Can you lung shoot a beaver?

[MihajloSimsic]

My dad's planning on getting rid of some nuisance beavers with a firearm (as they don't want to go near any foot holds or conibears). I've heard that when shot in the head, most beavers will sink and only float up when they're essentially beyond consumption.

However my dad did harvest one 60lb beaver last spring with his .17hmr. The first shot he took seemed to have wounded it but also compromised it's airway in some capacity. This prompted the beaver to go on land where he would eventually expire and he could retrieve him.

We now have a .22wmr rifle that he plans on using instead. We're wondering if there is any way to get a lung shot on a beaver that is in the water? And if so would this prompt the beaver to go towards land because of it's compromised airway?

[SongDog]

I dont think he's going to land with any bullet in him, Most of the time they will go for the hut and go under and never seen again. I always do head shots from less than 20 yards soon as he tries to fix the damn.


I've always shot them with 17hmr, 22lr or .22mag. Rip enough of the damn out that water is raging threw it, have a huge muskie net and net them when the water brings them to the damn hole.




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[rick_iles]

I’ve seen a few head shot. They all have floated, or came to the surface once they expire…..

[Bushmoose]

I’ve seen a few head shot. They all have floated, or came to the surface once they expire…..

Yep. Buddy of mine had them active on a bush lot a few years ago. Head shot then hop in the canoe to retrieve them. Never heard of them sinking.

[MikePal]

If they are in the water, always a head shot...just wait till there are close to the damn, if they dive they don't go far. Most just float.
Greater risk trying a body shot of having them end up wounded and swimming away.

[MihajloSimsic]

I’ve seen a few head shot. They all have floated, or came to the surface once they expire…..

Gotcha. That's what my old man was aiming for with his first beaver but it must've caught his nose or throat. He wasn't keen on shooting any more of them if the chances of retreiving it were low. I guess the air stays in their lungs enough for them to float when they're instantly killed with a head shot?

[Badenoch]

It's not something I've done or have attempted. Head shots only.

[Deer Hunter]

Head shots for sure, most stay at the surface.
Having shot many with a . 22 Win Mag then going with .17 HMR I would not go back to .22.
.17 HMR is the perfect Beaver round and you can stretch distance a bit. IMO. Good luck

[rick_iles]

Head shots for sure, most stay at the surface.
Having shot many with a . 22 Win Mag then going with .17 HMR I would not go back to .22.
.17 HMR is the perfect Beaver round and you can stretch distance a bit. IMO. Good luck

An .06 slows them up pretty quick too …. Lol

[Deer Hunter]

An .06 slows them up pretty quick too …. Lol

lol, I agree.