How to Catch Snapping Turtles in Winter

The common snapping turtle can be found in nearly every semipermanent body of water in the eastern United States. During the warmer months they can be seen as they stick their heads above the surface of the water to take a breath. At this time they can easily be collected by dip net in the shallows or by any number of highly successful snapping-turtle trap designs. However, in the winter, these turtles become inactive and retreat to the muddy depths of their wetland homes to await the arrival of warmer temperatures. In order to find them at this time, you'll have to go where they are.

Things You'll Need

  • Four- to five-foot length of quarter- to half-inch blunt-ended rebar
  • Large-mouthed dip net
  • Large, heavy burlap bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Enter a wetland and maneuver to areas that are two or more feet deep. Turtles overwinter in deeper water to lessen the chance of freezing. Use the rebar to gently tap the substrate just ahead of where you walk. Take care not to poke too hard or you may injure turtles or other creatures where they rest.

    • 2

      Systematically walk those areas between two and four feet deep. Pick landmarks on the shore to help guide you and make sure that you don't repeat or miss areas.

    • 3

      Learn to discern the sound of the rebar thumping the shell of a common snapping turtle. With practice you'll learn to distinguish it from that of rocks, discarded bottles or submerged vegetation. The sound of the rebar's gently striking the carapace of a common snapping turtle is a plainly audible, hollow-sounding thump.

    • 4

      Once you find a turtle keep the rebar on top of it. If the water temperature is warm enough, the snapping turtle may begin to make an escape, and the rebar should be enough to hold it in place or at least allow you to follow it. If need be you can use the rebar to direct or move the turtle to a more shallow section of the wetland where it can be more easily handled.

    • 5

      Place the open end of the dipnet against the substrate next to the turtle and use the rebar to push the turtle into the net. Lift the net and take the turtle to shore where it can be released from the net. You may pick the turtle up by the tail briefly to place it into a burlap sack which should then be tied up.