Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Natural Resources
NR 1-99 - Fish, Game and Enforcement, Forestry and Recreation
Chapter NR 21 - Wisconsin-Minnesota Boundary Waters
Subchapter IV - Turtles
Section NR 21.13 - Turtles

Universal Citation: WI Admin Code ยง NR 21.13

Current through August 26, 2024

(1) APPLICABILITY. This section applies to the taking and possession of turtles in the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters.

(2) SEASONS; POSSESSION AND DAILY BAG LIMITS. No person may take turtles on the Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters except during the open season established in sub. (4). For the purpose of Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary water 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 authorizes fishing, unless otherwise exempt under ch. 29, Stats., from the need to possess one of more of these approvals to hunt or fish.

(b) Take turtles by methods other than hoop net turtle traps complying with par. (c), hand, hook and line, hooking or incidental to commercial fishing authorized under this chapter by a fisher possessing a valid license issued under s. 29.523, 29.526, 29.529, Stats.

(c) Use a hoop net turtle trap to trap turtles, except when taken by a licensed commercial fisher under s. 29.523, Stats., incidental to fishing authorized under those licenses, 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 10 hoop net turtle traps.

(g) Use a hoop net turtle trap unless a stamped or engraved metal tag, bearing the name and address 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) Place, set or use a hoop net turtle trap within 200 feet of any fishway, lock or dam.

(j) 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 NR 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

10

12 inch minimum

16 inch maximum

top shell measured from

front to back

(b) Softshell turtle

July 15 to Nov. 30

5

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

(d) Turtles incidentally taken in licensed commercial fishing operations

Continuous

None

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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