Approved On: May 19, 2022
Effective On: Jan. 1, 2023
- It is unlawful for a nonresident to harvest any aquatic turtles.
- It is unlawful for a resident/business to: 1) import for commercial propagation or sale of aquatic turtle species native to the state; or 2) operate tackle, harvest, propagate, purchase or sell any wild-caught aquatic turtles for commercial purposes without the following permits:
- An Aquatic Turtle Harvest Permit and a Resident Fisheries Conservation License are required to harvest and sell wild aquatic turtles.
- An Aquatic Turtle Harvest Helper Permit is required to assist in the harvest or to operate the properly tagged tackle of a licensed aquatic turtle harvester. Helpers must possess a Resident Fisheries Conservation License.
- An Aquatic Turtle Farmer/Dealer Permit (see Addendum J1.02 for Approved Species for Commercial Culture of Aquatic Turtles) is required to engage in the: 1) importation of aquatic turtle species native to the state for commercial propagation or sale; or 2) the harvest, propagation, purchase, sale or export of wild-caught or propagated aquatic turtles. A Wildlife Importation Permit (Code 09.10) is required for the importation of aquatic turtle species native to the state for commercial propagation or sale.
- An Alligator Snapping Turtle Breeder/Dealer Permit is required to possess, buy, sell or offer to sell alligator snapping turtles or their eggs. Alligator snapping turtles longer than 5 inches curved carapace length may not be sold, bartered, traded, or transferred without written approval of the Commission. An affidavit form provided by the Commission specifying the transaction type (transfer or sale), party type (individual or business), and number of turtles, shall be submitted to the Commission.
- All sales of wild-caught aquatic turtles must comply with the transaction and reporting requirements of Code 34.07.
- A Wildlife Importation Permit (Code 09.10) is required for the importation of aquatic turtle species native to the state for commercial propagation or sale.
EXCEPTIONS:
- Fish farmer permittees may depredate or relocate aquatic turtles impacting commercial aquaculture production without a permit. The harvest and sale of aquatic turtles from aquacuture facilities requires the possession of a valid Aquatic Turtle Harvest Permit.
- Fish markets selling only dressed turtles for human consumption in Arkansas are not required to have an Aquatic Turtle Dealer Permit.
- Non-resident Fisheries Conservation License holders may take aquatic turtles in compliance with Code 34.12.
PENALTY: Class 3