Bailey Beaver Trap Modifications Now Standard

I love the Bailey Beaver Trap. I am one of the few wildlife control operators who do, but I don’t care. I know that my experience with the trap has been outstanding. In particular, the Bailey Beaver Trap allowed me to remove beaver that I had trouble catching with the Hancock-style trap. I am not here to knock the Hancock-style trap. I think all traps have their role in effective wildlife damage management.

I am just saying that the Bailey Beaver Trap was a go-to device for me.

The Wildlife Protection Act Introduced Stephen Vantassel to the Bailey Trap

For my professional readers, understand that I did my work in Massachusetts which in 1996 foolishly voted to ban responsible wildlife management tools, such as footholds and body-gripping traps. So I was prevented from using those traps in my wildlife control business. Nevertheless, there are times when wildlife control operators should use cage traps, even though other traps are legal.

Tomahawk Live Trap Manufactures the Bailey with Modifications

I have previously published suggestions made by Dr. Richard Buech on modifying the Bailey Beaver Trap to reduce misfires. Vantassel, S. M. (1998, September/October). Modifying the Bailey Beaver Trap. Wildlife Control Technology, p.3.  and (2006). The Bailey Beaver Trap: Modifications and Sets to Improve Capture Rate. In R. M. Timm & J. M. O’Brien (Eds.), Proceedings of the 22nd Vertebrate Pest Conference (pp. 171-173). Davis, CA: University of California.
Essentially, the modifications reduced misfires by 50%. Other misfires can be eliminated almost completely by using proper setting techniques but I digress. At long last, the Tomahawk Live Trap Company that manufactures the Bailey Beaver Trap have made the modifications standard. The Modifications to the Bailey.

Modifications to the Bailey Beaver Trap

The modifications consist of a new lock (see image at right).

This modification alone eliminates almost all of the misfires due to mechanical problems.  The second modification is to the cable that pulls the dog (the rod the keeps the trap arms open). Sometimes if the trapper isn’t careful the arms of the trap don’t fire at the same time. This is due to the differences in cable length. By standardizing the length, this is one more issue a trapper wouldn’t have to think about, after all isn’t there enough to think about when standing in a beaver pond?

In sum, it’s great news for wildlife control operators and anyone purchasing the Bailey Trap for the capture of beavers. Having the trap already modified just makes life easier for those of us who have neither the time nor the inclination to modify a trap.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to wildlifecontrolconsultant@gmail.com. Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.