So I have a friend that has a beaver problem . I have a FX impact in 600mm .30 smooth twist and a .25 700mm slug barrel. Which do u think will be best to kill the beaver
Beaver issue
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Probably the one which delivers the most energy at the point of impact, given the projectile does it's job. If that .25 is shooting a good slug that opens properly and is delivering as much energy at impact as the .30 go with it. If that .30 (I presume the reason you asked is because the .30 is shooting pellets) is delivering as much energy at the point of impact as the .25 and the pellet is performing correctly. It will do the job as well. There won't be that much difference unless you have a significant muzzle energy difference between the two. Just set up a good solid stand at a measured range and go for head shots. Beavers are creatures of habit when coming and going from their lodges.
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Word to wise beaver is still considered fur game be sure to contact local game warden make sure it's legal to take with an air rifle,
Most States have a destructive pest clause but it's better to be safe than sorry
Most States have a destructive pest clause but it's better to be safe than sorry
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When cooked correctly they are not too bad. I had it made like Italian beef and also bbq. I would probably go with whichever is the most accurate at the distance you are trying to shoot.
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Either caliber will do fine with a head shot or boiler room shot.
Not sure what type of 'beaver problem' your friend has. If they have created an established beaver pond/lake, daming up a river/creek, then taking out the beavers that constantly reinforce/maintain that beaver dam, could be catastrophic. Anything down steam when the dam not being maintained any longer gives way and floods out anything downstream could be a problem. And also the upstream of the dam eco system formed by the beaver pond will also collapse.
What I'm trying to say is, beavers have a profound impact(positive, negative or a combo of both) on their environment. More so than most any pest we deal with. so if your friends barn/home or roads/bridges/etc, are directly downstream from their beaver dam, and the water behind it is sufficient, possible problems in the near future might want to be evaluated. Possibly a slow 'man made' release from the beaver lake that will slowly drain the system would be better than an abrupt collapse from the beavers absence once you remove them.
Contacting a game warden for his take on these problem beavers could be good insurance for you in multiple ways if damage/problems occurs down the road related to their removal. I speak from experience of just this type.
jmo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFMRD5kuREw
Not sure what type of 'beaver problem' your friend has. If they have created an established beaver pond/lake, daming up a river/creek, then taking out the beavers that constantly reinforce/maintain that beaver dam, could be catastrophic. Anything down steam when the dam not being maintained any longer gives way and floods out anything downstream could be a problem. And also the upstream of the dam eco system formed by the beaver pond will also collapse.
What I'm trying to say is, beavers have a profound impact(positive, negative or a combo of both) on their environment. More so than most any pest we deal with. so if your friends barn/home or roads/bridges/etc, are directly downstream from their beaver dam, and the water behind it is sufficient, possible problems in the near future might want to be evaluated. Possibly a slow 'man made' release from the beaver lake that will slowly drain the system would be better than an abrupt collapse from the beavers absence once you remove them.
Contacting a game warden for his take on these problem beavers could be good insurance for you in multiple ways if damage/problems occurs down the road related to their removal. I speak from experience of just this type.
jmo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFMRD5kuREw
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If I actually had some workers who worked as hard as those little flat-tailed buggers I could retire in no time.
It's amazing to witness
P.S
I would go with the .30
It's amazing to witness
P.S
I would go with the .30
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As per above, best to check with the authorities for legalities and responsibilities - in most places "nuisance beavers" can be killed.
If the habitat is suitable for beavers then it will be an ongoing problem as young beavers, driven out of their parent's pond will be quick to settle in. Because they are "fur bearing" animals, for a practical solution it might be best to check for a local (licensed) trapper and give him trapping rights.
That being said, 3 acres of the 10 acres I own are part of a 55 acre spring-fed beaver pond and I have to manage the beaver population. A .25 or a .30 PCP will do the job but the problem is that the kill zone on a swimming beaver is only 1 inch high and 2 inches long. Between being in motion (you rarely get a stationary shot) and the angle of the shot, it is hard to get a solid hit and a humane kill - ricochets off the water and off the skull can be a concern.
Trapping is most practical but if you have to shoot them with an airgun (or rimfire) it is best to get some "Beaver Lure" to attract them (beavers are very territorial) so that you can get a good body shot on the beaver when he is out of the water. The lure represents an intruder, put some on a rag (in a weighted plastic) and put it where you can get a clear shot - don't sit too close and mind the wind direction - beavers are at a disadvantage on land, they know that and are wary. Evening is the best time for an ambush. Don't leave the lure when you are not watching as if the beaver discovers it is a fake it will lose its effectiveness. Beavers inspect the dam regularly and the sound of running water attracts them so (carefully) removing a couple of sticks can setup a good shot as well.
To be blunt about it, if you need to get rid of a problem beaver don't play around with rifles - often difficult to get a clear shot and if you spook them they can become very wary (or just become nocturnal) - the most effective solution is a 12 ga loaded with small (#4) buckshot - boom and you are done, saves a lot of time and frustration in a long run. Buckshot is not "over kill" as beaver's head is heavily muscled and the fur/skin is quite thick (for protection - beavers fight a lot) so birdshot is't enough - especially for a big adult (I have weighed several that were over 50 pounds!).
I like watching the beavers in the pond, it's just that my pond is big enough to have 3-4 families (2-6 beavers each) and they can do a lot of damage if I don't manage the numbers.
Oh, and BTW, properly prepared, the young ones are really good eating.
Hope this helps.
Hank
If the habitat is suitable for beavers then it will be an ongoing problem as young beavers, driven out of their parent's pond will be quick to settle in. Because they are "fur bearing" animals, for a practical solution it might be best to check for a local (licensed) trapper and give him trapping rights.
That being said, 3 acres of the 10 acres I own are part of a 55 acre spring-fed beaver pond and I have to manage the beaver population. A .25 or a .30 PCP will do the job but the problem is that the kill zone on a swimming beaver is only 1 inch high and 2 inches long. Between being in motion (you rarely get a stationary shot) and the angle of the shot, it is hard to get a solid hit and a humane kill - ricochets off the water and off the skull can be a concern.
Trapping is most practical but if you have to shoot them with an airgun (or rimfire) it is best to get some "Beaver Lure" to attract them (beavers are very territorial) so that you can get a good body shot on the beaver when he is out of the water. The lure represents an intruder, put some on a rag (in a weighted plastic) and put it where you can get a clear shot - don't sit too close and mind the wind direction - beavers are at a disadvantage on land, they know that and are wary. Evening is the best time for an ambush. Don't leave the lure when you are not watching as if the beaver discovers it is a fake it will lose its effectiveness. Beavers inspect the dam regularly and the sound of running water attracts them so (carefully) removing a couple of sticks can setup a good shot as well.
To be blunt about it, if you need to get rid of a problem beaver don't play around with rifles - often difficult to get a clear shot and if you spook them they can become very wary (or just become nocturnal) - the most effective solution is a 12 ga loaded with small (#4) buckshot - boom and you are done, saves a lot of time and frustration in a long run. Buckshot is not "over kill" as beaver's head is heavily muscled and the fur/skin is quite thick (for protection - beavers fight a lot) so birdshot is't enough - especially for a big adult (I have weighed several that were over 50 pounds!).
I like watching the beavers in the pond, it's just that my pond is big enough to have 3-4 families (2-6 beavers each) and they can do a lot of damage if I don't manage the numbers.
Oh, and BTW, properly prepared, the young ones are really good eating.
Hope this helps.
Hank
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Beavers are relentless workers. We had a problem with them a few years back in a creek on our property that ran to a water shed across the road we live on. We would tear out their secondary dams in our creek and They would build them back by the next morning 
. The CO in our area suggested hunting them. I can tell you our beavers seem to be more active at sunset into the night. Long story made short they ended up trapping the beavers out and the biggest one was 60lb. Yep they can get big sooo please be humane about it if you hunt them. The CO said they will be back.
. The CO in our area suggested hunting them. I can tell you our beavers seem to be more active at sunset into the night. Long story made short they ended up trapping the beavers out and the biggest one was 60lb. Yep they can get big sooo please be humane about it if you hunt them. The CO said they will be back. Upvote 0
I've used .22cal rimfire, 12 gauge shotgun and 30-06 centerfire. Trapping is best if you are looking to preserve the pelt. Yesterday a lady I work with showed me a small credit card/ID slip her neighbor made from Beaver tail. It was very interesting and will wear very well.
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I took out 5 this week with a .30 Maverick and JSB 50gr pellets but not before they ate the bark off 2 of my pecan trees
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@18.13 Nice work. More information would be appreciated and I'd like to see photos. I'd like to see the dam, damage caused by the beavers, how your rig is set up, and the beavers. Do you have phots? Video? If so, have you considered creating your own thread where we can learn more about your work?
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Younger Beaver or like young coon you get them cooked right you can’t beat them to me a beaver tastes like Roast beef. The coon not so much but still good.
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