Had a letter from NH F&G in the mailbox this afternoon. The first words in the letter are

"Congratulations".

I applied for seven state land trapping permits. I got three. They are all FULL of beaver. I had my heart set on one not too far from home. I got it. It is a piece of land I know well. I had the trapping permit years ago when it was privately owned.

Wonder if this hut is still there?


I also got the permit for the land Richard and I spring turkey hunted. It is vast and full of fur. A perfect piece of property for 4 wheeler trap line.

The three permits encompass close to 1,000 acres. Those permits have started the cleansing process. The salt water is slowly draining from my veins. It is being replaced with primal mountain man blood.

I need some more 330's.

congrats man. Sounds like you'll have blast catching all those beavers!

Congrats Coalman!! Trapping beaver off of a 4 wheeler is definitely the way to go. Got your eye on some new Belisles and a new Necker? Sounds like you're going to need them. When does the season start? Do you get in before the ice? Looking forward to reading about your adventures.

Season starts 11/01. I won't be chasing bucky till the ice comes in. I've learned my lesson in the beaver market. Early season northern non shear-able beaver can fluctuate too much with the financial market. Beaver are easy to catch in open water. You have the advantage of lure and eye appeal. Not a lot of trappers in my area pursue beaver under ice.

But there is only one way to get a shear-able beaver. And that is when they are most prime. In the north where I live Christmas to the end of January beaver are the best. They haven't been under ice too long and rubs are minimal. They are also just into the first month of being locked under ice. They get along better in the lodge. No bites in the fur or skin. Come February we get what is called red rump in our beaver. The fur near the tail turns reddish and get sticky. There is always a demand for shear-able beaver.

I haven't bought 330's in years. Always been partial to Victor's.

I got one permit that is a pheasant release sight. It is also a favorite dog walking spot for non hunters. Fox and coyote are out. It is the closest one to my house. The beaver are in trouble there. I took some pictures two winters ago.

Bucky's turned these trees into


A feedbed.


I found otter sign.


There is a big great blue heron rookery out there.




And the muskrat huts were everywhere.




I went back last spring and took a walk. I met this guy on the way in.


And made a wish I could trap this condo this winter.


Wish granted.