Snappers

[EeyoreD]

Pretty sure I have a problem with them. (they are the only things I can't think of that would be able to get through a 7 adult goose phalanx in the middle of the day to eat a gosling)

I don't have the money for the expensive traps but I've heard set lines will work with a fairly heavy treble or circle hook. The problem I have is I'm not entirely sure how deep my pond is. Will they still bite if it's laying on the mud? Or does it have to be floating?

What should the test be on the lines? I was going to run fishing line but attach it to nylon cord tied to a shore tree.

 

[NEChickenNoob]

Use braided steel leaders attached to a trot line. You can do singles by tying it to a gallon milk jug.

 

[EeyoreD]

Thanks! I can't really run a trot line but for the singles, do you mean just drop the braided leader from the milk jug and tie a heavy line from the jug to the shore? Do I need to anchor the jug or just let it float around?

Also, again, what if I misjudge the leader length or it drifts shallower, is it a problem if it's on the bottom or will they still eat it there?

Thanks again!

 

[NEChickenNoob]

Try to keep it off bottom. Anchor it to a limb over the water or on the shore. Don't need to weight it down. It will catch them bottom or not. Should be no problem as long as it is in the water. May also catch a catfish. You only need about 18" of leader. Enough to where they can't bite through it. Rest should be 30 or 40 lbs mono to the jug. That should take care of em.

 

[EeyoreD]

Awesome, thank you!

 

[enola]

Snappers migrate. If your pond is not securely fenced to keep them out, new ones may migrate in to your pond. Good luck with removing the snappers.

 

[EeyoreD]

Yeah this seems like this is going to be a "constant vigilance" thing like my raccoon trapping is (I basically live in a swamp). The snappers only seem to decimate the young ones, but I imagine if I let them grow big enough they'll start after the adults eventually. Thanks again.

 

[fred081646]

I see a big snapper cross my yard quite often he must have a 16" shell and I am sure he is very old. A snapper bit the leg off from a full grown goose next door. They are protected here in MI.

 

[olfart]

Check your local wildlife laws. They may not be protected if they are molesting your livestock, or there may be a provision to trap/relocate.

 

[EeyoreD]

They are protected here in MI.

I don't think they are, but there seems to be a season for them: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_12145_12201-60656--,00.html

Quote:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/RegsOnTheTakeOfReptilesAndAmphibians_164917_7.pdf

Quote:

1.

Traps used for the taking of turtles shall be limited to no more than 3 traps, shall be
constructed and set in a manner to allow turtles to surface and breathe, and shall be
constructed of mesh at least 1 inch wid
e at the narrowest measurement.
2.
Reptiles other than snapping turtles, softshell turtles and those species listed under General
Section #1 of this order may be taken at any time.
3.
Amphibians other than those listed under General Section #1 may be
taken from the last
Saturday in May to November 15.
4.
A fishing license is required for those 17 years and older to take reptiles and amphibians for
personal use.
5.
All reptiles and amphibians taken for personal take shall not be bought, sold or o
ffered for
sale.
6.
The daily limit for reptiles other than snapping turtles shall be a combination of 3.
The daily
limit for snapping turtles shall be 3 for personal take under a sport fishing license.
The
possession limit for reptiles other than sna
pping turtles shall be a combination of 6.
The
possession limit for snapping turtles shall be 6.

edit: fixed the duplicate link