Trapping Beaver and Processing Their Fur Zoology-Entomology Departmental Series, Alabama Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit No. 1/Agricultural Experiment Station/Auburn University/Auburn, Alabama R. Dennis Rouse, Director/October, 1974 * -J ~410 I' ~3 - t - S - ~\ '~&~N' '5 I V 'a - \4\ 2' ~ A ~' %f -' "~ ~ b 1 ~. & * "4 ~* j'\f~ ! -~ K. it 4. --*, z"O'. .- Pow, TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION----------------------------- TRAPPING SOUTHERN BEAVER -3-------- SKINNING BEAVER----. FLESHING THE BEAVER PELT_ --- - - - - -- - - - - - 5 --- - - - - -- - - - - - 7 STRETCHING AND DRYING THE PELT-----------------------------8 ACKNOWLEDGMENT The author expresses appreciation to Johnny Wayne Lovett, Dennis and Cheryl Bushey, Lovell Cummings, and Cliff Atkinson for their suggestions and cooperation. Work leading to this publication was financed by grants from the U.S. Fish and Wild- life Service and the Alabama Forestry Commission. Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station defrayed publication costs. Auburn University is an equal opportunity employer Information contained herein is available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin. ----------------------------------------------------------------- li ------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ------------------- Trapping Beaver and Processing Their Fur EDWARD P. HILL 2 INTRODUCTION IN THE 1980's, beaver populations in Alabama were reduced to about 500 animals as a result of trapping, hunting, and the demand for fur. Today beaver are plentiful in Alabama, primarily on the large river systems in the southern half of the State. A reduction in trapper interest that followed an extended period when trapping was prohibited and when fur prices were poor, combined with a stocking program are credited for the population increase. The beaver's return has generally been beneficial to wildlife, but also has created some problems for a number of landowners. Some of the landowners seek to elim- inate beaver on their land by using various methods, many of which have been unsuccessful. Some re- search efforts have been directed toward the develop- ment of reproductive inhibitors and practical poison- ing techniques for them. The most prudent approach to animal damage control problems is annual harvest, particularly where such harvests can be made at no public ex- pense. Considering the recreational aspects of trap- ping, the income potential, and the edible meat, the beaver is an animal that lends itself to population control through trapper harvest. This approach pro- motes the use of nuisance populations as a renew- able resource, rather than wastefully controlling them as pests. Trapping as an effective means of reducing beaver populations has been demonstrated time and time again throughout the history and range of the beaver. x A contribution of the Alabama Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station, Game and Fish Division, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Wildlife Management Institute cooperating. * Assistant Leader, Alabama Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Auburn University. It was the search for beaver and other furbearing animals that opened up many sections of North America. As long as prices for beaver fur remained high, the laws of supply and demand ensured an abundance of trappers; however, with lower prices over the past 20 years, fewer people, particularly young men, have shown an interest in trapping. Lower prices also have created the need for greater efficiency in trapping, skinning, and handling the fur to make a profit. It is the purpose of this publication to present efficient procedures and techniques for trapping southern beaver and handling their fur. It is hoped that this information, when supplemented with an- nual fur profit reports, will stimulate trapper interest that can be directed toward utilization of nuisance beaver populations. TRAPPING SOUTHERN BEAVER Although opinions vary among trappers regarding the best trap to use, those who have tried them tend to agree that the 830 conibear is the best trap avail- able for southern beaver. This trap usually kills in- stantly and is almost 100 percent effective in pre- venting escapes. Their use should help reduce anti- trapping sentiment that is growing in some states. Conibear traps are highly adaptable for water sets in both shallow and deep water, either partially above or beneath the surface. Since drowning sets are unnecessary with the conibear, a trapline can usually be set quickly and will require fewer traps. In addition to the conibear traps, anyone seriously considering beaver trapping should have hip boots or waders, a pair of setting tongs, a small hatchet or axe, some rolls of wire, and wire cutters (Figure 1). With this equipment, a trapping license, written per- mission from the landowner, and enough cold weather to ensure that the fur will be prime, you are ready to go to the field. 7YO. ] Equipment 0W haoF 9aPPi-_ng -y incude 3 omen" ho'A Gn pack beeke, h6P bac , W6WS, rop3, Oa settnM tense. Since temperatures are generally mild in Alabama, trappers seldom have to contend with ice trapping. Therefore conibear traps can be used effectively in two or athree major types of sets. One set involves placing the trap on top of or immediately below a beaver dam at an active crossing If the dam is new (characterized by an abundance of freshly peeled limbs and brush) the trap may be placed in the crossing on top of the dam. In such situations the trap blends well with the shaggy appearance of the dam (figures 2 and 3). Conibear traps work well when placed in crossings below older damg which are usually characterized by rooted vegetation in the accumulated mud and organic matter (Figure 4). In another type set conibear traps placed in shallow runways between bank dens, lodges, and feeding areas are very productive. Beaver generally 3=K, ' -g- C ,J Cy ofl VO~yr P cpY ' i laen- L-@e gL7 -, swim from one area to another on the surface, so the trap should be positioned with the top of the trap 2 to 3 inches above the surface, the trigger mechanism beneath the water, and the prongs stick- ing upward (Figure 5). Traps should be wired to a secure stake, and, if placed in streams that are subject to high run-off, a piece of wire should be run from the trap ring to a substantial tie on either bank, preferably down stream. This arrangement will prevent the loss of traps during high water and occasionally may prevent the loss of a trap and beaver to feral dogs Although some trappers set conibear traps with their hands, it is not recommended. Setting tongs have proven to be very helpful, particularly in cold weather, both for setting traps (Figure 6) and for removing beaver from them. I7-'C-. 1i 'ciaKa a ? -= 27CPs"JJ CAO(9MVGlV B, _aous( ' ' i- - e tcoe CO be p acg Ro YQP s kn (gnx oo M&W A@ dom. FIG. 2. We i dams ceaaterized bY A0e LZA17 peeled sticks cw b trapped effectively Dq pIr eing aps a cvws- 5ngs @5a B&10 @me @# te dams.e POT E. 7 I'E- @w*15 Qs qo M-@Vn kae Mr them. SKINNING BEAVER The feet and tail should be removed at the hair- line. This can be done with a small axe and a suit- able chopping block. A cut is then made just through the skin from the base of the tail up the belly to the center of the lower lip (figures 7 and 8). The edge of the skin along this cut is held between the thumb and forefinger and an effort made to 'dclean skh" the outer 2 inches of the pelt (Figure 9), leaving as much of the fat tissue as possible on the carcass, Then, skinning more quickly and leav- ing more muscle and fat (rough skinning), the pelt is cut away from the belly. With the feet removed, it is easier to skin around the stump ends by pushing them up with the last three fingers while rolling downward the skin held between the thumb and index finger (Figure 10). FIG. 7 & 0. Aftev nmving Ahe ?e oa oifc QcA OMn cut is made from the base of the tail u the bell7 to the center of the lower lip. * .2 I The beaver can be rolled on its side and the pelt cut away to the center of the back from the neck to the tail (Figure 11). The skinned half of the pelt is then laid back over the carcass and the beaver turned end for end (figures 12 and 13). The other half of the pelt from the neck down is skinned around to the back in the same manner, working around the leg stumps in the same manner described above (Figure 10). The carcass is then rolled over on the belly and the pelt lifted and cut away from the base of the tail toward the head (Figure 14). Pulling the pelt away from the carcass aids in skinning the head, particularly around the ears and eyes (Figure 15). The pelt should be hung up or spread out fur side up to allow the fur to dry. "Rough skinned" pelts with their extra tissue may be frozen. They can be thawed and fleshed of fat and muscle tissue and dried later. If they are frozen, they should 'e Jed ru int oJ " ' $4 77 ~ go % pz Js~de be Moeto'wn 25u"t' pelt Qkn @ 9bbg - - H- ?cIoI5Iee t v'n5 thO3I Qreo dmuLICg beSMvRh NoG. M2 Ise po A * *~( No. M 79 a inv~ i ese~ smmieead "'Re PDG 2. The hoevov !G A00e ered orIP Q77 md. 7~7<7 -7-, p". - 3. m a C mpl 3 Me V_ 3 33 oc n Ifo eh 1- 9 V2c FOG. I 3. A @E' s110ME @U2a 2h Qe eem h6u Sins eh p-31T ( EC?S is moled OR its frely (and the pelt se OWG37 fu the ke@Se of the aif nowdm whoRod 144 "-V s~idewayts to prduce a slicing action. Care slaoud btaken to h le th et upon t. he bemfrequently so that only the outer foot of the bam is use (Fig- Y" ur~~e 17). The plit should then 'be turne and a sinA Slar swath reoved from the center of the back up to he nose. Thenre-osition the petend flesh a strp froin teceter of the back out to each side. Atthis poin the petas fou unfeshe Tpie-sha areas (Figure 18). Each quartey of" aes pet shoul be-1,esheacen Ca a~ should be n at thn areas ne,)z the blly an leg holes to avoi cutting the pal (Figuae 9). Fat tissues on tese ara an usually b pushe away foni pelt, w whe as the us -a tiseon the back and the thIck fat tissue on the base of the tal have to be sliced away wih a downward an sliding motion of the U. FMUR aAy 5A i'Q vwhe eucnihgehn knife. After fleshing one or two beaver, suicient m~~ilei C~iHgwAA ALg nsinn the he~ p@clA skill with the knife is usually developed so that pelts '11mud AQeon eleo.are seldomr dainaged (Figure3 210). individual plastic bags. After skinning 30 or 0,- most individuals can skin a good sized beaver in a vy few minutes. The best time recorded locally % was 3.5 ininu tes on a large beaver. The paire castor glands located in front of the anus are used in t he parfue industry and are well ~ worth saving. They can beremoved by making one cut across the abodomen just above the glands. The gland a be peeled away from the adhering con- nective ti-ssue with te fngers and hung over a wie to dror about 10 days. They can be sold along with th fr FLESING7 H BEAVER P~~1 The next step in processing a beaver pelt is to flesh it over a roundedl and pointed fleshing bam, which is usually about 5 feet long and anchore in such a po~lioin that it forms an angle of approxi- MO~n %)M Q~ rwing knie su@% (or A W Q inately 45 degrees between :he floor and the chest a -J7 hcpiv 0 -n lm n l qg MS of tlh.e individual doing the ifleshing. M, eshing 'beams___ can be ma e quickly from butt end board slabs. Tey can be made to tper gradually for use ona vaiety of small furbearers or may be broader, which' some tappers prefer for heaver. Tools designe(El especi 'ly for fleshig pelts on a beam are available fomn tapper supply houses, but a carpenter's draw- fing kife wit a 10 toc 12-inch 'blade works well (Figtre 16). Ascenter of the 'lack of the beaver pelt is placed on the point of the beam. A towel placed bewen the chest of the individual fleshing and the poit of beamwl help hold thepelt n place. Startig near the i of 'hem swat ofKmuslean dfat 1 to3Inches wieshoudb cut frm tecenter of theack aown to teai. The hlade is held at an ~'' anglie so that the beveled srfabce is ahmost per a ..Aththe flashin g Tea . Ht is pushed downwardad O3 wv y Pt' 3 FIG SCCv~q *jA e q? in 3:1rlov fot ead muse s70 cy g C97Qw7 Oi7 -i ] . Then et~ioyh qsuw~ey 5s g1%shed5ec-i Bflg the HfM0~s Qi 0 @O N Ai FO. 2. The pee is h 9ne -, e noso ca d C ea eosu?ed to do- STRETCHONG AND DRYPNG THE PEL7 Procedures used for stretching and drying pelts vary with different trappers. Most Canadian trappers stretch beaver in an oval shape according to a pat- tern provided by their Government. Procedures that were tried and work well are as follows: After the pelt is fleshed, ensure that the fur is dry, otherwise moisture will be trapped between the skin and the drying board to which it is nailed. This moisture can cause the pelt to dry slowly during periods of damp weather and may result in fur slippage. Once the fur side is dry, it is ready to be stretched. Three foot square sheets of 1/-inch or thicker plywood make good stretching boards. Pelts may be stretched either round or slightly oval with the approximate size determined by mak- ing one measurement and some simple additions. The pelt is hung up by the nose and measured from top to bottom (Figure 21). This distance plus half this distance plus 2 inches totaled and divided by 2 should give you the diameter of the circle into which the pelt should stretch. For example, if our pelt measures 30 inches, we add 30 plus 15 plus 2 which is 47, which divided by 2 is 231/2 inches; the approximate diameter that the pelt should be stretched. A circle of this diameter then can be drawn on the board. Four lines should be drawn to intersect the are of the circle at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions to provide a reference point for the first four nails used in the stretching process. The pelt is then laid out fur side down in the circle and the nose and center of the tail nailed along the circle at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions respectively (Figure 22). The sides are then nailed at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions (Figure 238). The skin is then grasped at points midway between these four [18 FIG6. 2,0a AB~w~ OHMABO @ G- kmvev, ( J@- aed (S9S%-_-j piog-, 0' 3au as thais we @eq '-.) p,- 4 u tc4 -koh u-o -Nvr board inside~ @n @pu*rg -sied circle. The nose Qoid cenev 'D na 2,.-'Ma 21 , the taii ore neled @t 12 @n 5 o'cock positions. firs qol R~l @T-,ldf jx e ca el4 nails, stretched to the edge of the circle and nailed (Figure 24). The skin should be stretched and nailed at points midway between other nails until nails are spaced at approximately one inch intervals completely around the pelt (Figure 25). Any fat left around the leg holes should be trimmed away and the leg holes closed with three or four nails (Figure 25). The stretched pelt can be further cleaned of fat and moisture with a fleshing tool, a paint scraper on which the sharp corners have been rounded, or an old curved kinife blade (Figure 2M). Pelts may be nailed on both sides of a drying board. A 55-gallon drum with the top cut out provides a good working platform to accomplish this at a con- until nails @Fe& JE Igcpo FIG. 26. Using a rounded knife blade oir othep sutHDe 2&d, FO.2. The pag 5r sqa ad by nailing the sides at the 2 mad 9 excess fat @ind maoisture should be veamoved rom Ahe R&~ ft (Ad o'cgock R~ao@os n rig venient level. Drying boards should be placed on end against and perpendicular to a wall at least 6 inches apart. Under favorable drying conditions, skins should be sufficiently dry to remove them from the boards within 7 to 10 days. Fans and artificial heat can reduce the drying time to as little as 2 days. Current information on storing fur, wrapping it for shipment, fur auctions, and names and addresses of buyers paying the best prices can be obtained from your local and national trapper associations. Beaver meat is good to eat and has been sold for about $2.00-$4.00 per carcass. It can be barbecued or baked whole or quartered. The hams also are very good sliced, battered, and fried. (10 ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED READING BusHEY, D. 1970. Trapping and Handling Beaver and Otter, 1st Edition, RD 1, Box 341-A, Valrico, Fla. 45 pp. FAILOR, P. L. 1974. Pennsylvania Trapping and Predator Control Methods, 7th Ed. Penn. Game Commission, Har- risburg, Penn. 96 pp. KENNAMER, E. F. 1950. Toe-Pinching for Profit. Auburn University A.P.I. Cir. 5; 40 pp.