Public opinion has slowed the fur industry in recent years and lowered fur prices. As a result, the once steady harvest (trapping) of beaver is at an all time low, which has allowed beaver populations to thrive.
A regular program of trapping beavers is probably the most effective method to control beaver populations. When beavers become a nuisance you may trap them yourself or have a local trapper do it for you.
Beavers are classified as furbearers in Montana and you must have a license or damage permit to trap them. Beavers trapping season normally runs from November 1 - April 15. The Montana Trapper's Association is a good source of information on how to trap beaver and may help you to contact trappers in your area. Additionally, many of the Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices also maintain a list of trappers willing to trap nuisance wildlife.
Owners and lessees of real estate being damaged by beaver may apply for a damage permit to trap beaver under provisions of the law. Contact your local game warden for further information.
A new way to prevent beaver gnawing is to paint the tree trunks with a sand and paint mixture. Use about 8 ounces of fine sand to one quart of latex paint. Stir it often and paint trunks about four feet high. Your local paint dealer can match the color of your paint to your tree bark. The beavers do not like to gnaw on the sand mixture, and the paint will be effective for about 2 years. Latex paint will not harm the tree and it will expand with growth. However, you should avoid painting young trees less than about six feet tall.
