How to Catch Turtles in a Pond

Although pond turtles are generally good for the environment and typically harmless, sometimes aggressive snapping turtles can invade an otherwise peaceful pond, becoming a menace and good candidates for removal. Other times, you may want to catch a turtle to keep as a pet or to have some fried turtle gumbo.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope
  • Turtle trap
  • Bait
  • Fishing pole
  • Hook
  • Mesh bags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check local hunting and trapping regulations. You may need a permit to catch turtles in your state. For example, in Ohio, you must have a non-propagating license if you intend to keep turtles in your possession and a propagating license if you want to sell turtles.

    • 2

      Set up a trap in the pond. Underwater hoop traps are best for catching softshelled turtles and snapping turtles. These traps minimize the chance of another animal getting caught in your turtle trap. Above-ground floating traps work best for catching basking turtles, including mud turtles and sliders. You can build a trap yourself or buy one at a hunting-supply story.

    • 3

      Bait the trap. If you are using a floating trap, you don't need to bait the trap, but you can place mesh bags full of fruit or leafy vegetables inside the box as a further enticement. For underwater hoop traps, place mesh bags full of liver, chicken or fish. Usually basking turtles eat plants and softshelled turtles eat meat. But depending on the kind of turtle you want to catch, consider researching its typical diet to ensure you're using optimal bait.

    • 4

      Place the trap in the pond. If it's a small pond, tie a rope to the trap so you can pull it back to shore or wire the trap to an object beside the water. Otherwise, you may need a boat to go out to place and check the trap.

    • 5

      Check the trap daily. You don't want turtles caught in the trap to die, and you want to release snakes or other unwanted animals from the trap.

    • 6

      You can also fish for turtles. This works best for softshelled turtles. Use a fishing pole and a fish hook baited with your bait of choice. Sit on the bank of the pond or prop up the fishing pole on a fence and wait for a turtle to bite.