Beaver season extended

[Lee Borgersen]

      DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

                                                                   April 27, 2015
 
Beaver season extended in northern counties

The beaver trapping season has been extended through Friday, May 15, in the northern third of the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Trappers who participate in the season extension are required to take the following actions to prevent incidental otter catch:
•Foothold traps must be set in at least 8 inches of water.
•Body-gripping traps must be completely submerged. Body-gripping traps with a jaw opening greater than 7-1/2 inches must be set with the trigger wires moved all the way to one side of the trap.
•Snares must be set with stops affixed to the cable to ensure that the noose loop is no less than four inches in diameter when fully closed.

The season will be extended north of Minnesota Highway 200, east of Minnesota Highway 73, and north of the Pine/Carlton county line. Before the extension, the season had been scheduled to close statewide on Thursday, April 30. In the southern two-thirds of the state, the season will still close on that date.

A map of the open area (the north mink/muskrat/beaver/otter zone) can be found on page 49 of the 2014 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook and at www.mndnr.gov/trapping.



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[dakids]

I dont understand why they extended the season. The pelts are not good anymore. They are loosing their winter coats.

[glenn57]

so what do you suppose a submerged trap would do to a goofy dog like mine that CANT stay out of water. its a lab hey love water.

[greatoutdoors]

I dont understand why they extended the season. The pelts are not good anymore. They are loosing their winter coats.

The fur is still OK.
The biggest problem comes from bite marks which are very common on beaver pelts in the spring.

[dakids]

I talked to a trapper near grand rapids and he said most beaver  are marginal at best.  I guess i didn't ask why they were marginal.

[greatoutdoors]

They get bite marks when Momma beaver chases the older, and at times belligerent  offspring out of the house to make room for the new kits.
A lot of beaver that cruise around in the spring (travelers) swim just about anywhere there is water, looking for new friends. 
Some actually travel on land when heading for new bodies of water, and are hit by cars while crossing roads.