Some of these may include checking your local state and county rules and regulations on capturing live turtles and amphibians in general. There are often certain seasons, size limits, sex limitations and possibly endangered species limitations on harvesting live animals depending on your location. If caught and prosecuted you could face fines, tickets, repossession of property to include real estate, vehicles and firearms and also face jail time. California is one of the strictest states. In addition, some reptiles of certain species will often carry diseases such as salmonella. All of these factors should be taken into consideration before beginning.
Things You'll Need
- Five gallon bucket
- Shovel
- Cutting utensils
- Stretchable cloth
- Styrofoam
- Bait
- Rope
Instructions
Location selection
When attempting to select a location, several factors need to be considered. First, is the population of turtles. If there just are not many inhabitants it may not be productive and if there are a very limited number of animals it would not be responsible to remove them from their habitat and place further strain on the already low population. Second consider other species of inhabitants. This is mentioned mostly because of predators. If they are in the area, your "trap" may be raided and animals unnecessarily killed or injured. Third, how regularly is the are used by others. Fourth is water depth. This factor may influence the location and accessibility to your trap. Lastly is exposure to the elements such as sun, heat, cold and wind.
First decide if you are going to "float" the bucket or place it in the ground.
Attach the stretchable cloth, with the hole precut, over the top of the bucket and secure it. If placing the bucket in the ground, first dig a hole large enough in diameter for the bucket and deep enough so that about 2 inches to 8 inches of the bucket will remain exposed above ground. Next, place the bucket in the hole and push the dirt up around the "rim" of the bucket creating sort of a platform. Lastly, place the bait in the center near the opening to attract the turtles. Anything with a heavy odor will work best.
If "floating the bucket," drill or cut holes in the side just high enough to allow water in to a level that will cause it to sink. Usually about 2 inches to 6 inches will work fine depending on the size of the bucket being used. Next, cut approximately a square 3 inch piece of Styrofoam with a whole in the center just large enough to allow the bucket to be placed in it so that the "rim" of the bucket will not slide through. Keep in mind that the cloth with the hole has already been attached to the bucket. Attach the bait as mentioned in the previous section. Float the bucket in the water (with it anchored to the pond or creek bed or to a secure point on the shore).
Using the turtle's affinity for food and "sunbathing" are both factors that will make this "trap" work successfully and properly.