Nauti-Lass Ponds & Critters, Inc.
All State Laws
State Law Guide

Illinois

Turtle possession, collection, and commercial regulations for Illinois, as researched by Nauti-Lass Ponds & Critters.

Illinois Wildlife Agency

Laws listed here were current as of January 1, 2015. Laws change frequently — always verify with your state's wildlife agency before purchasing or keeping turtles. This is not legal advice.

Native Turtle Species

  • Blanding's Turtle
  • Common Snapping Turtle
  • Eastern Box Turtle
  • Map Turtles
  • Painted Turtle
  • Red-eared Slider
  • Softshell Turtles
  • Spotted Turtle

Law Summary

SUMMARY OF ILLINOIS TURTLE LAWS

POSSESSION

1. Possession limit of legal native turtles is 8 (no more than 4 per taxa)

2. Captive-bred offspring, not intended for commercial purposes, are exempt from the possession limit for 90 days

3. It is unlawful to take, possess, transport, purchase, propagate, rehab more than 90 days or dispose of any Alligator Snapper (Macrochelys temminckii), Illinois Mud (Kinosternon flavescens), Spotted (Clemmys guttata), River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna) or Blanding's (Emydoidea blandingii) without a permit even if legally acquired in another state.

4. There are no state requirements for a person possessing exotic species not defined as "dangerous animals."

TAKING FROM THE WILD

1. It is unlawful to take, possess, buy, sell, offer to buy or sell, or barter any reptile, their eggs or parts taken from the wild in Illinois for commercial purposes

2. Turtles, other than Common Snapping Turtles, may be taken only by hand

3. A valid fishing license is required to take turtles.

4. The daily catch limit for common snapping turtles is 2 with a possession limit of 4. The possession limit of all other indigenous species is 8 collectively with no more than 4 per taxa.

5. Taking is prohibited in the LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Area in Union County

6. Common snapping turtles may be taken only June 15 through October 15 only by hand, hook and line, or bow and arrow except in the following Illinois counties where bowfishing for common snapping turtles is not permitted: Randolph, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton, White, Gallatin, Saline, Williamson, Jackson, Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Massac, Pulaski, and Alexander.

COMMERCIAL

1. It is unlawful to take, possess, buy, sell, offer to buy or sell, or barter any reptile, their eggs or parts taken from the wild in Illinois for commercial purposes

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