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TURTLES 



Some species of turtles are known to be fish eaters 

 and consequently are predators if given access to a 

 minnow pond. As a safeguard, all turtles frequenting 

 a pond of minnows should be considered predators and 

 controlled accordingly. Turtles can be captured with 

 baited hooks or turtle traps. 



MUSKRATS 



The only appreciable damage done by these animals 

 results from their burrowing in the dikes of ponds. 

 At times they can be serious pests, causing abnormal 

 bank leakage and slipping that result in expensive 

 maintenance costs. If a minnow producer has difficulty 

 with these animals, he should consult his local conser- 

 vation department as to methods of control. Most States 

 have specific laws protecting the muskrat because of 

 its value as a fur-bearing animal. 



OTHER FISHES 



Predatory fishes and the adults of cannibalistic 

 minnows must be controlled in minnow ponds. As men- 

 tioned before, lake and river water should be filtered 

 to keep predatory fish fry from entering a pond. When 

 possible, the minnow pond should be drained dry during 

 the winter to kill any predatory fish that may have 

 escaped notice. Ponds that cannot be drained should 

 be treated with rotenone before minnows are introduced 

 and whenever there is an indication that predatory fish 

 have become established. 



The best procedure is to apply 1.32 pounds of 6 

 percent rotenone powder per acre- foot of water (0.5 

 p. p.m. ). The powder must be mixed with water to form 

 a thin batter and spread evenly over the pond. A boat 

 and outboard motor are usually used to apply the poison. 

 The pond should be criss-crossed in a good pattern with 

 lines about 50 feet apart. The rotenone batter is 

 poured over the edge of the boat in a small stream. 

 Propeller action gives a thorough mixing with the water. 

 A pond shallow enough to freeze-out In winter does not 

 need this treatment. 



