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How many of you use footholds for beaver under the ice? I have never really used them much, I prefer to stick with conibears and snares, but I know of a couple of situations this year where I am going to try the footholds.

I found this picture on the Nebraska Game and Parks website--



Do you target the front foot or back foot with this type of foothold setup? What size trap if targeting the front foot?

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Molon Labe.

i do use snares 95% of the time, bodygrippers maybe 4%, and footholds the remainder. But I have had good luck with mb 750's, cdr's, and bridger 3's, on pole sets. Snares are just so much easier and less work, not to mention about 3 pounds lighter each.

I know what you're saying Whitetail, I am of the same mindset. I have a couple of spots to trap where there is no discernable feed pile and deep water around the beaver lodge. I figure the footholds may be a viable option in those spots.

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Molon Labe.

kd,

I am working on a beaver ice book, I have some sets in there that will be another option, once it is done.

Make sure if you use that pole set to keep the trap platform only a foot or so under the ice (maybe 14") It seems like they won't put there feet on the platform(trap)otherwise. the ice forces them down if they want to cut the bait, they have to lower there feet tot the platform.

KD,
I have done under ice footholds using#3&4 jumps. Always seem to get back foot. I set my platform about 14" under the ice. I have my set ups made before hand. Problem with this is I always end up poking holes thru the ice to find the right depth for what I have (12'). It's easier for me to go with pre-manufactured set ups versus carrying boards,nails etc. to the location. Have used snares with good luck but still love them conni. With the 330's I use pretty much the same set up as in the pic. posted above, but I place 4 on each set up. It does pay off usually the first night. After that the beaver starrt getting spooked.

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"GOIN' FOR A LOOKSEE"

yotes 28
red fox 19
grey fox 13
coon 21
rat 14
beaver 27
otter

How far out from the pole do you place your traps?

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Molon Labe.

I generally have the trap between 5-8" out from my post. From what I can tell from sign, they come to the fresh poplar and after figuring out they can get to it by placing their feet on the platform I see front claw marks consistently around the pole where they hung on while chewing or attempting to. Most if not all were caught above the angle. Hope this makes sense.

_________________
"GOIN' FOR A LOOKSEE"

yotes 28
red fox 19
grey fox 13
coon 21
rat 14
beaver 27
otter