Chance of getting caught in trap?

[Jon Holcombe]

It has occurred to me that when I am in the woods I spend much of my time walking along river banks, and into bogs and marsh.

I am often walking across or along a beaver trail leading out into a pond or bog.

Is there a tell tale sign to spot a trap, and if I get caught, would I just dig it out and carry the trap out with me? Or is there some sort of release?

 

[bobpbx]

It has occurred to me that when I am in the woods I spend much of my time walking along river banks, and into bogs and marsh.

I am often walking across or along a beaver trail leading out into a pond or bog.

Is there a tell tale sign to spot a trap, and if I get caught, would I just dig it out and carry the trap out with me? Or is there some sort of release?

I'm pretty sure, though not positive, that most beaver traps are either in the water at a dam or in the water at the shoreline, where it's usually obvious the pests are entering the water there. At the least, stay away from those areas in the water.

 

[dogg57]

Maybe ask this guy

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/beaver-trashes-christmas-store_us_58404fa5e4b0c68e047f4972

 

[46er]

I am often walking across or along a beaver trail leading out into a pond or bog.

Is there a tell tale sign to spot a trap, and if I get caught, would I just dig it out and carry the trap out with me? Or is there some sort of release?

Might put a mini hacksaw in your pack, less than $5. I have seen traps on the top of a dam, lightly camouflaged with twigs, but easily seen. In any case they are not the typical type of 'jaws' type of leg trap where you step into it, but they are very powerful.

 

[Jon Holcombe]

I'm pretty sure, though not positive, that most beaver traps are either in the water at a dam or in the water at the shoreline, where it's usually obvious the pests are entering the water there. At the least, stay away from those areas in the water.

I have often walked on dams, and in the water next to them. Perhaps I should reconsider my photographic strategy.

 

[Jon Holcombe]

Might put a mini hacksaw in your pack, less than $5. I have seen traps on the top of a dam, lightly camouflaged with twigs, but easily seen. In any case they are not the typical type of 'jaws' type of leg trap where you step into it, but they are very powerful.

I ordered one for $4. It looks like it will fit in my pack. Even if it doesn't work, when they find me floating in the bog they'll at least think I went down swinging.

 

[46er]

I ordered one for $4. It looks like it will fit in my pack. Even if it doesn't work, when they find me floating in the bog they'll at least think I went down swinging.

If it doesn't work on the trap, it would surely work on your leg.

http://www.mammothtimes.com/content...author-aron-ralston-cut-his-arm-save-his-life

 

[ecampbell]

I've come across snares along trails several times, especially along bogs, but not exclusively. I had a dog stuck in one, he did not panic and strangle, because most dogs are used to being constrained on a lead. I just had to slip him out of it, but he never could have done it himself. The snare, and all of the others I came across except for one, had no ID as required by law so I turned them in at Atsion except for the one with ID. I also came across a turtle trap upstream of the beaver pond at Atsion with several rotting snappers in it, also no trap ID. Some one else removed it, quite a trap, I would not want to loose it.

 

[Teegate]

The chances of getting caught in one are extremely remote. I would not worry about it. Just remember if you find a snare with a number or name on it do not take or disturb it. That is illegal.

 

[Jon Holcombe]

I guess I was less concerned than I thought. Sunrise shot standing a couple of feet from the bottom of a dam this morning, near Shoal Branch.