Ask Idaho Fish and Game

ASK FISH AND GAME?

Point of issue: "Remove the Beaver" 

Some of you may wonder why are watersheds suffer. If an agency just keeps implying that 'removal' means trap to destroy, kill, shoot, etc. part of the answer lies in that attitude. It would be nice, ...no it would be proper and environmentally respectly to a very important keystone species to help a possible nuisance animal be moved, not remove and kill as is implied. 

Please IF&G, could you take a better position to more explicitly offer solutions to 'move' and animal rather than have your first priority to sell a liceince to most likely have the animal killed by trapping.

>> Idaho Fish and Game response to: "Frequently Asked Questions" Subject :

Q: Nuisance Beavers

We have Beavers that have built a sizable dam on our property. At first we thought we'd let them be for habitat etc, but now the water is backing up near our building site. We are not in any city limits.
Do I need a permit to remove the Beaver?
Can I shoot them? Or do I need to trap them?
Who would I contact for dam removal?

A: 

You didn't mention where your property is but the beaver season begins Oct. 22 or Nov. 1 and runs through March in most of Idaho. You can get a trapping license and trap beavers on your property or contact a local trapper to do that if beaver trapping is allowed in your area. You may contact the regional Fish and Game office closest to you for some assistance in locating trappers, assistance in determining how to remove the dam, and other information. If you wish to shoot them, you will need to contact the regional office to get a kill permit. Hunting beaver is not allowed but trapping is. For more information on seasons and rules and for the phone number of the regional office nearest you.