning device. Sometimes at these locations, castor trench sets using snares, body-grip, or foot-hold traps can be placed nearby to catch beaver as they approach the break in the dam. Trapping in ponds and watershed structures Landowners often detect beaver beaver castor mounds or any place other because a beaver struggling in a activity in farm ponds or watershed beaver show signs of activity along the snare may alarm the mate, causing it to structures soon after the animals move bank. avoid the other sets in the area. into the pond. If the beaver cause Another possible location would be Sometimes a combination of body- damage and nonlethal options do not near the spillway or drain tube. If bea- grip traps at active lodges or bank work, the beaver should be trapped ver have been persistent in maintaining dens, as well as at castor trenches at and removed as soon as possible. a dam at the spillway or in plugging locations around the pond, will be Ponds usually are first colonized by a the drain tube, a break should be made needed if several beaver are in the 2-year-old pair or, less often, a solitary in the dam. A castor trench set using a colony. beaver. If the 2-year-old pair is allowed snare, body-grip or foot-hold trap can Snares at the castor trenches are not to remain until the second spring after be set nearby. Occasionally, a foot-hold as effective in the late summer because their arrival, they will produce a litter trap can be used at a break in the dam the year’s young will go through a of young and the problem is com- at the spillway or at the torn out plug 9-inch loop without being caught. pounded. in the tube. Also, a body-grip trap or Body-grip traps at castor trenches are One method of trapping beaver in snare sometimes can be used in front effective on young beaver as well as small ponds is to set body-grip traps of a break if a channel is present or can adults. in the underwater entrances to the be constructed. In larger streams, large lakes or active dens. However, it is sometimes Castor trenches using snares or impoundments where several colo- difficult to locate the bank dens, and body-grip traps set at prime locations nies of beaver live, it may be possible they sometimes may be so deep that is around the pond usually will take most to trap out individual colonies. But difficult to set the traps. or all of the adult beaver. If a pair of because of the large expanse of habitat Beaver can readily be trapped or beaver are judged to be the only occu- and numbers of beaver, trapping snared at the castor trenches at strate- pants of the pond, four castor trench may not be the answer. More beaver gic locations around the pond without sets at good locations often will take may soon replace the beaver caught. having to set the bank dens. Good both beaver the first night. It is best Preventive measures may be the best locations are near fresh feeding areas, not to have snares too close to each course of action.

24 TRAPPING AS A BUSINESS VENTURE

lthough beaver trapping is not sumed. Beaver should be skinned and are properly skinned, stretched and the profitable occupation it gutted as soon as possible after they dried bring more on the market than Aonce was, there are ways to are caught. Markets for beaver meat those that are sold “green” or undried. derive an income from this activity. usually can be found in any sizable Some trappers sell unskinned beaver Remember, however, it is illegal to town or city in the state. for even less money. use parts of nuisance beaver that are The carcasses can be frozen until Beaver pelts can be sold locally to taken when the trapping season is they are sold. Skinned carcasses taken a fur buyer or at a fur auction. Some closed. by legal methods on a trapping permit trappers ship furs to auctions in during the trapping season can be sold Canada. Some keep their harvest and to individuals for personal use. have coats made for themselves and Nuisance control their family members. Because beaver are plentiful and often Buyers grade finished beaver pelts cause problems to farmers, as well as Marketing for primeness or condition, size, color urban dwellers, some trappers contract castor glands and damage. The pelt will be graded with landowners to trap nuisance beaver. down for any damage, which is usu- To catch beaver in damage control situ- Castor glands also can be marketed. All ally in the form of cuts or bites. Color ations, trappers have to invest consider- fleshy membranes should be cleaned of the pelt may be a factor because able money in equipment and spend a from the castors when they are taken lighter colored pale beaver are in the lot of time to gain the experience and from the beaver. Castors can then be most demand. knowledge to be successful. Because of frozen until the trapper has a sufficient Beaver pelts are graded for size by these skills and costs, qualified trappers quantity to sell. Castors can then be measuring from the nose to the tail, charge professional fees. Some contract taken out of the freezer and hung in a then from one side to the other, and by the job, and others charge a set fee for warm, dry, airy place. It takes four or adding the measurement together. each beaver caught. Some also charge a five days at 70 degrees F to dry castors Usually, a buyer will quote a price for service fee or mileage. to the semi-dry state. a basic blanket, which refers to a pelt Most quoted prices are for semi-dry measuring 65 inches. The next size castors, but some are purchased “green” above blanket beaver is the super blan- Selling meat or undried at a lesser price. On aver- ket. There is a 5-inch spread between Beaver meat was relished by native age it takes about 10 beaver to make a sizes so a super blanket beaver pelt Americans and later by explorers and pound of semi-dry castors. would measure 70 inches or more. The trappers. Today many people still enjoy next size below the blanket is 60 inches beaver meat, and trappers can derive or extra large; 55-inch beaver pelts extra income from its sale. Dealing in pelts are called large; 50-inch beaver are It is important to handle beaver Beaver pelt prices fluctuate from year medium. Pelts that measure 45 inches that are to be eaten as carefully as any to year depending on fashion, supply are called small, and under 45 are clas- other wild game that is to be con- and demand, and harvest. Pelts that sified as kits.

Beaver tracks

Tail mark Marks of webs not 6 inches (152 mm) always distinct (76–152 mm) 3–6 inches

Walking Front foot Hind foot

Charles W. Schwartz art is courtesy of the State Historical Society of Missouri, Columbia.

25 PREPARING BEAVER FOR MARKET

o make the best use of a beaver, The proper equipment will make it needs to be handled properly handling the fur more efficient. Knives Tfrom the time it is caught to the are the most important component. A time the fur is sold. pocket knife can be used for the initial cuts, but a curved beaver knife, avail- able from dealers who sell trapping Skinning supplies, is best for the actual skinning To get the best price for beaver fur, process. Because beaver skin is tough, a take the time to properly care for the sharpening stone and a butcher’s steel pelts. The first step begins when the will help keep the knife sharp. beaver is taken from the trap. The A trough will make the skinning beaver should be washed at the trap- process easier. To build one, take two ping site to remove any mud or sand 1-inch boards that are 12 inches wide and kept clean while being transported and 36 inches long. Nail them together to where it will be skinned. If the fur is at a 90 degree angle to form a “V.” Two still wet, rub it down with a soft cloth other 1-inch boards that are 12 inches or paper towels to remove most of the wide and 16 to 18 inches long should water, then hang it in a warm place in be nailed to each end so that when the front of a fan until it dries. Many trap- beaver is placed in the “V,” the trough pers prefer to skin a beaver while it is will be stable. Position the beaver belly still damp and then dry the pelts later. up in the trough. Paper towels or clean Snow can be used to dry a beaver rags are handy for wiping up the blood by rubbing it into the wet fur. Avoid and grease, and surgical gloves will pro- laying a wet freshly caught beaver on tect the hands and keep them clean. the ice as the wet fur will freeze to the Choosing a warm, well lighted place to icy surface. skin will make the job go much quicker and easier. There are two methods of skinning beaver. The rough-skinned method involves leaving a large amount of flesh and fat on the pelt, which must be removed later before the beaver pelt can be properly dried. While initially faster, this method requires additional time later to flesh or scrape the pelt. The clean-skinned method, where A homemade trough will help hold the the trapper cuts away all the fat and beaver in place and make the skinning meat at the time of skinning, requires process go more smoothly. more time, patience and skill and is the method preferred by most beaver skinners. Regardless of the method chosen, begin with a sharp pocket knife and make a cut through the skin com- pletely around each foot at the joint. out of shape when the skinning pro- All four feet then can be disjointed cess is completed. and removed. Make a cut around the To do the clean-skinned method, tail at the fur line. Next make the main make sure the beaver knife is razor opening cut from the lower jaw down sharp. Grasp the edge of the skin at the The beaver’s tough skin will quickly dull the belly to the base of the tail, being belly and make small cuts that actu- a pocket knife and curved beaver knife. careful not to cut into the intestinal ally shave the flesh from the skin. After Keep them sharp with the frequent use of cavity. It is important to make this cut these initial cuts have been made, a butcher’s steel and a sharpening stone. straight so the beaver pelt will not be grasp the skin tightly in one hand and

26 PREPARING BEAVER FOR MARKET

To remove the pelt from the carcass, grasp the edge of the skin at the belly and make small cuts that actually shave the flesh from the skin.

To skin a beaver, it is best to work evenly back and forth along the carcass, repositioning the animal in the trough as necessary.

hold the knife at an angle to cut close It is important that the knife is kept It is best to work evenly back and to the skin. sharp by frequent whetting on the forth along the beaver, repositioning Continue holding the skin tightly butcher’s steel. If the knife becomes the animal in the trough as neces- and carefully stroke the knife against too dull, hone it on the sharpening sary. It takes a lot of patience at first the skin leaving a minimum amount of stone, then whet it on the butcher’s to develop the skill to skin a beaver, flesh on the pelt. steel to finish the edge. Without the especially if the clean-skinned method To avoid cutting the skin, keep a whetting on the steel, the edge of the is used. The more difficult areas to skin tight hold on the skin and keep the knife may become slightly rolled and are around the legs, tail and shoulders. knife at an angle close to it. will not work properly.

27 Drying the pelt

Step 1: Step 2: To help achieve an oval-shaped skin, drive the first nail through If the pelt isn’t oval at this stage, change the location of the the nose, then pull the pelt on one side, then the other, nailing nails to correct the shape. Use a dull, rounded, large knife as you go. End with the last nail in the tail area. blade to scrape off all the fat around the edge of the pelt before adding more nails.

Once the beaver is skinned to the removed. Then remove the head. Next, If the beaver has been clean skinned, middle of the back, it will have been make an incision along the belly from the small amount of fat or flesh repositioned several times and will the base of the tail up to the throat remaining on the pelt can be removed be laying on its side. Now turn the region so all the intestines can be after the pelt has been nailed on the beaver end for end and continue the removed. drying board. process on the other side. If the beaver It is a good idea to cut away and was clean skinned, it should be nearly discard the flesh around the area free of flesh and fat. If rough skinned, where the castor glands and oil sacs Drying the pelt a layer of fat and flesh will have to be were located. If necessary, the beaver To dry beaver pelts, the early day fleshed off later. carcass can be washed with clean mountain men and native Americans After the beaver is skinned, the cas- water and allowed to drain for a few used rawhide to lace the pelts on tor glands and oil sacs can be removed. minutes. hoops made of saplings. Modern day Oil sacs should be freed of any mem- Finally, slip a bag over the hanging trappers sometimes use nylon cord brane and flesh, and frozen to sell or carcass, remove the tail, if desired, and with metal or fiberglass hoops. The use later for lure. Some trappers prefer place the bag in the freezer, or prepare most common modern method of to puncture the end of the sacs and the beaver at once for the table. drain the oil into a jar for storage. drying a beaver pelt, however, is to nail After the castors are removed and the pelt on a 4 foot by 4 foot sheet of cleaned of excess flesh, they can be Fleshing the skin 3/4 inch plywood. dried or frozen for later use. If the beaver has been rough skinned, The first step is to make sure the fur fleshing the pelt is necessary. A fleshing is clean and dry. Remove all mud and beam and a fleshing knife are used to dirt. If the pelt is wet or damp, fold it Processing the meat scrape away the excess flesh and fat. in half so that no flesh is exposed. Place If the beaver carcass is going to be used The best way to learn this difficult the pelt in a warm place and dry it for human consumption, it should process is to visit a fur buyer who does with a hair dryer or a window fan. Do be hung up by the tail for final dress- fur processing and get a hands-on not expose the undried pelt to exces- ing after the castors and oil sacs are demonstration. sively warm temperatures while drying. 28 Step 3: Step 4: Continue adding nails until the skin is oval shaped and the The last step before drying is to scrape all excess flesh and fat nails are about 1 inch apart. off the pelt, especially around the legs and head.

Sew up all holes or cuts before the on each side. Next pull the pelt out in On a cleaned-skinned pelt there pelt is nailed to the plywood. Use a the middle area, and put a nail on each should be a minimum of flesh that curved veterinarian’s needle and waxed side. Now do the same thing in the needs to be scraped off with the dull dental floss for thread, and work on area of the hind legs. The last nail goes knife blade. Scrape all excess flesh and the flesh side of the pelt. in the tail. fat off the pelt, especially around the Stretching is the term used for By now the pelt should be in a legs and head, where it may be more nailing the pelt to the plywood. Actu- rough oval. At one time, fur buyers difficult to remove. Wipe all excess ally the term is a misnomer. The pelt wanted the pelts shaped perfectly grease off the pelt and carefully nail the should be pulled to its maximum size, round, but in recent years the oval hind leg holes shut. If desired, the front but not stretched. Stretching would shape is preferred. If the pelt measures legs can be nailed shut or tied off with cause the pelt to be distorted and the 35 inches long from nose to tail, it dental floss or twine. fur to be thinner, and would reduce should be about 30 inches wide. If a The next step is to finish drying the the value of the pelt. little off, it doesn’t matter. Just change pelt. Do not use excessive heat. A win- A hammer and a quantity of six or the location of the nails to correct the dow fan blowing in a warm, dry room eight penny nails are used to attach the shape of the pelt. at about 70 degrees F will take seven pelt to the plywood once the fur is dry. Now is the time to clean the edges days or so to dry a pelt, provided the Start the process by placing the pelt on of the pelt where the rest of the nails pelt was fleshed properly, and the fur the plywood, fur side down, with the will be placed. A dull, rounded, large was dry when the pelt was nailed on beaver’s nose near the top of the board. knife blade works well for this. Scrape the plywood board. Once the nose has Drive a nail through the nose to off all fat around the edge of the pelt. dried completely, the rest of the pelt secure the pelt to the board. The Trim the points near the lower jaw and should be dry. finished pelt should be oval shaped—a tail. Next, pull the edge of the pelt out Once dry, the pelt can be taken off little longer than it is wide. between each nail and add a nail all the the plywood board. Dried pelts should With this in mind, and without pull- way around. Add the nails in a curved be stored in a cool, dry place away ing the pelt tight, pull out on each side line to keep the oval shape. Continue from mice or insects. If several pelts are of the pelt in the area of the front legs the process until nails are about 1 inch to be stacked together, place them fur and put a nail at the edge of the pelt apart. to fur and flesh to flesh. 29 MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION OFFICES

Putnam Atchison Worth Schuyler Scotland Mercer Clark Nodaway Harrison

Gentry Sullivan Adair Holt Knox Grundy Lewis Andrew Daviess DeKalb Linn Macon Shelby Marion

Buchanan Caldwell Livingston Clinton Ralls Chariton Monroe Platte Carroll Randolph Clay Ray Pike

Audrain Howard Saline Lafayette Lincoln Jackson Boone Mont- gomery Cooper Callaway Warren St. Charles Johnson Pettis Cass Moniteau St. Louis Cole Osage Henry Morgan onade Franklin

Bates Benton Gasc Jeerson Miller Maries

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Christian Douglas Carter Miss- Newton Stoddard issippi Howell Barry Stone Butler Oregon Taney Ozark Ripley McDonald New Madrid

Pemiscot Regional office staff are ready to answer your questions and provide Dunklin you with information about the resources, programs and opportunities in your part of Missouri.

Central Region Northwest Region Southwest Region 3500 East Gans Road 701 James McCarthy Drive 2630 N. Mayfair Columbia, MO 65201 St. Joseph, MO 64507 Springfield, MO 65803 573-815-7900 816-271-3100 417-895-6880

Kansas City Region Ozark Region St. Louis Region 12405 SE Ranson Road 551 Joe Jones Blvd. 2360 Highway D Lee’s Summit, MO 64082 West Plains, MO 65775 St. Charles, MO 63304 816-622-0900 417-256-7161 636-441-4554

Northeast Region Southeast Region 3500 S. Baltimore 2302 County Park Drive Kirksville, MO 63501 Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 660-785-2420 573-290-5730

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