Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Wildlife Management Floating Turtle Traps-Do they work?

I asked this question in another ongoing turtle thread but no one really addressed it, so I thought I would ask again here hoping maybe it'll see more eyes. My problem is a half acre pond that I am trying to slowly improve, that is chock full of turtles, both surface types and snappers. Ordinarily, I wouldn't care, but the snappers are killing and maiming my adult (pet) ducks. When I tried baiting lines for the snappers, the sliders and painted turtles eat the bait as soon as it hits the water. So, I researched, and then bought, one of those nice floating traps-the type that is held up by two boat bumpers. The idea is the turtles crawl up the ramp to "sun" and fall in. Problem is, it's been out almost a week now and not a single turtle has been caught. Two days ago I got really excited as I saw a huge slider was crawling up the ramp. I don't know if he saw me or what, but he slid off to the side and hasn't been back. So, that's encouraging that one was at least trying, but again, still none caught and you can almost walk across the pond on them at feeding time! Have any of you had similar experience with these? Does it just take longer for them to get used to it? Btw, I have it tied out in the middle where I see the most activity. Puzzled....

Don't know about the trap, but when the turtle #s start being a problem I pull out the 22LR and cut the population back in just a few minutes.

Not an option due to location.

JKS, I have 2 turtle traps, and they've worked very well for me. I only set them out when turtles become a problem during feeder throws, and once the numbers go away, I pull them out. A turtle or two at the feeder is ok with me, but 10-20 isn't. I bought mine from Boatcycle, but some folks make their own.

I've never caught a snapper in one.

If turtles chow down on feed, maybe some feed could be put on the ramp leading up to the trap, and in the trap itself. Get rid of enough sliders and painted turtles, then maybe the baits would work better on the snappers.

Thanks guys. I guess I'll keep the faith a little longer. I'll also try the "bread crumb" trail on the ramps and see if that helps.
Thx

I built a homemade version from PVC pipe and it works like a charm. It may take several weeks before they start to climb in, but usually once I catch one, I catch 8-10. As others have said, you cant catch them all but I usually thin mine down to two or three.
I rehome them in the large watershed area by my work.

If the turtles already have plenty of natural basking areas (fallen logs, etc.) they might not feel the need to bask on the trap. It might help to remove any other resting options possible.

That's the thing, the trap is the ONLY basking area available, which is why I was so surprised that I wasn't getting any. Since I last posted, however, I have begun to catch a few. I get one or two every few days now. There are still tons left to be caught, but at least now, it seems to be working at least a little bit. I guess like TennJeff said, I guess it just takes a few weeks for them to trust it. Thanks for the input guys!

Something I just thought of, do turtles bask as much in hot weather? Maybe spring and fall cooler water temperatures might be more successful???

I never see them on the bank

I will see them on the banks of creeks if the logs are too crowded. But they always seem to prefer the safety of something over the water to avoid predation if available.

Can't say that I have ever noticed any of my turtles in the pond on the bank either. I see them crawling from the creek behind the dam back and forth at times, but not just basking on the bank.

You might be onto something there because I have noticed that I seem to do better on cloudy/cooler days. Problem is, haven't had but about two of those all summer!