When Is It Legal in New York to hunt Snapping Turtles?

Three people were recently caught illegally hunting snapping turtles in a lower Hudson Valley river. But is there ever a time that harvesting these ancient giants is actually legal?

The amount of different hunting seasons (and the manner in which hunters can harvest their prey) might be surprising to some Hudson Valley residents. While deer and even bear hunting might be commonplace, there are other, lesser known animals that are also legal to take.

Three lower Hudson Valley residents were recently caught illegally hunting snapping turtles... but is it ever legal to harvest them? (Canva)

Lesser-Known Hunting Seasons in New York State

Fur trapping, for example, is legal in-season for animals ranging from beavers and mink to coyote and foxes (find the legal trapping seasons here). There is also a hunting season for one species of New York turtle.

Snapping turtles are the only turtle in New York State legal to hunt (Canva)

Hunting Turtles in New York State

While the lower Hudson Valley residents allegedly broke the law in their attempt to harvest the reptiles, snapping turtles are in fact the only turtle in New York that is legal to hunt... with some exceptions.

When Is It Legal to Hunt Snapping Turtles in New York State?

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservations shares that open season for snapping turtles in New York State is between July 15th and September 30th. There are also only two legal ways to harvest them.

Snapping Turtle Hunting Season in New York

While in season, snapping turtles may only be hunted with a firearm or a bow, not with a flashlight and net as was reported in the recent incident. A hunting license is also required, and harvested turtles must measure at least 12 inches long.