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

Minnesota

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

Minnesota 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
  • Map Turtles
  • Painted Turtle
  • Softshell Turtles
  • Wood Turtle

Law Summary

SUMMARY OF MINNESOTA TURTLE LAWS

POSSESSION

1. A person may not take, possess, or transport turtles without a resident angling license except when buying a turtle at a retail outlet or when buying turtles for resale at a retail outlet.

2. A person may not possess more than three snapping turtles of the species Chelydra serpentina without a turtle seller's license.

3. A person may not take, import, transport, or sell any portion of a Blanding's Turtle or a Wood Turtle

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

5. It is unlawful to release non-native species into the wild

6. The Red-eared Slider is considered an invasive species. While it is legal to possess, sell, buy, and transport them, they may not be introduced into a free-living state, such as being released in public waters.

TAKING FROM THE WILD

1. An angling license is required to harvest turtles. A recreational turtle license, a turtle seller's license, or a turtle seller's apprentice license is required to use floating or submerged traps, turtle hooks, and other commercial fishing gear. Except for renewals, no turtle seller's licenses will be issued.

2. Only the following species of turtles may be taken: Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii), Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera).

3. A person may not take snapping turtles of a size less than ten inches wide

COMMERCIAL

1. A person may not take, possess, buy, or transport turtles for sale; sell turtles; or take turtles for sale using commercial equipment without a turtle seller's license. Except for renewals, no new turtle seller's licenses may be issued after August 1, 2002.

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