17 HMR for Beavers ?

[surhuntsalot]

I'm sure someone out there is using a 17 for shooting beavers. Just want to know experiences and opinions on it performance. Does it put them down as good as a 22 win mag ? Has anyone used the CCI game point, or FMJ ammo for beaver hunting ?

[Pioneer2]

The only trapper I know using both prefers the .22 mag over the .17..........Harold

[bullgetter]

A .17 in the head will take care of any beaver. If I was going to skin for sale I would use a .22. Those little 17 grain V-max bullets like make things explode and a beaver pelt is not worth much as it is.

Used it with success and I preferred the 20 grain cci bullet. 90% head shots. Went back to a 22 because of ammo availability and cost.

[Stubble Jumper]

Been using a 22 MAG for over 12 years on river beaver and would not use anything else. Perfect little rifle. I've used Win. and Savage. Good Luck !

[The Bit Runner.]

Yes,Yes,Yes.Its awsome.I went out 4 nights in a row shot 7 beavers and
recoverd 6 of them.The gun is a tack driver.Shot a couple of them at 100
yards+/-.Put the bipod down and lays the smack down on them.

Very little damage to the pelt,but you shoot them in the head anyways.
I aim for the ear and they go no where when you hit them there,no trashing
nothing,there done.

I love this gun.I bought it for the wife to try keep the foxs and coyotes
down.They sure like our chickens and ducks.

If barrel broke in properly its a one hole gun or so very close to it.

Good luck beaver bashing,excelent choice of wepond for beavers.

[The Bit Runner.]

Originally Posted by bullgetter

A .17 in the head will take care of any beaver. If I was going to skin for sale I would use a .22. Those little 17 grain V-max bullets like make things explode and a beaver pelt is not worth much as it is.

I have not had this exsperince with the 17 hmr.Tiny little holes.I used to skin and sell lots of beavers you could cut the head right off and still get the same
price for your pelt.But you better not have any holes in the pelt below the front legs,bullet holes or knife holes.

I love the 22.I shot all my beavers up till last year with that.but the 17 reaches out there and puts them down fast love it....

[bullgetter]

I took a beaver last night with my 17 HMR and a V-Max bullet. Hit him right behind the ear and he dropped. When I skinned it there was a very little hole and the bullet fragmented so bad there was no exit. The shot was 70 yards and since I do not have a scope on the 22 I used the 17. I did buy some CCI full metal jackets for the next beaver. I missed a muskrat this morning which is for the best as I'm sure that V-max would have taken his head clean off. It is devestating on gophers.

[Cabot]

Hey guys,

I thought that it was illegal to shoot beaver as they are fur bearers. Correct me if I'm wrong. I would certainly enjoy shooting beavers as well, then process them.

Thanks for the info.

Cabot.

[WhiskeyJack]

"Regulations allow landholders (residents only) to take immediate action to control some problem wildlife. The following privileges are beyond those permitted under fur management licences during fur seasons

Beaver may be hunted and trapped, without a licence and during all seasons, on privately owned land by the owner or occupant of the land, or by a resident with written permission from the owner or occupant of the land."

[Cabot]

Thank you very much for the info WhiskeyJack.

Cabot.

[Albertabowhunter]

Sorry to cut in, but any of you have any beaver carcasses yo uwnat to get rid of? In the edmonton area? PM me, thanks

[surhuntsalot]

Thanks for the input guy's. I decided to try the 17 this year and it worked just fine. In fact I shot 36 beavers in one night on the river, with not 1 sinker (couldn't get the jetboat on plane on the trip back ). Having tried both 20 gr. controlled expansion, and the 17 gr. Vmax, I preffer the 17 grain. It seemed to smack em a little harder, and despite the comments about pelt damage, it did NOT blow the heads off, or cause any noticeable pelt damage. Having used both 22.mag , and the 17 HMR, I have no problem giving the 17 the big thumbs up.

[Grizzled]

17 hmr...gets 2 thumbs up..

[wolfcreek]

I've used the standard .22, the .22 Mag and the .17HMR.
My vote goes to the .17. So darn quick, and so darn flat shooting. It is the right gun for the beeves.