How to Use a Conibear to Trap Beavers

Trap beavers with a Conibear #330.

A "Conibear" refers to a brand of trap that hunters or land owners often use to trap small animals like beavers. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the Conibear #330 trap captures beavers more effectively than any other trap. The Conibear trap consists of two jaws that snap shut, and it typically kills a beaver almost instantly.

Instructions

1. Purchase a Conibear #330 trap from an outdoor outfitter. Wash a new trap in hot water and soap before using it to remove the lubricant that coats all new traps. Soak the trap in hot, salty water for several days, then rinse it with water. Leave the trap outside for several more days. Do not worry if the trap becomes rusty. Disregard any round wire coils that may have been included with your purchase, as these can injure you if you use them improperly.

2. Choose the location for your trap. Choose an area where you can submerge the Conibear trap so at least half of the trap lies in water (either deep or shallow). Look for a location near the beaver's dam, if possible. Plan to place the trap in such a way that the beaver will have to swim through the trap to reach its dam or other destination.

3. Tie your nylon rope to one spring coil on the trap. Run it through both of the coils several times so you can pull on both ends of the rope and, as a result, pull the spring coils together safely without putting your hands close to the jaws of the trap. Put the safety catches, also called safety hooks, over the springs of the trap. Locate a groove at the top of the two wires on the trap and place the trigger catch over that groove.

4. Carefully place the trap in its intended location and stake it down. Remove the safety catches. Make sure to keep your hands and feet away from the jaws of the trap. Leave the trap in place, and return frequently to see if you successfully caught a beaver in your Conibear trap.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your local fish and wildlife or agricultural department to verify that you may hunt and trap beavers under your local laws.

• Always carry a hacksaw blade in case you accidentally become ensnared in your trap and cannot escape.

References

• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources: Beaver in South Carolina
• University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture: Beaver Damage Prevention and Control Methods
• Fleming Outdoors: Beaver Trapping Tips