Well, Yesterday evening I was setting up a conibear trap for or at a new beaver den at the pond. And while doing so I saw what I believe are Muskrat holes ( a couple of them) near the suspect beaver den. So, I sat a 330 conibear near the beavers den and I will set another today. And I plan on setting some traps near the entrance of these two rat holes and was hoping someone here could recommend the size trap I should use on the rats (if that is what is in those holes at the water edge). It seems like every time we go through a drought, those dadgum fur barring, hole digging, fish eating creatures show up. So far it has been beavers, otters and now Muskrats, its a wonder I have any fish or water. Oh ! And fish eating birds too!! Any traps for those guys

Always an outdoor guy, but never planned on being a trapper. Pain in the arse but if I don't do something with all these burrowers that show up during droughts I will lose the pond someday, maybe sooner than I think.

PS, Anthropic (Frank), come see, you might see my success and failures in trapping. Hiring or finding trappers is not so easy to do. And I am sure there are some you don't want at your place, so it will be (most likely) a new trade you will have to take up at your new lake.

A 110 trap is all you need, no bait just set them in their run ways or in front of their den opening.

This is a great place, Thanks nehunter, I will pick some up this morning at BPS

Agreed, a 110 is the size you need. BUT, if the hole is out of the water, they won't use it. They only use them when the opening is under water.

Another tip, if you see a hole with a 1/2 diameter tunnel (a run) leading up to it under water, and it is all silted over they are not using that run/den either. If you see one has muddy water in it, they are actively working on it.

Keep the 110 out from the hole far enough it will close with out hitting the bank. PLace two sticks like an A frame between the two bars when set. This will keep it up right without falling over. As the trap gos off it will not touch the sticks. If the bank is really soft mud set the trap on two small sticks across the bars so it will not sink into the mud.

thanks guys, right now the holes I found are just out of the water, so looks like in a day or so I will have to move them. Not sure where I will move them to. I have two 330's set close by for what I believe is a beavers den. It's an older den that looks to have been freshened up recently. And the what I am calling rat holes are nearby, guess I will keep looking for a rat hole under or close to under the water. They really are "DAM Varmints" as they seem to always dig in the dam area of the pond.

Any chance you live close to the pond?

Rats are easy pickings with a 22 right at dawn. Just look for a different dark lump on the shore line.

Beaver on the other hand can be picked off in the evening right at sun set. I have had the best luck then for them.

They are creatures of habit too. Learn their habits and they are easy picking.