Watch For Turtles And Not Just On Roads

Lots of turtles are out there and they are not only trying to cross the road but they can get into crab pots.  You are required to have turtle guards (excluders) on your crab pots.  If you do not and DNREC finds them you will be fined.  “Officer Field Report June 20, 2016: AFC Adam Roark sent this picture in to show the importance of turtle excluders on your recreational crab pots. This Diamondback Terrapin unfortunately drown because the required turtle excluders were not present on this crab pot. This recreational crabber was fined $107 including court costs.” 

You can find these guards or excluders at any bait and tackle shop, even Walmart has them.  If a turtle gets stuck in a crab pot it will drown because it cannot surface for air in the cage.  If you see a crab pot with turtles inside, call DNREC Fish and Wildlife enforcement.  Believe it or not it is illegal for you to remove the turtle form someone else’s crab pot.,  It is considered poaching, yeah I know stupid law since you are trying to help, but it is there for a reason.   Just call 1 800-523-3336 for the twenty-four hour hotline.

Fish On!!

Rich King