Shootin Turtles?

[jmra]

Everyone I've known with ponds hated turtles. Most compared them to rats. Knew one guy that kept a .22 rifle in his truck and would stop by each of his ponds on the way home from work each day to see how many he could pop.
He did this for a long time until one day he noticed a couple gators in the big pond. It was not long before the turtle population was under control. The gators got big though. He ended up having to shoot the largest one, but he was able to wrestle the other one into the back of his truck and relocate it. He said the wrestling part looked much easier on tv.

[gregthehand]

I think it's a cultural thing. I was taught to do it when I was a kid I was given a BB gun and a bunch of rounds and told to shoot at turtles. I doubt we ever killed one. But it was a way to distract us while my dad did work at the ranch.

Unfortunately the practice continued once we got our first .22. The reason we were told was the same as other members have said, they eat up fish eggs and deplete the population. So I think this was instilled somehow to our fathers and grandfathers along the way.

[Divided Attention]

Have you ever wondered when you move a turtle off the road if you helped them or put them back where they started? I mean, if they are traveling in a specific direction ok, easy. However, if they are pointed in the direction of the road, it makes the choice of where to move them much harder!

[03Lightningrocks]

The reduction in frog populations has NOTHING to do with turtles. Frog population reduction is due to man polluting the environment with pesticides and fertilizers.

As a kid I lived in Pasadena Texas. There were toad frogs all over the place. Not now. Again... Not predation... POLLUTION.

Don't try to justify ridiculous behavior by acting as if you are helping Mother Nature control predation. Lets just go ahead and admit what it is. Killing for the pleasure of it. Very similar to pulling the wings off flies for fun.

You might want to check your facts about snapping turtles.

HideEcology and life history

Common habitats are shallow ponds, shallow lakes, or streams. Some may inhabit brackish environments, such as estuaries. Common snapping turtles sometimes bask—though rarely observed—by floating on the surface with only their carapace exposed, though in the northern parts of their range they will also readily bask on fallen logs in early spring. In shallow waters, common snappers may lie beneath a muddy bottom with only the head exposed, stretching their long necks to the surface for an occasional breath (note that their nostrils are positioned on the very tip of the snout, effectively functioning as snorkels). Snapping turtles are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter, and are important aquatic scavengers; but they are also active hunters that prey on anything they can swallow, including many invertebrates, fish, frogs, reptiles (including snakes and smaller turtles), unwary birds, and small mammals.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_s ... #section_2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just in case you don't like WIKI

http://www.tpwmagazine.com/nature/media/Turtles.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You may want to check your own facts. That does not say turtles are the cause for frig population reductions.

But it does state that turtles eat frogs, fish, ducklings among other things. Those of us who have had stock ponds know the problems that turtles cause. Your opinion as posted didn't have any facts to back up your thoughts.

We do know that turtles do eat frogs and tadpoles based on facts.

You probably missed this post which proves you are wrong as wrong can be as far as blaming turtles for the reduction in frog populations. What you are talking about with the stock pond reference is like telling me that how I control what resides in my aquarium can be used as a model for how to control what resides in the ocean.

Since we are going to use wiki, here ya go. The real reason for the decline in frog populations. I did like you, only my search was done to find out the reason for amphibian reductions rather than to justify killing wildlife for fun and entertainment.
if snapping turtle control is a desire, not to worry. It won't be long until all of their natural food sources are reduced to the point that the turtle populations will decline as well. Problem solved.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_in ... opulations" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Declines in amphibian populations, including population crashes and mass localized extinctions, have been noted since the 1980s from locations all over the world. These declines are perceived as one of the most critical threats to global biodiversity, and several causes are believed to be involved, including disease, habitat destruction and modification, exploitation, pollution, pesticide use, introduced species, and increased ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B).

Do I really need to explain what "believed to be" means? Seems to be more opinions without facts.

I also provided a link to Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine just in case you didn't like WIKI.

Just admit I taught you something and your ego is damaged. I provided nothing but facts and you spoke of what happens in a stock pond. I can't begin to explain the humor in you picking out the words "believed to be" and thinking this means the whole scientific community can put environmental concerns to rest based on what happens in a stock pond. "Yep fellers. That's it! We finally figured it out. We just kill all turtles and the frog populations across the globe will rise". ROTFL

[03Lightningrocks]

Have you ever wondered when you move a turtle off the road if you helped them or put them back where they started? I mean, if they are traveling in a specific direction ok, easy. However, if they are pointed in the direction of the road, it makes the choice of where to move them much harder!

Lol... That right there is funny... I don't care who you are.

[jmorris]

That's called the circle of life. Sorry if it inconveniences you.

Killing something just for the heck of it has nothing to do with the circle of life.

I don't think I said anything along those lines.

My apologies, I was applying your reply to the wrong message.

[chuckybrown]

I have a pond that I stock, and I hate turtles. I was there yesterday mowing my farm, and I went fishing. I counted 8 turtles in the water at one time with their snouts out of water.

I'll be back Tuesday night with my Ruger 77 .22 magnum to dispatch as many as I can before sundown.

When they sink, they become fish food.

How's that for the circle of life?

[fickman]

Everyone I've known with ponds hated turtles.

For landowners, turtles can be a real menace. Not on the scale of hogs, but pests nonetheless. Turtles on roads and public creeks tend not to respect fence lines, either.

[Right2Carry]

The reduction in frog populations has NOTHING to do with turtles. Frog population reduction is due to man polluting the environment with pesticides and fertilizers.

As a kid I lived in Pasadena Texas. There were toad frogs all over the place. Not now. Again... Not predation... POLLUTION.

Don't try to justify ridiculous behavior by acting as if you are helping Mother Nature control predation. Lets just go ahead and admit what it is. Killing for the pleasure of it. Very similar to pulling the wings off flies for fun.

You might want to check your facts about snapping turtles.

HideEcology and life history

Common habitats are shallow ponds, shallow lakes, or streams. Some may inhabit brackish environments, such as estuaries. Common snapping turtles sometimes bask—though rarely observed—by floating on the surface with only their carapace exposed, though in the northern parts of their range they will also readily bask on fallen logs in early spring. In shallow waters, common snappers may lie beneath a muddy bottom with only the head exposed, stretching their long necks to the surface for an occasional breath (note that their nostrils are positioned on the very tip of the snout, effectively functioning as snorkels). Snapping turtles are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter, and are important aquatic scavengers; but they are also active hunters that prey on anything they can swallow, including many invertebrates, fish, frogs, reptiles (including snakes and smaller turtles), unwary birds, and small mammals.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_s ... #section_2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just in case you don't like WIKI

http://www.tpwmagazine.com/nature/media/Turtles.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You may want to check your own facts. That does not say turtles are the cause for frig population reductions.

But it does state that turtles eat frogs, fish, ducklings among other things. Those of us who have had stock ponds know the problems that turtles cause. Your opinion as posted didn't have any facts to back up your thoughts.

We do know that turtles do eat frogs and tadpoles based on facts.

You probably missed this post which proves you are wrong as wrong can be as far as blaming turtles for the reduction in frog populations. What you are talking about with the stock pond reference is like telling me that how I control what resides in my aquarium can be used as a model for how to control what resides in the ocean.

Since we are going to use wiki, here ya go. The real reason for the decline in frog populations. I did like you, only my search was done to find out the reason for amphibian reductions rather than to justify killing wildlife for fun and entertainment.
if snapping turtle control is a desire, not to worry. It won't be long until all of their natural food sources are reduced to the point that the turtle populations will decline as well. Problem solved.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_in ... opulations" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Declines in amphibian populations, including population crashes and mass localized extinctions, have been noted since the 1980s from locations all over the world. These declines are perceived as one of the most critical threats to global biodiversity, and several causes are believed to be involved, including disease, habitat destruction and modification, exploitation, pollution, pesticide use, introduced species, and increased ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B).

Do I really need to explain what "believed to be" means? Seems to be more opinions without facts.

I also provided a link to Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine just in case you didn't like WIKI.

Just admit I taught you something and your ego is damaged. I provided nothing but facts and you spoke of what happens in a stock pond. I can't begin to explain the humor in you picking out the words "believed to be" and thinking this means the whole scientific community can put environmental concerns to rest based on what happens in a stock pond. "Yep fellers. That's it! We finally figured it out. We just kill all turtles and the frog populations across the globe will rise". ROTFL

I didn't see one shred of PROOF in your post not one, but I did see an opinion or two. You stated the following:

The reduction in frog populations has NOTHING to do with turtles. Frog population reduction is due to man polluting the environment with pesticides and fertilizers.

I just pointed out that your statement was nothing but an opinion based on no presentation of facts. I provided two sources that provided Facts that Turtles here in Texas do in fact eat Frogs and Tadpoles among other things. One of those sources came from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. I am sure you "believe" what you stated, but with no scientific proof it's nothing more than an opinion. Turtles are very destructive to fish, and frogs among other things in stock tanks. Farmers and Ranchers hate turtles and for a very good reason.

[03Lightningrocks]

They are a nuisance when fishing as well. Nothing is more of an irritation than having a turtle strip the bait off your line. Over and over again.

I am trying hard to find anything that actually supports the theory that turtles in the lakes and rivers are causing fish or frog populations to decline. Can't find anything supporting this theory. I did find a link that has good info about what snapping turtles eat. Says they eat 65% vegetation. The remainder of their diet involves what we call "trash fish". In any case, there just doesn't seem to be any data suggesting the turtles are causing harm to the fish or frog populations. Most data suggest snapping turtles are actually good for the environment. They perform trash cleanup. I could possibly see how a stock pond situation where the whole situation is artificial, turtles might become a nuisance.

I can't remember now, was the op saying he had a stock pond with turtle problems he needed to control or was he speaking of a river or lake situation where he wanted to blast them because they are irritating him?

Here is some more info on the snapping turtle if anyone is interested. Apparently, the trouble makers have been around since the dinosaurs were wiped out. I'm surprised there are any fish or frogs left at all.

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/snappers.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Right2Carry]

I have a pond that I stock, and I hate turtles. I was there yesterday mowing my farm, and I went fishing. I counted 8 turtles in the water at one time with their snouts out of water.

I'll be back Tuesday night with my Ruger 77 .22 magnum to dispatch as many as I can before sundown.

When they sink, they become fish food.

How's that for the circle of life?

12 gauge slugs work wonders on turtles.

[03Lightningrocks]

The reduction in frog populations has NOTHING to do with turtles. Frog population reduction is due to man polluting the environment with pesticides and fertilizers.

As a kid I lived in Pasadena Texas. There were toad frogs all over the place. Not now. Again... Not predation... POLLUTION.

Don't try to justify ridiculous behavior by acting as if you are helping Mother Nature control predation. Lets just go ahead and admit what it is. Killing for the pleasure of it. Very similar to pulling the wings off flies for fun.

You might want to check your facts about snapping turtles.

HideEcology and life history

Common habitats are shallow ponds, shallow lakes, or streams. Some may inhabit brackish environments, such as estuaries. Common snapping turtles sometimes bask—though rarely observed—by floating on the surface with only their carapace exposed, though in the northern parts of their range they will also readily bask on fallen logs in early spring. In shallow waters, common snappers may lie beneath a muddy bottom with only the head exposed, stretching their long necks to the surface for an occasional breath (note that their nostrils are positioned on the very tip of the snout, effectively functioning as snorkels). Snapping turtles are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter, and are important aquatic scavengers; but they are also active hunters that prey on anything they can swallow, including many invertebrates, fish, frogs, reptiles (including snakes and smaller turtles), unwary birds, and small mammals.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_s ... #section_2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just in case you don't like WIKI

http://www.tpwmagazine.com/nature/media/Turtles.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You may want to check your own facts. That does not say turtles are the cause for frig population reductions.

But it does state that turtles eat frogs, fish, ducklings among other things. Those of us who have had stock ponds know the problems that turtles cause. Your opinion as posted didn't have any facts to back up your thoughts.

We do know that turtles do eat frogs and tadpoles based on facts.

You probably missed this post which proves you are wrong as wrong can be as far as blaming turtles for the reduction in frog populations. What you are talking about with the stock pond reference is like telling me that how I control what resides in my aquarium can be used as a model for how to control what resides in the ocean.

Since we are going to use wiki, here ya go. The real reason for the decline in frog populations. I did like you, only my search was done to find out the reason for amphibian reductions rather than to justify killing wildlife for fun and entertainment.
if snapping turtle control is a desire, not to worry. It won't be long until all of their natural food sources are reduced to the point that the turtle populations will decline as well. Problem solved.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_in ... opulations" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Declines in amphibian populations, including population crashes and mass localized extinctions, have been noted since the 1980s from locations all over the world. These declines are perceived as one of the most critical threats to global biodiversity, and several causes are believed to be involved, including disease, habitat destruction and modification, exploitation, pollution, pesticide use, introduced species, and increased ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B).

Do I really need to explain what "believed to be" means? Seems to be more opinions without facts.

I also provided a link to Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine just in case you didn't like WIKI.

Just admit I taught you something and your ego is damaged. I provided nothing but facts and you spoke of what happens in a stock pond. I can't begin to explain the humor in you picking out the words "believed to be" and thinking this means the whole scientific community can put environmental concerns to rest based on what happens in a stock pond. "Yep fellers. That's it! We finally figured it out. We just kill all turtles and the frog populations across the globe will rise". ROTFL

I didn't see one shred of PROOF in your post not one, but I did see an opinion or two. You stated the following:

The reduction in frog populations has NOTHING to do with turtles. Frog population reduction is due to man polluting the environment with pesticides and fertilizers.

I just pointed out that your statement was nothing but an opinion based on no presentation of facts. I provided two sources that provided Facts that Turtles here in Texas do in fact eat Frogs and Tadpoles among other things. One of those sources came from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. I am sure you "believe" what you stated, but with no scientific proof it's nothing more than an opinion. Turtles are very destructive to fish, and frogs among other things in stock tanks. Farmers and Ranchers hate turtles and for a very good reason.

You can repeat that as many times as you want and it is still wrong. I have presented nothing but facts. You are drawing an opinion based on thinking that turtles eat fish eggs and frog eggs. You are wrong. They eat 65% vegetation, slow moving trash fish, dead stuff that sinks to the bottom and yes... Fish eggs. But saying they are eating so many fish or frog eggs they are decimating fish and frogs is silly.

Here are even more facts... http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/snappers.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Can you find me one scientific article that says turtles are responsible for declining frog populations in the wild? An article listing what they eat does not count. You need to show proof that they are causing a problem in the wild. Stock tanks excluded, since we were not discussing artificial environments in the first place. You can't.

[nyj]

You guys are fighting about what turtles eat.

What is this world coming to

[Right2Carry]

More "FACTS" on Pesticides and Fertilizers.

Several scientific ideas about the causes of amphibian declines exist, and they’re not necessarily mutually exclusive. Chemical pesticides, fertilizers and acid rain are thought to have contributed. Habitat loss has definitely affected amphibian populations. A killer “chytrid” fungus affects populations in both North and South America. Increased ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) has also been implicated.

http://www.tpwmagazine.com/archive/2004/may/ed_2/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[03Lightningrocks]

More "FACTS" on Pesticides and Fertilizers.

Several scientific ideas about the causes of amphibian declines exist, and they’re not necessarily mutually exclusive. Chemical pesticides, fertilizers and acid rain are thought to have contributed. Habitat loss has definitely affected amphibian populations. A killer “chytrid” fungus affects populations in both North and South America. Increased ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) has also been implicated.

http://www.tpwmagazine.com/archive/2004/may/ed_2/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Now you are doing straw man arguments. The original comment that I said was baloney was a post insinuating that somehow snapping turtles were causing a decline in fish and frog populations. Now you want to discuss environmental pollutants as if they don't exist. Just plain silliness my man.

I think you realize how wrong it is to blame turtles for declining frog and fish populations but you don't know how to get off it without losing "Internet face". It's OK. I still respect you. It is OK to be wrong. As you get older you will realize it is no crime to be incorrect.

Let me help you out. There is the possible correlation that in an artificial environment, such as stock tank, turtle may lower your fish numbers. I can't find a single article supporting this but will give it to you so we can move on. As for the original post concerning this situation where it was suggested that the turtles were causing declining fish and frog populations... BULL ONNEY! Other species eat far more fish eggs and frog eggs than turtles.

Here is some more info on the topic of turtle eating eggs.

http://www.ct.gov/dEep/cwp/view.asp?a=2 ... v_GID=1655" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is the main paragraph concerning the silliness.

A 1940s study in Connecticut found that not only fish, but aquatic plants and crayfish are dominant food items. Other studies also have shown that snapping turtles eat insignificant amounts of game fish, and that mammalian nest predators and large fish kill far more waterfowl than do snapping turtles. In natural situations, snapping turtles have no significant impact on fish or waterfowl populations.