Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 1-99 - Fish, Game and Enforcement, Forestry and Recreation
Chapter NR 19 - Miscellaneous Fur, Fish, Game And Outdoor Recreation
Subchapter I - Miscellaneous
Section NR 19.275 - Turtles

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง NR 19.275

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) APPLICABILITY. This section applies to the taking and possession of turtles in Wisconsin, except for the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters and the Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters, where the taking and possession of turtles is governed by ss. NR 21.13 and 22.13, respectively.

(2) SEASONS; POSSESSION AND DAILY BAG LIMITS. No person may take turtles except during the open seasons established in sub. (4). For the purpose of turtle harvest, the possession limits are the same as the daily bag limits.

(3) ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS. No person may do any of the following:

(a) Take, possess or control a turtle unless the person is in possession of a valid approval which authorizes the hunting of small game or which authorize fishing, unless otherwise exempt from the need to possess one of more of these approvals to hunt or fish under ch. 29, Stats.

Note: The s. 29.228, Stats., fishing license exemption for nonresidents under age 16 only applies to taking fish by hook and line. Therefore, any nonresident under age 16 who takes turtles by hand, hooking or with hoop net turtle traps must possess a valid fishing or small game authorization.

(b) Take turtles by methods other than hoop net turtle traps that comply with par. (c), hand, hook, and line when in possession of a fishing license, setline, or set or bank poles when in possession of a setline or set or bank pole license used in compliance with s. NR 20.12, or hooking.

(c) Use a hoop net turtle trap to take turtles unless it complies with all of the following criteria:
1. It is constructed with no less than 6 inch stretch measure mesh net as defined in s. NR 25.02(28).

2. The net is nylon or other stretchable fabric. Wire may not be used.

3. It is constructed with a funnel entrance at one or both ends which are tied off to the sides or the opposite ends. The opening in the funnel may be round or oval.

4. It is designed and set so the closed sides sit horizontal in the water.

Note: There is no restriction on the size of the trap itself or the number of hoops used in its construction.

(d) Use a hoop net turtle trap unless it is placed on the bed of the stream, river, lake or pond so that a minimum of 2 inches of the trap is above the water's surface.

(e) Use a hoop net turtle trap unless it is checked and the entrapped contents removed at least once each day.

(f) Place, use or tend more than 3 hoop net turtle traps.

(g) Use a hoop net turtle trap unless a stamped or engraved metal tag, bearing the name and address or department customer identification number of the operator of the trap in the English language, is attached in a manner that is visible above water and legible at all times.

(h) Place, use or tend a hoop net turtle trap or remove its entrapped contents unless that person is the operator identified on the trap tag.

(i) Use fish, including parts of fish, as bait except that fish and fish parts may be used as bait in the same body of water from which the fish was obtained, or if the fish are minnows obtained from a Wisconsin bait dealer, or with written approval of the department.

(j) Place, set, or use a hoop net turtle trap within 200 feet of any fishway, lock, or dam.

(k) Place, set or use any hook and line, setline or bank pole for taking turtles in a manner or at any time during which these methods are not allowed for taking fish under ss. NR 20.06 and 20.12.

(4) SEASONS AND LIMITS:

Turtle species

Open seasons (both dates inclusive)

Daily bag and possession limit

Size limit

(a) Snapping turtle

July 15 to Nov. 30

3

12 inch minimum 16 inch maximum top shell measured from front to back

(b) Softshell turtle

July 15 to Nov. 30

3

None

(bm) Blanding's turtle

None

0

None

(c) All other turtles not listed as threatened or endangered in ch. NR 27

July 15 to Nov. 30

5 in total

None

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Wisconsin may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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