Building Turtle Traps: Is It Possible?

Trapping turtles is a resourceful method to control their population in a given body of water. Turtle traps are also essential for wildlife management and conservation efforts. There are different types of turtle traps, such as box traps, funnel traps, and basking traps, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Building a turtle trap requires patience and precision, as well as an understanding of turtle behaviour and feeding patterns. It is important to follow local regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe capture and release of turtles.

Box traps

Building the Trap

• Construct a rectangular frame using lightweight and sturdy materials such as wood or PVC pipes. Ensure that the frame is stable and secure.
• Create two entrances on opposite sides of the trap, such as small hinged doors that open inward. This ensures that turtles can enter easily but cannot escape.
• Set up a designated bait area within the trap, located away from the entrances. This will encourage turtles to venture further into the trap.

Setting Up the Trap

• Choose a basking site that is frequently visited by turtles, with ample sunlight and a nearby water source.
• Place the trap in the water, anchoring it to the bottom of the pond or creek with a rope or wire. Ensure that part of the trap remains above the water.
• Use strong-smelling bait such as earthworms, fruits, or vegetables to attract the turtles to the trap.
• Check your trap daily to see if you have caught any turtles.

Trap Maintenance

• Check the trap often to ensure that the bait is still secure and has not been swept away by moving water.
• If you have caught turtles, release them back into a natural environment such as a wild pond or creek.
• If you cannot release the turtles immediately, provide a proper enclosure with enough water, light, shade, and food until they can be released.

Funnel traps

Building the Funnel Trap:

• Gather the necessary materials: wire mesh, wire cutters, pliers, wooden stakes, a hammer, nylon cord or fishing line, bait (fish or turtle food), a bucket or container, gloves, and a knife or scissors.
• Cut the wire mesh using wire cutters to create a cone-shaped funnel with a small opening at the end. Ensure the funnel is wide enough to accommodate the target turtles.
• Shape the wire mesh into a funnel structure using pliers, following instructions specific to your chosen design. Take your time to create a sturdy and well-formed trap.
• Secure and twist the edges of the wire mesh together with pliers to strengthen the trap and prevent gaps or weak spots.
• Attach the nylon cord or fishing line to create an entry funnel for the turtles, guiding them into the trap. Ensure it is wide enough for turtles to enter but narrow enough to prevent escape.
• Include an escape hatch to allow non-target species or smaller turtles to exit the trap unharmed.

Setting Up the Funnel Trap:

• Choose an appropriate location by researching turtle habits, finding a suitable habitat (such as ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams), and considering legal restrictions.
• Set up the trap near the water's edge or a known turtle pathway without obstructing their natural movements.
• Securely attach the trap to the wooden stakes using nylon cord or fishing line to prevent it from floating away or being moved by water currents.
• Place the bait, such as fish or turtle food, near the entry funnel to entice turtles into the trap. Ensure it is securely placed and cannot be accessed from outside the trap.
• Place a bucket or container inside the trap to secure the turtles once they enter, preventing escape until you are ready to handle them.

Monitoring and Maintaining the Funnel Trap:

• Check the trap regularly, preferably once a day, to minimize stress on the turtles and maximize the chances of a successful catch.
• Approach the trap cautiously and observe if any turtles have entered. Take note of their number and size, and remember to consider the escape hatch as some turtles may have exited.
• If you have trapped a turtle, always wear gloves and carefully remove it from the trap, avoiding excessive handling and rough treatment.
• Release any non-target species promptly and safely, minimizing stress and harm.

Remember to follow ethical guidelines when trapping turtles, including humane treatment, minimizing handling time, and respecting wildlife and ecosystems.

Basking traps

To catch basking turtles, such as red ear sliders, you'll need a floating turtle trap. These traps are designed to catch turtles alive so they can be removed and relocated.

One such trap is the Sundeck Trap with a Bait Tower. This is a floating turtle trap that measures 46" x 28" x 12". It has wire ramps that allow turtles to climb up into the trap. The trap is anchored in the shallow side of the pond with twine and floats with only 1.5" of the trap showing.

Another option is the Mini Sundeck Trap without a Bait Tower. This trap is smaller, measuring 39" x 23" x 11", and is designed for smaller ponds. It also has wire ramps for easy climbing.

When placing your turtle trap, it's important to consider the size of your pond and the number of turtles you need to catch. If you have a small pond, you may need to place the trap closer to the bank, which is less desirable for turtles to bask on. However, if you have a large pond, placing the trap in the middle (usually one of the deepest parts) is not ideal as most turtles don't typically venture to deeper waters.

Ideally, you want the trap placed as far out in the pond as possible, away from any natural basking sites like logs, stumps, rocks, or islands. This will make the trap more effective as turtles won't be drawn away from it by other basking options.

Remember to check your trap often and clear all turtles but one each week. The remaining turtle will encourage others to join him!

Trap placement

Accessibility

If you don't have access to a boat or other means to set or empty the trap, you'll need to place it near a dock or close to land. However, this can limit the trap's effectiveness as turtles may opt for easier, more familiar structures to bask on. Ideally, you want the trap placed as far out in the pond as possible.

Turtle Population

The size of the turtle population in your pond will determine how easy trapping will be. In a small pond with an overabundance of turtles, you can place your trap almost anywhere and still have success. However, as time goes by, you'll need to reposition the trap more strategically.

Pond Size

The size of your pond also matters. If you have a smaller pond, you may have to put the trap closer to the bank, but this makes it less desirable for turtles to bask on. Conversely, if you have a large pond, avoid placing the trap in the middle, as this is usually one of the deepest parts of the pond, and most turtles don't typically journey to the deeper parts.

Basking Options

Consider whether there are already a lot of natural basking sites available to the turtles in your pond or lake. If there are logs, stumps, rocks, or islands above the water's surface, place your trap away from these structures. If placed too close to natural basking locations, they'll draw some turtles away from the trap, reducing its effectiveness.

Turtle Trap Accessibility

Ideally, the turtle trap will be accessible to both you and the turtles. Place the trap in an area without other structures for the turtles to climb out of the water and catch some sun. Remember that most turtle traps are designed for basking turtles and won't typically attract other types of turtles, like snapping turtles.

Trap monitoring

Regular Inspections: Check your turtle trap daily, especially if you've set it up in an area with a high turtle population. Regular inspections will ensure that you don't keep wild turtles trapped for too long and allow for timely release or relocation.

Trap Maintenance: Periodically clean your trap to remove any debris or algae that may accumulate over time. This maintenance ensures the trap remains functional and attractive to turtles.

Bait Maintenance: Check the bait regularly and replace it as needed. Ensure that the bait is secure and hasn't been swept away by moving water or eaten by other creatures.

Trap Stability: Ensure that the trap remains stable and securely anchored in place. Check for any loose parts and make the necessary adjustments to keep the trap afloat and functional.

Trap Effectiveness: Monitor the effectiveness of your trap by evaluating the number of turtles captured over a specific period. Keep a log of the captured turtles and assess the trap's performance, considering factors such as efficiency and consistency.

Environmental Conditions: Monitor temperature, weather, and water conditions as they can impact the trap's effectiveness. Make adjustments as needed to optimise the trap's performance in different environmental conditions.

Legal Compliance: Be mindful of the regulations and permits related to turtle trapping in your area. Stay informed about any specific rules, restrictions, and protected species to ensure your trapping activities are legal and ethical.

Remote Monitoring: Consider installing a camera or sensor to remotely monitor the trap. This technology can provide alerts when turtles are captured, allowing for prompt action and ensuring the welfare of the trapped turtles.

By following these monitoring guidelines, you can optimise the effectiveness of your turtle trap and successfully manage the turtle population in your pond or lake. Remember to always handle turtles with care and release or relocate them to suitable habitats.

Frequently asked questions