snapping turtles

does any one know if you can shoot turtles with a bow and arrow?if so when can you?
thanks lucas

Kid..

No offense, but you are one heck of a shot to be shooting turtles by bow/arrow.

What does that score on Pope/Young?

Seriously though…is that even possible? You just shoot them in the head?

I think you could succesfully shoot a turtle w/ a fish spearing arrow through the shell and retreive it that way.

As for the legality? I’m guessing it’s not legal.

Guess what!

It is legal to shoot Snapping Turtles w/ a bow. You must have a legal fishing license in your possesion. The possesion limit for turtles is 3. There is a minimum size limit too. The shell must measure 12″ from front to back. I would say because of the potential damage, if it doesn’t look like it goes 12″ don’t shoot it.

Other than that, the season for harvesting turtles is closed from May 1st until June 30th. So from now until April 30th at midnight you can shoot turtles. The season is set to protect turtles while they are laying their eggs.

Good luck if you get out after ’em!

Get pics if you shoot some, I’d like to see them.

you do shoot them with a fishing arrow through the shell but does any one know about wisconsin turtles?

Couldn’t you use an arrow with a big ‘ol suction cup on it? Just fling it out and thwack! If it doesn’t measure 12″ let it go.

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you do shoot them with a fishing arrow through the shell but does any one know about wisconsin turtles?

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According to the MN DNR agent I spoke to you can’t harvest turtles in WI. I would strongly recommend contacting a DNR Rep. before heading out.

I wouldn’t recommend shooting WI turtles anyway. They taste & smell like Limburger Cheese.

Fishnkid,
It is legal to harvest snappers (some turtles are protected) in WI only if you are a WI resident and possess a fishing or small game license, but in the 2003-2004 fishing regs it does not state that you can shoot them with a bow….call your local DNR . On page 11 it lists the regulations pertaining to frogs and turtles. Season on turtles run from July 15-November 30. There are possession limits and size limits.
Good Luck and post pics

fish’n kid
starting may 15 I will be shooting some snappers I know of some ponds of the main river (Lake Pepin)that they get pretty good size Mt biggest one so far is 27 pounds I will try to post some pics.

I find this thread very interesting. Not that I would harvest any turtle by any means. Just interested in knowing how it’s done and seeing pictures. So if you have some, please post.

I can see it now. A Mississippi Snapper Forum! Not to be confused with the Bikini sightings!

Seriously…Post the pics…I think we all would be interested.

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starting may 15 I will be shooting some snappers I know of some ponds of the main river (Lake Pepin)that they get pretty good size Mt biggest one so far is 27 pounds I will try to post some pics.

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Keep in mind there are seasons for harvesting turtles. If what Mo-fishn-n-huntn said is true(which I believe) you will be harvesting turtles out of season.

Also remember the Mississippi is a shared border water and regulations may follow the more restrictive state. A 27lb snapper is big…..keep in mind there is also a minimun and a maximum shell size. Good luck with it all!

I have a friend that traps turtles. He is very good. Uses carp meat as the lure and catches them in hoop nets. The Indians buy them for ceremonies, he makes necklaces out of the claws from the bigger ones, and sells the meat for $4 lb. His best was a 40 lber. I believe he has to have a commercial license. He’s been doing it for years they call him Snapper Dan. Went with him a couple years ago we were in a ten foot boat with six snappers ooorah!!!