Trigger Regulations for Beaver Trappers
This regulation applies if you:
- Trap in the Southern Zone
- Trap in a WMU in the Southern Zone during a closed otter season, and
- Use a body-gripping trap larger than nine inches (these are "330" size traps)
How to measure a trap
For additional background and information on these trigger regulations see:
Instructions for modifying triggers (62 KB pdf)
Trap testing presentation (1.2 MB pdf)
Modifying 330s to avoid catching otter (232kb pdf)
Specific requirements of the New Regulations are Shown in the Diagrams Below:
1. Body-gripping trap with tension adjustable/
parallel trigger and trigger stop
2. Examples of acceptable tension
adjustable/parallel triggers
3. Example of Non-Legal vs. Legal
Trigger Brackets
4. Examples of Acceptable Trigger Stops
NOTE:
- You can bait these traps in any manner. However, the trap must have all the features noted above.
- There is no exception for traps set under ice: traps set under ice, whether baited or not, must have all of the design features noted above.
- There is no tension requirement. However, DEC research showed that 8 to 12 oz. of tension works best for protecting otter and catching beaver.
