Snappers

[sandhiller]

I am wondering how harmful snapping turtles are to a lake if they are over abundant. I am not positive that they are over populated either, the lake is 190 acres, northern sandhills, has large mouth, perch, bluegill, and crappie. On a normal day you will see between 15 to 30 snappers, in different areas.

[WarPig]

I don't know what impact they have on the fishery Sandhiller...but they are good eatin'!

[obert]

turtles are fine eatin'!

[hav2hunt]

Tough to clean!!!-Good to eat!!!

[Fish Recycler]

Turtles live a long time, a big one could be decades old.

They're primarily scavengers, although the will pick off live, swimming fish. I saw two snappers with live bluegills in their beaks last summer.

I think the biggest danger to small ponds is bank and bottom degredation, because they do like to dig things up. They can create mechanical turbidity in the same way that anything stirring up the bottom can. I knew one farmer who had them digging in his dam, so removed them to protect his dam.

In a 190 acre sandhill lake, I can't imagine the probable harm, and it doesn't sound as if it's over-populated if you see some turtles when you go out there.

[Chad]

Received this. Thanks, Jeff!

Hi Chad,
Snapping turtles are common in many ponds. They are typically scavengers and feed primarily on aquatic plants, frogs, and crayfish, along with dying or dead fish, fish on a stringer, and an occasional, unsuspecting small ducklings. Although they are capable of capturing live, healthy fish, they usually do not have much of an impact on the fishery. Snapping turtles can be caught/harvested by rod and reel, archery equipment, or by hand. They can be captured/held by the tail but be careful. Hold them out at arms length because they have a long neck and nasty disposition when captured and don't let go easily. Although somewhat difficult to clean, they are good to eat. If they become a nuisance, the Commission can authorize their removal with traps. Only homemade traps that allow entrance from above the water surface can be used and are typically baited with fish remains, water melon rinds, or meat. Call me at 402-471-5435 for additional information on trapping, permitting process, and turtle cleaning/cooking.


Jeff Blaser
Private Waters Specialist
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
2200 N. 33rd St./PO Box 30370
Lincoln, NE 68503-0370
Phone: 402-471-5435
jeff.blaser@ngpc.ne.gov

[WAHUSKER]

Don't let these guys lead you astray. Turtles aren't all that tough to clean. Just a little tedious.

1) Put on a big pot of water to boil
2) Cut off the head
3) Throw a loop of wire or cable around the foot pad and extend leg. Carefully scald with boiling water. Do this to each leg, tail and neck.
4) Use burlap or rag to strip algae/gung buildup off these apendages.
5) Use a sharp fillet knife to cut around each apendage hole, remove, split skin and chunk out meat.
6) If you really want a cool piece of milky white meat, split the top and bottom shells at the hinge. Peel off the top shell and with a hammer and sharp chisel, cut each rib at the inside top of the shell, remove and get that piece of meat.
7) Flour, salt & pepper. Brown meat and then throw into a casserole dish. Pour in a can or two of Cream of Mushroom soup (depends on dish size and amount of meat). Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
8) Or dip chunks in batter and deep fry.

[obert]

Thanks WA, very good info.

[sandhiller]

Thank you everyone for the information I grew up eating them, so when they venture out of the water or to close to the boat they tend to venture onto a plate also.

[fishman34]

this summer i caught snapper that weighed about 45lbs while camping on some private land by midway lake i think it was, we were curious as to what it really tasted like so we butchered it and threw some of it on the fire.....it was really good, just put some salt and pepper on it and cooked it thoroghly....yum yum.

[Cat Whacker]

It seems to help if you keep them in a stock tank for a week or so. You have to change the water about daily at first. this helps flush their system of mud and muck.

[BoB_25]

Originally Posted by fishman34

this summer i caught snapper that weighed about 45lbs while camping on some private land by midway lake i think it was, we were curious as to what it really tasted like so we butchered it and threw some of it on the fire.....it was really good, just put some salt and pepper on it and cooked it thoroghly....yum yum.

did you catch it with a pole? I have caught a couple and when they hit they hit! hate to say it but i think they bite harder then a wiper!!!! it was like hitting a brick wall at 75mph!!!!