John J.

ok, ok, ok...I looked back at what I posted and indeed I did display and act of 'excitement' to the kill. I did visually display the big "Boom" thing. It was indeed my fault that I put that there. I know now that was my mistake.... yes for all of those that read this I am sorry I was being 'cocky'. I've never killed a turtle of that mass or size and for me it was a great pleasure. Don't think I am cold hearted by saying that. There are plenty of hunters probably here that would kill a big buck to say "ooh! I killed a monster!" And Bassassassin, you stated that noone cares, that this is a bass fishing forum, not a hunting one. I did state earlier, and you can look back that I did understand I shouldn't have posted the topic and that I apologized for it. And another thing.... if noone cared, then why was there such a big debate? For those who do care, I do apologize. I know I shouldn't have brought this up. I know a lot of you will still think of me as a 'cold hearted SOB' but you know what, I really don't care. Noone has the right to judge me anyway.

"macho"? here we go again with the accusations. I already said I learned from my mistakes: Which LBH, it is in the same post as you got my quote from. I wanted to end this entire conversation, I've stated it before. But yet it is people who still want to get under my skin and continue this entire topic. Once again the reason for posting the topic is to get feedback if what I did was good or bad. And all of you shared your opinions, and I do respect that. But things were (and are now) getting a little out of hand and it's getting to be a personal attack on my part. Maybe you guys got the impression that I was trying to be macho (must have been the thread title), but rest assured I do not feel 'bad to the bone' when I kill animals. Now I've tried to end this before, but I feel I can't do it alone. Hopefully now this topic can end.

Or that'll work too, it also creates a good environment for bugs, snakes, ticks, and other critters in the high grass. And the fun part is when the grass reaches above head level, you can easily play 'hide and go seek'! ;D ;D ;D

one of my lures would either be a texas-rig or some deep rig (drop-shot, carolina) because when the sun is out, the fish either head for shade or deer water. Another choice would be a crank-bait/rat'l trap, deep runners. For sunny days I would suggest finding shade or cover. If you can (depth finder) try to find a creek channel or deep cover/structure. The fish love that during the middle of the day. If you find shade on cover, excellent spot! Try doing different things however, experiment. You never know, you might find a pattern that works! Good luck! 8-)

ideally, a spinner-bait is a spinner-bait. No matter if it is $1.00 or $5.00 (my favorite BOOYAHs). What I like to do is buy the $1.00 spinner-bait and then make my own skirt for it and in any way possible, make it better. The difference is the wire used (I believe), cheap spinner-baits have weaker wires (not stainless steel) than branded ones. Another thing is the skirt and paint job. In my opinion I would suggest $1 spinner-baits for starters. Another good thing about $1 spinner-baits is if you loose it, you don't feel bad. However if you loose the $5 spinner-bait (I've done this before!!) you get frustrated! (I do! ;D) IMO, a spinner-bait is a spinner-bait, it will catch fish no matter how expensive or cheap!

lol, talk to cows, deer, and other grazers of the animal kingdom. ;D ;D ;D ;D (well technically deer aren't grazers they are browsers). Ethical grass cutters are sharp ;D ;D because dull ones harm the grass and they can't properly conduct photosynthesis, therefore killing it. ;D ;D ;D

Valascus, I accept your apology. And no indeed I would not hurt any animal outside just because I can. Everyone has a right to post their opinions, and indeed you did so. My pond was dug for the purpose of fish and sometimes swimming. I would certainly hate to swim in a pond full of snappers lol! I have no vandetta against ANY animal for ANY reason. I respect animals and their role in nature. Matter of fact I enjoy nature, I love to sit out and watch the fish peck the surface for bugs and I enjoy watching birds, deer, etc. Keith I do agree with you 100% every animal does have a purpose in life. Despite what many people think about spiders, I really enjoy watching spiders make webs and catch prey, for fun I will even help the spider sometimes ;D . I think these posts (this one and mine) all taught EVERYONE a lesson. Everyone learnt something from them. However I will do my best to try not to post anything like that again. I understand people do get offended and I can respect that. Let's leave these posts with a positive mind attitude, think of the pros. God bless all 8-)

No longer am I taking any negative posts as an attack. As far as I am concerned, the thread (on the turtle) is completely ruined and there will no longer be any need for anymore discussion. Valascus, I do respect everyone's respect for nature, I enjoy and respect nature myself. But for one to tell me that I do not respect nature is a judgement. Nobody on this forum knows anyone completely (well only a few people do), there is no need to pass judgement on a certain incident. Matt, I do not take offense. However, I stated many times my reasoning for that turtle for being shot; Fear of injury, loss of fish, overpopulation. That turtle was something in the pond that my folks didn't want, they own the land and they own the pond, so I did them the favor. Just as any other teenager in the world, I am still learning from my mistakes, my decisions and life. I understand that everyone makes mistakes, it doesn't matter if they are just born or they are 110 years old. EVERYONE makes mistakes, and I know that. Hopefully everyone will understand my reasoning and respect it. But for those of you who won't, then don't make the matters worse, instead keep it to yourself. If you disagree with what I did, that's fine. But don't blow up in my face and tell me otherwise. I've heard many preaching today, I don't need anymore. Everyone have a good day! 8-)

Thanks Avid! There are some times when I decide on what my actions should be. Everyone makes mistakes, it is human nature. In my opinion things like these shouldn't be posted in the first place, which this whole thing is my fault, and I understand that. I don't feel bad for posting it, but rather I learned a lesson from it. Things such as this should be kept confidential, after all this is a bass forum, not a hunting one. The main reason why I listened to my folks on this occasion is because they lived in Louisianna all their lives and they were exposed to things like this. I trusted their opinion on it and therefore I took action. One day I will be able to take my own path (sooner than I think... ;D) and I will be able to make decisions. For all of those who posted in this topic, I do apologize for bringing it up and posting something on the board that caused controversy. This is a family board, let's not let a single post and a certain topic separate us all. God bless all! 8-)

As I stated before, I posted this to get opinions to what people think. And to see if it was a good idea. Some people agree with me, and some people disagree, I respect both ways. But for some, things got a little out of hand. And therefore totally threw this thread way off the tracks. If I was to go out and slay everything in sight, then yes, I'd have disrespect for 'mother nature' and be a cold hearted person. But to slay one turtle, for which I thought was a nuisance, and an unwanted addition to my family's pond, no, that's not disrespect, nor is it ignorance. But to blow up on someone who thought he was doing right, but because of someone's opinion that he wasn't right, is disrespect. You don't know me and I don't know you. But I think this entire thread needs to come to a close. We have recieved many opinions both negative and positive, and in certain cases extremely negative. What has been done is done and there is nothing to reverse it. If there was a way to reverse it, I may have let it live to see what more it would do, but considering the unusual death of a few of our fish, kind of had me thinking it was meant to be. either way in the end of this conversation, I am darned if I do and darned if I don't. Because if I didn't kill that turtle, he may have decreased the chance of our fish population in the pond to live. Then again there is also that chance that since I did kill it they will thrive. It is not a guilt that I will take in life, but rather a memory, something to look back upon and base my decisions on. Even though I did think before I acted. After seeing those few fish dead in the pond, made me think. There was nothing in the pond that could have done the damage.

You are really an aggressive and crazy human being...all that talk and disrespect over a turtle...tsk tsk tsk I pity you for lowering yourself for one single animal. Lemme guess, you feel the same way for other animals too?

Didn't I say before that the pond was no more than 50 yards from the house. If you were to read what I read rather than reading what other people read you would have known that! As for your ignorant and disrespectful post I do not approve at all and will not tolerate such a repulsive response. It is ONE SINGLE TURTLE! And I will not risk the chance of my loved ones getting hurt! My parents did say to get rid of it, And I respect them, they own the land, not me and I do what they say. We stocked the pond full of bass, bluegill, and fathead minnows to replenish the pond environment. We had a professional come out and make sure all the number of fish were equal and essential to a healthy pond...he did NOT say anything about a turtle! So we got rid of it to reassure that the pond environment we created remained balanced. You have shame and pity for me? tsk! You are trying to make me feel guilty about killing that turtle. Now that I read what you posted, I can assure you I took great pleasure in taking that turtle out! ;D > >

OH! And I did fail to mention the pond is no more than 50 yards from the house. My nephew does fish it and so does my parents. Now I do agree with yalls post and I can understand your points of view. Avid I am sorry I didn't give you enough time to reply, I was a little anxious for someone to reply a reason why that turtle is any good to the pond. I do not know much about snappers (I stated that before) and I do not know what their diet truly is. But my parents do know, and they wanted me to kill it. I will do more research on the snapping turtle and see what I get. But from what i've heard, they are extremely aggressive, in most parts are a nuisance and can be very dangerous! My dad had experiences with snapping turtles. When he was a kid he used to fish a pond that was totally overloaded with snappers. It seemed like every cast he took he hooked into one. So with permission from the pond owners, he went out and starting to kill as many as he could. He then noticed that the fishin was getting better! Troutfisher, I do thank you for backing me up. But there are some people here that posted that believe what I did was wrong. All I am trying to do is explain why I did so and my reasoning why. God bless all! 8-)

Indeed, what everyone said, watch that line. If you are fishing with texas rig, drop-shot, etc. feel for the thump. If you ever need practice, a good place to try it out with be at a pond or somewhere that has a good stock of bass. And remember, the heavier wacky baits fall faster, so your line will sink a lot faster. What I do is watch for my line to twitch and then start running away. If the line appears to dissapear inch by inch, it is just your senko/lure sinking. Good luck! 8-)

either a weird coincidence, or you will have good juju so to speak ;D 8-)

Hmm...I didn't know the thread I started would start other things... Anyway, I do agree with what has been said about kill to reduce disease, etc. With black birds I am not 100% sure though. I guess same principle goes along with crows, shoot to eat! 8-)

Avid, I thought it through before I took action. I discussed it with my parents, they plainly didn't want this turtle in the pond. I think it would have been best if I kept this confidential, as it is starting up a heap of mess. For gods sakes, it is a single turtle! I didn't shoot it for fun, I didn't shoot it just for the enjoyment, I shot it because I believed it was a nuisance. I never seen any bass or fish dead before until he started to pop his head up above the surface of the pond. Now fishin buds, I did read your post, but I took what you said on a different route. When you stated that you shoot to kill around the house, I thought you meant you did what I did, and you shot to get rid of any pests/problems. Now with deer, turkey, etc. we shoot for the meat. Our fridge is full of deer meat and we haven't eaten it yet, my parents still hunt (even though we have a freezer full of meat) and I won't because I feel that we need to eat the deer meat in the freezer before slaying any more. What I was saying before about the deer was that, they are a nuisance, eating the garden, etc. And no I am not going to shoot them because of that because it is illegal, it is not hunting season... Now about the thing with the 12 gauge, I am not no freak, I do not enjoy killing things for no reason. I like that shotgun because it was given to me by my father, who it was passed down from his father (my granpa), it is a fairly old gun, and for him to give it to me is truly a gift. I take care of that gun as much as I can, and sometimes (like in this case) brag about it (because I didn't have to buy it). I know I've said things in this discussion that make people think negative about me (unethical, etc.) But all I did was listen to my folks, and I wanted to hear what you guys thought about this (why I posted it). I don't blame you for posting your opinions, but it was getting out of hand when everyone was saying I was in the wrong and I am unethical, etc. I know that's opinions, but I just wanted to clarify that I am ethical and that I do respect nature. Without a doubt these turtles are fast enough to possibly kill bass. They use the same technique; ambush. Now I hope this thread doesn't end with people thinking I am nuts, a sadistic, crazy teenage boy. Because in reality, I am not. I've built up a reputation for being respectful and honest. This will be no different. I wish everyone the best! God bless 8-)

I am ethical when it comes to helping other bodies of water, but yet when it comes to our privately owned pond, I listen to what my parents want and not what I think is ethical. They wanted me to get rid of it, and therefore I did. If you think it was unethical, what would you have done?

I would suggest if handling any turtles for that matter, wear havy duty welding gloves, maybe double up on the pairs lol! Another way is to take an unbreakable stick or pole and have the turtle ****** on and make sure they won't let go, then drag 'em where you want em! ;D ;D ;D Or do like I did, pop em in the head with a 12 gauge #1 buckshot and then you can move em all you want without getting bit!! Must be one tough and agile dog you got there burley to take out a snapper lol! ;D 8-)

Same around here, any pest or nuisance we have around here, ain't nothing better than a 12 gauge with either a #1 buck or OO buckshot! The deer are starting to get bad now during the summer getting into the garden, eating mom's flowers, etc. and we see a few turkeys but it is more enjoyable to hear them gobble, but still we shoot 'em. ;D If there is any pests, I feel a no better means of termination than a 12 gauge shotgun!! ;D

hmmm...good idea, grab a 'snapping' turtle and carry him to a place where he can be taken care of...just one problem with that, they get their name "snapping turtles" because of their aggressive behavior. If I was to try and ****** that booger I wouldn't even be able to type right now! I would need robotic fingers or something lol! No offense though KWC. If there was a way I could relocated him, I would have done it. But around where I live I would have to go to Richmond (a hour or two away) to find a place to give him away, because there is nowhere near where I live that would take something like him. God bless

good idea, blow the air horn while at the same time flip em the bird and zip a led weight at em, then report them. Man, we are probably going to get M_M in trouble next time! ;D ;D ;D

It could very well be a song. But I took BiologyII: Anatomy and Physiology and I learned that (from waterboy ;D ;D ;D ;D : 8-) JK!)

Heh, all I will do is send a card asking "Hey Avid! how's the weather down there???" ;D ;D ;D ;D

How are snapping turtles good for bass, if you say they never eat any smaller bass or baitfish? The only way I could see snapping turtles being good for bass is if they ate some of the smaller bass, therefore reducing the overall population and making the remaining bass larger. However,you say they don't do that though... :-? Troutfisher, this is exactly what I asked, but yet even though I ask for an explaination, they don't give one...I asked for one earlier... I am not trying to be a jerk or create any problems, but I would really like to hear some insight on other's opinions rather than tell me that it's bad to kill them because they rot and it's a waste and it's bad for the environment, etc. and then leave it at that. And besides there are things we do in every day life that is bad for the environment. When I kill a turtle and throw it into the woods, it will create a food item for any scavangers. If I kill the turtle and leave him in the pond, all he will do is contaminate the pond. Yet if I don't kill him, all he will do is reproduce, spread like rabbits and take over, therefore smothering out all the species of fish (if they don't eat them which I KNOW they do!) and becoming a nuisance. Troutfisher, you and me see eye to eye on this. 8-) God bless