Turtle Traps---Legal?

[Thumper]

The subdivision fishing ponds are covered up with turtles. I'm thinking about modifying a crab trap and relocating all of them to the creek in the back of the subdivision. No turtles will be harmed, just relocated about a mile away.

[TexasAg2002]

Wouldn't think so, if your not killing them. Not sure though. Post pics of the trap if you do.

[dgh]

Texas regs.

Turtles.
(1) The holder of a nongame permit may possess, transport, sell, import, or export Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpen- tina), Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta), or softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera, A. muticus) in accordance with the provi- sions of this subchapter, provided that take occurs on private land or private water.
(2) The holder of a nongame dealer’s permit may possess, trans- port, sell, resell, import, or export Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta), or softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera, A. muticus) in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, provided that take occurs on private land or private water.

[gatorgar]

Funnel traps wont work. You need a trap door style.

Build you a cage with wire mesh, a dog cage will work. Make two pontoons to put on the sides to make it float. 4-6" PVC wrapped with chicken wire has worked for me. The wire is to help the turtles climb onto the pipe. I made my door with out of ply wood. The turtles will climb onto the pvc to sun themselves and slide into the trap. Works 50% of the time as and they will stay alive until you release them.

[Shurshot]

We use the floating type at the ranch in our tanks. Set them out for a few weeks at a time. Always catch a bunch if turtles. Great for skeet shooting!