I don't see this as a fail at all. In order to make something that works it takes research and development and many adjustments some times. Interesting video...enjoyed it. Thanks!!

I can tell you your problem with the trap. The turtles that you were looking for, other than the box turtles, ie - painted, snapping, red ear, cooters, etc etc, can only swallow underwater. It is actually a very rare member of the clemmys family that will grab a bait or meat product that is out of the water, and carry it to the water. I think had you built the trap similar to a crab trap, with easily swung in doors that didn’t swing back out allowing escape, and hung the bait inside and underwater, your luck would have been much better.

You should have put bait in the actual box so they could smell the bait.

Maybe you should try 4 inch pvc pipe sealed on both ends and some kind of bands attaching it to trap. They will act like a bobber. Detergent bottles have a smell even after airing out for a while. Turtles are sensitive to smells. I think this is why did not catch anything. I like the design. Think I will try it.

I really thought you would catch one with that trap! It looked to me to be a great design! Maybe you could use a natural log as your climb up? I know turtles climb logs, so maybe it was the unnatural appearance or feel of the plywood? If you used a log with the bark still on maybe it would work better. Maybe just a less steep angle might work as well. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing your experience with this Jamie. Great work.

Put some chicken wire on top of the ramp, so they get traction.

I use a 20 dollar crab pot with the top just above the surface

differnt bait. good video👍

build seems well thought out

Would say possibly to slick and trap tilted and they couldn't climb up maybe staple some wire on the ramp? Just a thought

Tutrtles move when it rains

Do you eat them?

Wonder if your ramp is too slick for them to pull them self up on. Maybe They just need a little more traction to climb up.

You should have attached a string and only put meat on the part next to where they would fall

Your ramp is to short.the turtles need to see it to get it

Too much works, just snipe them when they float up to get air, with a 22 cal. Done.

Box turtles don't swim.