An 18-year-old New York trapper caught a massive 70-pound beaver on the Susquehanna River in Tioga County, New York, on the second day he ever trapped.
Here are some details from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle:
Bryan Lockman had snagged a 70-pound beaver.
That was last Wednesday. On the previous day, which was his first attempt at beaver trapping, Lockman nabbed a 35-pounder — two days, two catches, but nothing the next two days before taking a Christmas break.
By wildlife standards, Lockman’s catch was indeed big — even among a species listed as one of the largest-sized rodents in North America.
The average adult beaver’s weight ranges from 35 to 60 pounds — mostly around 40 to 45 pounds, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
Based on weight, Dave Henderson, outdoors writer for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, said the beaver was probably living a sedentary life in peaceful water — just eating and taking it easy, so to speak.
In a state Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife newsletter, biologist Gordon Batcheller said that a 70-pound beaver is “large by any standard” and would probably be at least 4 years old.
Thats mighty nice beaver get help handling that pelt !!! Make sure you do it right .
Any seasoned beaver trapper would have this beautiful creature preserved by a taxidermist to admire in his (or her) golden years to relive the thrill of discovering it in the trap and tell the story of the one that didn’t get away to future generations of trappers. What a magnificent animal.
if possible, I would love to have a picture of this beaver now, then skinned then tanned..is that possible?
Here is a local newspaper link: http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20111226/NEWS01/112260342/Apalachin-teen-trapper-lands-prized-trophy?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
I too had beginners luck 1/5/2006. 1st time trapping, 1st set, 1st beaver, 52 pounds. Spent $400 and had it mounted.