 Here in the sub tropics we have all manner of aquatic critters. Here is some ideas for a trap. Works well as a buddy of mine uses one.
Turtle Trap Construction
Most turtle traps are constructed to use to advantage the turtle’s inclination to bask in the sun. This trap design allows the turtle to climb easily upon a rectangle of 4 inch PVC pipe, however, when the turtle slips back into the water on the cage side, it can not climb out of the trap. This trap is inexpensive to build and will last many years. One of these traps has been in continuous use for more than 15 years with only minor repairs. 1. Construct the top frame of 4 inch diameter PVC pipe. Use 90 degree elbows for the four corners. Carefully glue each joint to prevent leaks. An outside coat of silicone sealer can be used as extra reinforcement against leakage at the joints. The PVC pipe frame serves to float the trap. Frame size is not important, although traps larger than about 4 ft. x 4 ft. are difficult for one person to handle. Also, plastic coated welded wire is sold in 4 ft. widths which makes 4 ft. dimensions convenient and efficient. Smaller traps work equally well 2. Construct a 4 ft. x 4 x 2 ft. open top cage around the outside of the PVC pipe frame. The cage is best constructed of plastic coated welded wire mesh. Up to about 2 inch by 2 inch mesh size can be used. Other mesh materials can be used, however, trap life expectancy may be less. Fasten welded wire with stainless steel hog rings spaced about 1 inch apart. It is important that the wire mesh is attached to the outside edge of the PVC pipe frame. 3. Attach the trap cage to the frame with plastic cable ties or sturdy, plastic coated wire. The sides of the cage should be even to slightly above the top edge of the pipe. 4. Build a walk ramp on one or more sides of the cage. Construct the ramp by folding a 16-24 inch piece of wire mesh into a "V" shape. Attach one edge of the ramp to the top side of the cage. Attach the bottom edge of the ramp 6-10 inches below the top edge. Attach the ramp with cable ties, sturdy wire or stainless steel hog rings. 5. Anchor the trap conveniently near the edge of the pond with a concrete block or other suitable weight. The trap will catch turtles as is, however, it is much more effective against snapping turtles when baited. Fish food, dead fish or pet foods are effective turtle baits. Snapping turtles have limited ranges. The trap will be most effective on snappers if it is periodically moved around the shoreline about 100 feet at a time. This is particularly necessary in ponds larger than about an acre in size. Turtles naturally climb the ramp and attempt to sun themselves on the PVC pipe. The pipe is slick and some turtles fall into the trap. Others are attracted to the bait and enter the trap in search of it. Turtles cannot climb the slick PVC pipe and are trapped inside the cage. The trap should be emptied occasionally and turtles relocated to a different area.
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