Spotlighting beavers and shooting them at night may take time, but this technique can be effective. Shotguns (12 gauge) loaded with BB or No. 4 buckshot or small-caliber rifles (.22, .22 magnum, .222 and similar calibers) are used. The shooter sits quietly behind a breach or break at a dam with the best time period being 1 hour before dark. Check with the State Department of Wildlife before using this approach. Generally, shooting is legal only when State authorities do the shooting or issue a permit to do so.