GTA

All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Hunting Gate => Topic started by: Whatsquirrel on April 20, 2020, 04:44:08 PM

Title: Turtle eradication
Post by: Whatsquirrel on April 20, 2020, 04:44:08 PM
My front pond is full of turtles & next month we’re stocking it with 500 catfish, 50 talipa & 75 brem. So since we’ve been working down by the barn building chicken coop, duck houses & rabbit pens. The Sentry has been getting a rather decent work work. Here’s one from this afternoon. Neck shot. He didn’t even move.
Title: Re: Turtle eradication
Post by: Whatsquirrel on April 20, 2020, 04:45:03 PM
Sorry about the poor 1st picture. The turtle’s laying on the log.
Title: Re: Turtle eradication
Post by: Frank in Fairfield on April 20, 2020, 05:23:50 PM
Must be in Texas!
Title: Re: Turtle eradication
Post by: Nvreloader on April 20, 2020, 06:30:57 PM
A 22 or 25 cal, and the reason for shooting these critters is?............. ???

Tia,
Don
Title: Re: Turtle eradication
Post by: Frank in Fairfield on April 20, 2020, 06:56:49 PM
I guess he can’t run fast enough to catch them.
Title: Re: Turtle eradication
Post by: Blowpipe Sam on April 20, 2020, 07:05:10 PM
A 22 or 25 cal, and the reason for shooting these critters is?............. ???

Tia,
Don
I can't think of a turtle that isn't tasty. I understand the need to remove predators from a fish pond. I prefer to trap them though. 
Title: Re: Turtle eradication
Post by: ranchibi on April 20, 2020, 07:37:00 PM
That’s a heck of a shot! Definitely need to get them out before the planting of game fish.
Title: Re: Turtle eradication
Post by: Whatsquirrel on April 20, 2020, 07:39:11 PM
A 22 or 25 cal, and the reason for shooting these critters is?............. ???

Tia,
Don

.22 cal. They eat the little fish. They have to go since I’m about to drop close grand on stocking the pond.
Title: Re: Turtle eradication
Post by: Whatsquirrel on April 20, 2020, 07:40:40 PM
That’s a heck of a shot! Definitely need to get them out before the planting of game fish.

Thanks. It 53yrds to the log he’s sitting on.
Title: Re: Turtle eradication
Post by: Bullfrog on April 20, 2020, 10:56:30 PM
No judgement from me. I kill otters out of my ponds with the same prejudice you may turtles.

I have a soft spot for turtles, and most of what we call “streaked heads” in Florida (sliders in most part of the country) aren’t efficient enough at catching fish to make a dent in the pond. Softshells and snappers are different but I still value them is scavengers and food items (err... snappers are protected in Florida now so I don’t eat them  ;)).

You may find that after your fish populations are established and self sustaining that the aquatic weed control turtles give will outweigh losing a fish once in a while. I’m a big believer that stocked ponds need a healthy aquatic weed population moreso than conventional wisdom dictates. The vegetarian/omnivore species are great at keeping weeds from taking over while still letting them thrive. At night they’ll graze in the weed beds under water and keep them clipped back.