Yup, I was crazy enough to trap beaver under ice.
It gave me something to occupy my time with after coyote season. I committed to providing carcasses to bear hunters and some wanted them earlier than when the ice comes off so once I commit, I do what I can to come through for them.
I really don’t mind the little extra work of trapping under ice, I enjoy it. I honestly don’t think that it’s as hard as some people make out. Humping the otter sled is good for cardio and chainsawing the ice is good for upper body strength. Compared to my last career it’s pretty easy, enjoyable work. Just imagine the Trappers in the past with no sleds or chainsaws.
No wonder that a pelt went for big bucks.
I had 13 in the last auction and 11 sold for an average of about $18. Nothing smaller than large and most were 2XXL. Then there was the castor and all of the carcasses were sold. I self tan everything smaller than a large. All of them were nuisance beaver for landowners. I’m friggin rich!
But seriously, no one is going to get rich trapping $40 beaver IMO whether under ice or in open water. Landowners get rid of the pests, bear hunters get their bait, and I get to trap and make a few bucks. It’s just a good thing that my labour is free though.
