Bailey Beaver Trap Modifications Now Standard

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
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.
About the Author
Stephen M. Vantassel is a certified wildlife control operator (NWCOA). He is available for consultation, speaking, education on wildlife damage management issues. He is also a friend of the owner of Tomahawk Live Trap and is involved in some research with the company. He can be reached at stephenvantassel(at)hotmail(dot)com