Damn Beavers!
 

So, looking for some advice on what to do next.

I own 20+ acres in upstate NY. I have consistently been able to harvest deer from a certain stand because the does follow a stream moving from bedding to feeding areas so the bucks cruise it as well.

In early September I hung my stands in anticipation of another successful year. Then because of issues at work, home, and with ISIS didn't make it out at all during archery season.

Opening day of firearms I went to climb into my stand and found the area flooded. Initially I thought that it was due to some heavy rains; but as it got light I realized that a beaver had dammed the stream and flooded the entire stream bottom. I sat in my stand all day without seeing a single deer. But, did get to watch a very busy beaver (no pun intended) working on the dam the entire day.

The next day I found the new trail that the deer were using to get around the flooded area. With some tree cutting I could cover the area during firearms season but not archery.

So, my question: do I leave things as is and adjust my hunting; or do I find a trapper and some recipes for beaver? What other desirable wildlife might be drawn in by the dam and flooded area? Other issues I have to consider include that I can't get any equipment into the site to remove the dam so will have to do it by hand making leaving the dam in place easier to deal with. However, I had planned on working with the local agricultural extension to plant some hybrid chestnut trees in the area now flooded; plus damage to all the other trees in the area that the beaver has caused.

Thoughts & suggestions?

Thanks in advance.