One Less Snapping Turtle

[howard]

Caught a 14 lb. snapping turtle that has been harassing my ducklings.... and I suspect ate one in broad daylight.

Been trying to catch him the last few days, but he has been stealing the bait and actually chewing on the metal leader that I was using to attach a hook and bait.

Hooked him quite by accident ( was fishing for more bait ) I reeled him in close to shore and shot him with my .22 rifle.
I was planning to relocate him but was afraid he would get off the line... was only using a 6# line...

It had a HUGE mouth probably could open at least 3"

The ducks have been afraid to go into the water... they will go in a shallow area near the edge of the pond, but spook easily and run out.

I put the ducks in their duck house at night, Hopefully safe from Coyote, Fox and Racoons that I know are in the area.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Good thing you caught him.

Last year I had a snapping turtle rip the top beak off of my goose. we had to put her down.

 

[Eggseronious]

Yep turtles will get those ducks,

and the ducks know when they are active most of the time. They will get those little fellers in one big gulp too.

 

[rebeccakeesee]

Dont you think he may not be the only one in the pond?

 

[howard]

Quote:
I know he is not the only one but I think he was the biggest. We have seen him lurking near the fish feeder last couple of years. Have hooked him a time or two but he usually got off by breaking the line. I was surprised when he let me pull him to the bank... His mistake !

There are other smaller turtles in the pond, I sometimes catch them sunning on some rocks. they dive in when they see me.

If I hadn't started to try to get some ducks established on the pond, I would have left him.

The ducks refused to come out of their house this morning...usually they can't wait to get out and head for the water.

I hope they will eventually forget the incident and return to the water.