I use very few sticks as stabilization. I use H stands and any sticks I use are dead--beaver dam peeled sticks work well.
Many guys use sticks to stabilize--If this is done, you have to make sure a caught beaver is not locked into the set site.I give them enough cable to flip out of the set area.
On places where a stilizer won't go into the bottom(rocky areas) I will use large rocks on my springs to stabilize my traps.This pins the 330 on the bottom, but the trap will still fire.Heavy blocking logs can also be used. Some of my castor mound sets have looked more like rock cat cubbies--the beaver don't mind--it is my mound and lure they are interested in.
Tom
