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Hancock Beaver and Otter Cage Trap

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	This page contains information on the use of Hancock beaver traps for the control and management of beaver (Castor canadensis) and river otter.
Beavers General Control Principles Bailey Beaver Trap         Traps
If you are looking for an effective trap, capable of capturing beavers alive, then this is the trap for you. The Hancock trap is a highly successful trap in capturing beavers. It has many years of field uses to prove its over all effectiveness. It has been used by wildlife researchers, biologists, animal damage controllers, nuisance wildlife control operators and fur trappers. Some states like Massachusetts now require traps like the Hancock be used to capture beaver. The Hancock trap is known as a suitcase trap because the beaver is caught in the trap the same way a suitcase closes. The beaver is caught by the trap, by the trap enveloping the beaver inside the steel cage enclosure. Information on modifying the Bailey Beaver Cage Trap

The Advantages of the Hancock Beaver Trap.

1. Relatively easy to set given the strength of the springs.

2. Very low misfire rate means more captures and less empty traps.

3. Can be used to catch otters.

4. Durable. The Hancock trap will last for many years.

5. In the winter time, the trap's scooping action lifts the beaver out of the cold water ensuring better animal welfare.

6. Versatility. Can be set with bait or without bait.

The Disadvantages of the Hancock Beaver Trap.

1. Weight. It is very heavy at 33 lbs.

2. Size. Approximately 28"x36"x4". Not very easy to carry into wooded areas.

3. Cost. You can buy a dozen 330 conibears or dozens of live capture snares for the price of one Hancock Trap. We strongly suggest you chain the trap down to a tree to help reduce the risk of it being stolen.

4. Beaver may break their teeth on the trap trying to escape. (Studies have shown that otter do). This isn't a big deal if you plan to kill the beaver. But it is significant problem if you hope to relocate them (provided it is legal in your state).

5. Open Water restrictions: This trap can only work in non-frozen water.

6. Safety. Manufacturer advises that everyone working with this trap wear a helmet. For if the trap prematurely fires, and hits someone in the head like you the trapper, you could be knocked unconscious or worse. Note the trapper setting the trap is required to place an arm inside the trap jaws. The trap in the background is a Bailey trap.

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