Beaver Management

Culling and trapping of beaver. Dam regulation, trapping methods, and management.

Beaver is an important species in Norwegian nature, but the population can create conflicts with infrastructure and agriculture. Beaver dams can cause flooding of roads, railways, forests, and farmland, and regulation is therefore necessary in many areas.

Beaver regulation can occur through regular hunting (shooting) or trapping. The hunting season for beaver varies between countries, but in Norway it is typically from October 1 to April 30. Trapping with traps is permitted during parts of this period.

Traps for beaver are primarily large Conibear-type kill traps (size 220 or larger). The trap is placed underwater at the beaver's regular passages, in dam openings, or at entrances and exits to the lodge. The beaver swims through the trap and is killed immediately by the striking mechanism.

Placement requires knowledge of beaver behavior. Beavers follow fixed routes between the lodge, food cache, and feeding areas. By studying tracks, gnaw marks on trees, and travel routes, you can find the best trap locations.

Dam regulation (removing or lowering beaver dams) is an alternative or supplement to trapping. In some cases, a pipe solution can be installed through the dam to regulate the water level without removing the beaver. This is often called a "beaver deceiver" and lets the beaver stay while reducing the damage.

Beaver hide and meat have traditionally had high value. The hide is used for fur products, and the meat is tender and flavorful. Castoreum from the beaver's glands has been used in medicine and perfume for hundreds of years.

In Norway, beaver is managed by the municipalities, and it is the municipality that grants culling permits outside the regular hunting season. In acute damage situations, permission for damage control culling outside the hunting season may be granted.

The beaver population in Scandinavia is healthy and growing. Good management through hunting and trapping helps keep the population in balance with its environment.