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    Title: Recreational Turtle License
    Alternate Title:
    Description: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
    Subject: Animals
    Turtles and Tortoises
    Creation Date: 9/11/2008 2:18:05 PM
    Modification Date: 9/4/2026 1:55:05 PM
    Agency Name: Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Department of
    Agency URL: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us
    Agency Description: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the state's natural resources, hunting, fishing, state forests, state parks, lakes, rivers, streams, boating and water safety, trails, snowmobiling, skiing, education, enforcement, wildlife management, lands and minerals.
    Agency Phone: 651-296-6157
    888-646-6367
    Agency Fax: Agency URL: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us
    Agency Address: Natural Resources (DNR), Minnesota Dept. of
    500 Lafayette Rd.

    St. Paul
    MN 55155

    Audience: Hold Application URL:
    Renewal URL:
    Versa URL:
    Requirements: MN DNR Resident Recreational Turtle License:
     
    Regulations surrounding recreational turtle harvesting have seen notable updates recently (following changes passed by the legislature).

    Requirements
    To legally harvest turtles from the wild for personal use, you must possess both of the following:

    • A valid Resident Angling License.

    • A Resident Recreational Turtle License (listed as item #150 under the MN DNR Fishing Licenses catalog).

    Note: You can purchase these via the new MN DNR Online License Sales portal, through the new MN DNR Licensing mobile app, or in-person at a standard licensing agent.

    Legal Species & Size Limits
    Under Minn. Rules Part 6256.0500, you are restricted to taking only two specific species, and they must meet strict carapace (top shell length, measured straight across from neck to tail without curvature) limits:

    • Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina): Must be greater than 12 inches in shell length.

      • Possession Limit: You cannot possess more than three snapping turtles without a commercial seller's license.

    • Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta): Must be between 4 and 5.5 inches inclusive in shell length.

    • Prohibited Species: Taking Spiny Softshell turtles from the wild is now prohibited for recreational harvesters. It remains entirely illegal to take, import, transport, or sell any portion of a Blanding's Turtle or Wood Turtle as they are protected species.

    Key Seasonal & Method Restrictions

    • Closed Season: A person may not take snapping turtles during the months of May and June, even for personal recreational use.

    • Prohibited Methods: You are strictly prohibited from taking turtles using firearms, explosives, drugs, poisons, lime, or any implement that can impale the turtle.

    • Nests and Eggs: You are completely prohibited from collecting turtle eggs from natural nests without a special permit from the commissioner.


    Rules: 6256.0500

    Statutes: 97C.605

    Forms:


    Fees:

    Total cost depends on which base license you have:

    • If you buy a standard Resident Individual Angling License ($25): Your total cost for both will be $50 (plus issuance fees).

    • If you buy a Resident Combination Angling License ($41): Your total cost will be $66 (plus issuance fees).


    Period of Issuance:

    License Year: 2026  | Valid Dates: 06/22/2026 - 02/28/2027


    Length of Determination:

    Other Info:
    Activity: Turtle and Tortoise
    License Detail URL:

    Licenses, Permits, and Trail Passes

    Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

    DNR Mobile Web Pages

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