chunked squirrel always got results for us . mind ya them critters can pull like a mule !

It takes a female five years to get to breeding age so one can over harvest snapping turtles especially the breeding age turtles.

It takes a female five years to get to breeding age so one can over harvest snapping turtles especially the breeding age turtles.

If you didn't sell the meat from your coon catch, you were SUPPOSED TO cut the carcass in 1/2 and freeze to hang in your turtle traps.
Surely you got the memo or saw those threads when we discussed earlier?

If you didn't sell the meat from your coon catch, you were SUPPOSED TO cut the carcass in 1/2 and freeze to hang in your turtle traps.
Surely you got the memo or saw those threads when we discussed earlier?

I might have to try that, just the meat or fur and all?

Game animal parts can only be used if the season for the animal used as bait is open at the time it is used. That's what the furbearer trapping rules say....I'd be very careful using squirrel for turtle bait in this state....maybe run it by your local DNR officer first.

Just set a 330 in a beaver channel - at least that's how I always manage to catch them!

I thought about that but red squirrel is always in season so I could use that

I trapped snappers, softshells, and paints for years with no slot limits or season. I trapped the same places year after year, I caught basically the same amount of turtles year after year. Not until the "bunny huggers" and "green people" got involved did the DNR and politicians decide on that stupidity. They were afraid a guy might make a buck. These are the same people that want to do away with trapping, or any other consumptive use of wildlife. So watch whose side you take.

I'm going to by one from this old fella at the NTA convention this year, I've heard that his are really good and they're only $60

If that includes shipping, I’d say that is a great deal!

Seems to me they propose seasons and limits without evidence.

Still looks like a good price. Best traps I’ve found are around $90, plus $35 shipping.

It would probably save me money to drive to New Jersey and pick it up myself.

I trapped snappers, softshells, and paints for years with no slot limits or season. I trapped the same places year after year, I caught basically the same amount of turtles year after year. Not until the "bunny huggers" and "green people" got involved did the DNR and politicians decide on that stupidity. They were afraid a guy might make a buck. These are the same people that want to do away with trapping, or any other consumptive use of wildlife. So watch whose side you take.

Use a turtle trap (net or cage) do not use a hook and jug as smaller turtles will swallow hook and most likely die after you release them. For bait in the trap use either a chunk of carp or a salmon head. Place bait in trap frozen after 6 PM so it thaws and is fresh by the time it gets dark, as snappers hunt mostly at dark. Be sure and leave part of the trap out of water so they can breath, unless the trap has large "breather holes". Also fasten the trap so a big turtle cannot push (or pull) it out in deep water and drown other turtles already in the trap, or himself if he then goes in. Never leave the trap set in the same location for more than 1 night, it will smarten up the others and make them much harder to catch. PM me if you want more info or some trap pictures. Eric

Notice I said "breather holes", not 1 hole. I have only twice had small ones stuck in a hole and then I still had 3 other holes they could use. Big advantage to be able to hide the traps underwater and not have them stolen or tampered with. Floating net traps last me maybe 4 nights if I am lucky before they are slit open by "fishermen". I have to hide net traps back under overhanging branches to keep them safe.

Just leave a fish basket full of crappie and large bluegill that you plan to fillet unattended for a few hours. Worked for me last weekend.