How to trap problem beavers in Vermont | Beaver

How to trap problem beavers

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Beaver Trapping with Snares

Managing beaver populations is typically done through regulated fall and/or winter trapping seasons. Landowners need only to give permission to licensed fur trappers to remove beaver during the legal trapping season. If beavers are causing severe damage, state wildlife agencies may issue special trapping permits to professional wildlife control operators . In some states, fur trappers can assist during closed seasons under certain condition. Trapping beaver requires training and proper equipment to be done effectively and ethically. There are strict regulations regarding types of legal beaver traps and their placement (generally underwater ). An inexperienced person attempting to trap beaver can wise them up quickly, making them very difficult to trap. This often results in more expense and time when an experienced trapper is finally brought in to complete the job.

State specific info - Vermont - Beaver

Because beaver create such valuable wildlife habitat, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife has a long-standing program to provide technical assistance to landowners and municipalities to help resolve beaver/human conflicts.  This assistance might include the installation of water control structures, protective fences, and advice on beaver population control if necessary.  Other organizations and individuals may offer the same types of assistance.  For more information see the VFWD publication "Best Management Practices for Resolving Human/Beaver Conflicts".   

 

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Vermont

Furbearing animals doing damage

In Vermont, landowners can legally protect their property from damage caused by rabbits and furbearing animals through lethal means. Anyone receiving compensation for trapping furbearers doing damage must hold a valid Vermont trapping license.

Possession of Wildlife

It is illegal to possess living, wild animals in Vermont. A furbearing animal can only be possessed when moving the animal to a more appropriate place for dispatch. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/10APPENDIX/001/00044

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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