Be glad if you don't have larger mud ponds...
As some of you know I hatch and raise various species of fish in four earthen ponds along with indoor tanks. One of the downsides to outdoor ponds are all the predators that want to dine on pond fish. I'm sure some of you can relate. Animals that can take an interest in our fish are mink, otters, snapping turtles, Great Blue Herons, and ospreys. Starting two years a go an Osprey started showing up in June and is quite accomplished at diving into the ponds and flying off with large fish. It got to the point where he or she showed up twice a day and didn't leave until early October where it probably migrates to the Gulf Coast of Mexico and Central America. Running to the bird, clapping, and even the sound of a gunshot is rarely effective especially when it first has its sights on a fish. They are so focused they hear nothing. I'm thinking of trying something called a bear banger which is a shell without a projectile that makes a loud noise with pyrotechnics.
Fast forward to this June and I now have up to three of then hammering my ponds at least once a day. Of course shooting these noble birds is out of the question, although I do have a state and federal permit to take out Great Blue Herons if all non-lethal means are exhausted. The local river is high and muddy and perhaps the low clarity has them searching for clearer waters where they can see the fish?
Only effective thing I have found is to stake heavy monofilatment lines across my smallest pond, which now means I will have to do so on the largest one half acre pond. What a PITA that will be! I will also will be adding more dye to reduce visibility.
People are overjoyed that state and federal government is reintroducing previously extirpated native animals, but aren't aware of the damage they can do to one's livelihood. I have a newfound sympathy for those that raise livestock in areas where wolves have been reintroduced. Don't get me wrong I find wolves beautiful and fascinating.
I haven't see an otter yet but it's just a matter of time. I know folks that have ponds near rivers that have pretty much given up on keeping larger fish in their ponds as the otters come in and clean out the ponds of the largest fish. A friend that raises large bass for remedial stocking in southern Illinois is taking a beating with newly introduced otters. He lost $30,000 worth of large bass last year. And he's not allowed to touch them. HIs state DNR said it wasn't their problem even though they reintroduced them.
Last edited by Cecil; 06-24-2019 at 08:59 AM.
The risk I took was calculated, but man am I bad at math!