Recreational turtle license

What species of turtles may be taken?

Only the following species of turtles may be taken:

Western painted turtle (Chrysemys pica bellii).
Snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentine).

Season dates

2024

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	01/1/24 - 12/31/24	Turtles - Painted	Statewide
	07/1/24 - 04/30/25	Turtles - Snapping	Statewide

2025

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There are currently no event listings.

2026

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There are currently no event listings.

2027

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There are currently no event listings.

2028

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There are currently no event listings.

2029

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There are currently no event listings.

License and harvest

Recreational turtle licenses are available for Minnesota residents from any license agent and may be purchased online. The code is 150. Non-residents are not eligible for a recreational turtle license.

An annual recreational turtle license is $25 and allows the harvest and possession of up to three western painted turtles and three snapping turtles.

Western painted turtles must be between 4 and 5-1/2 inches in shell length.
Snapping turtles must be 12 inches or greater in shell length.

Methods for harvesting turtles are limited to angling gear like tended hook and line, landing nets and gaff hooks.

Traps may not be used to harvest turtles.

Turtle propagation

A person with an aquatic farm or private fish hatchery license listing turtles as approved species can obtain, possess, transport, and propagate, and sell turtles and turtle eggs.

Fees

$25/yr: recreational turtle license

Helpful Links

Turtle Statutes

Code of Federal Regulations - Title 21

Questions?

Contact Mandy Erickson, fisheries program consultant, by emailing [email protected].