There are a multitude of hunting and trapping opportunities available after the holidays for those hearty enough to get out.


One of those pursuits happens to be for the largest rodent found in Pennsylvania; the species responsible for the exploration of much of the interior of the US.

Beavers are found in many lakes, ponds, rivers and streams throughout the Poconos. While they may look cuddly and innocent, unchecked beaver populations can destroy many acres of farmland or other valuable habitat, not to mention damage to roadways via flooding caused by blocked culverts and similar activity.

Beavers are adaptable rodents and can make a home in a variety of locations. In lakes and ponds, they often build a "hut" out of sticks and mud that is visible from a long way off. In rivers they will dig up under an embankment and hollow out a den. As rodents, their teeth grow constantly and a beaver needs to chew to keep them from literally growing right through their own skull as they curve up and around.

Chewing trees and damming up waterways are what beavers do. Not a problem as long as it does not interfere with human doings. When there is a problem or an area has excess beavers, it is the trapper that everyone depends upon to reduce the situation to a manageable level.

Beaver trapping season runs from Dec. 26 through Mar. 31. It is a cold, wet and even dangerous pursuit. Wading or boating around cold water in potentially lethal. But trappers love what they do and the work is not really for the money as pelts are not worth all that much.

It is an outdoor heritage to be enjoyed for exercise, adventure, a few dollars, some good meat for the table and a way to help with problem populations.

Yes, I said some good meat for the table.

Beaver meat is highly prized for its culinary value. It is a rich, dark, red meat similar to beef in flavor but slightly sweeter. My family actually won first place in a game dinner contest last year with our meatballs made from ground and seasoned beaver meat!

Trapping is highly regulated to protect the resource. Trappers working in Wildlife Management Unit 3D may take up to 20 beavers per season using foot-hold traps, body gripping traps or snares. In addition to general trapping regulations, it is unlawful to destroy, disturb or interfere with a beaver dam or house.

Trappers may not set, tend or operate more than a combined statewide total of 20 traps or snares, no more than 10 of which may be traps. No more than two of the traps may be body-gripping traps, except in WMUs 1A, 1B & 3C where the two body-gripping trap limit does not apply.

It is against the law to touch anybody's traps unless they are present with you. The Pocono region maintains a very healthy population of beaver colonies through an availability of diverse, secluded and not so secluded habitat.