Bowhunting on beaver
 

I wonder if there is anyone who went out for huntingbeaver?
What speacial gear would i need?
What are the special things i should take care about?

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

I would think you would need something close to a Bowfishing setup... Otherwise I'm sure the beaver would sink and be gone... Might not be that easy considering the effective range on a bowfishing rig, can't be much... Sounds like a pretty good time if you got everything setup right though...

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

Other than waiting to make sure the animal was on land away from the water to make the shot, hvyhitter19's pretty much right unless you intend on going for a swim.

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

Make sure it is legal to hunt them.

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

I just use a big, long spear. Sometimes use it to bait them in.[:-]

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

I'm also interested in hunting / harvesting a beaver. He is currently ruining the trees around one of my favorite ponds. Are the nocturnal or when would be the best time to watch for him?

What do you do with one once you've harvested him?

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

Get em mounted... Looks good as a Lamp w/ a stump... :D

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

I beleive in most states its illegal to hunt them but you are able to trap them, check with your local dnr office to find out whats legal and whats not.

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

Too many jokes... must.. not.. post....

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

I have trapped a many beaver but never thought about hunting them. Bet you would have a ride on your hands with a bow fishing rig if a clean kill were not made. Had one get tangled up in a trout line once and he had taken it all over the place weights and all.
Dan

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

I saw on that on Realtree Roadtrips. They couldn't get good footage because it was dark. They also used shotguns.

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

Where I go its legel to hunt them.
Pretty much the same story as ryanaller said, they are ruining a certain place and local game management said they where pleased if we did it with bows.
My first intention was also a fishing rig but although we have a boat, i dont know if thats a smart way.
Canoes would work better maybe but i have no experience in that.
What about using a judo point on a alu shaft. The arrow will come up, right?

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

It is legal here in sd as long as no lights are used. We hunt them in the spring as soon as the ice comes off the rivers. We use 22s and shoot them in the head. You are correct in saying they do not float for long! I don't know if a fishing set up would hold up to them. They will most likely break or BITE off your arrow if you don't hit them in the neck or head. Good luck and let us know if you get any. I might try it with a bow once myself.
PS: They are most active in the water during early morning and right before dark. You can catch them sleeping in the sun on a bank during the day.

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

I have a friend that shot one a couple summers ago, took a long while to get it in, he was using a slotted retriever by ams.

RE: Bowhunting on beaver
 

To attract them I use bird seed or peanut butter.