Hi, new to the forum. I just got permission to turtle trap a new spot. It’s a former farm cow lagoon that hasn’t been used in 10 years. Sounds like it’s full of turtles. My question is will they be safe to eat coming out of there? Thanks

I know a guy that used to get quite a few every year.he would but them in a stock tank for about 3 weeks and put fresh water in it every day.did the same thing with catfish.with the catfish he had a aerator in the tank.

They’ll be fine. I keep mine in 55 gallon barrels for a week or two to clean them out and clears off the outside too. Makes butchering easier. I Spray them out every couple days to keep the water clean.

About 10 years ago we busted an old dairy lagoon. Fairly Clear water with about 3’ solids in the bottom. Pulled 26 snappers out of it. All of them made it to the fryer

Yep always clean whatever I catch out for a week. Coming from a lagoon gonna give them longer if I get any. Thanks!

Awesome thanks for the input. Makes me feel better about eating them. Most the ones I catch come from swampy areas anyhow. Have never messed with lagoons

Curious if traps or jug lines will work better? I’m unfamiliar with how they are built. Assuming it will be hard to get a trap to lay flat and keep some out of water so they can get air?

anchor them good,