WOULD A #3 TRAP BE BIG ENOUGH FOR BEAVER OR IS A #4 PREFFERED?

I would use the largest foothold you legaly can!!! It will make trap placement alot less critcal, also consider snares if legal in your area, I use snares 20-1 over foothold and conibears, they are cheap I make my own for .80 each, and I have become very versital with them in the last 10 years, I have done alot odf ADC beaver work just email me if you want idea's on snare usage for beaver and I will explain my system, GOOD LUCK

I agree that you should use the biggest trap you can for beaver, but to answer your question... Not all #3's are created equal. A #3 longspring has approximately a 5-5/8" jaw spread. A #4 LS is about 6" inches. When you move into coilspring traps, it gets very curious, because they actually have different measurements from brand to brand. The minimum is about 6" but they can be as wide as 6-1/2 (the old Northwoods and the Bridgers). I have some old Herters coils which are labeled #4, and they have a J.S. of 6-1/4 inches. From a personal standpoint, I consider a 6" jaw spread to be the minimum for beaver, but again I prefer the bigger traps where they are legal. -- Hal

6ford6, Dr. coyote is right snares are a very good tool to use on a trap line. But since you live in the great state of N.Y. like i do i wouldn't go and use them to quickly, they are illegal to use in NY.

hal is correct, I use my #3 bridger coils for coyote and beaver.I would not set a #3 long spring for beaver,you would be checking lots of empty traps.

#3s will work , but I agree with the rest ,large er foothold are the way to go. Snares are great and 330s work well .

Dated for Search