The law in Wisconsin
Wisconsin lets licensed anglers and small game hunters take common turtles from 15 July to 30 November, with a limit of 5 of most species and 3 snapping or softshell turtles. Ornate box, wood and Blanding's turtles are protected and may not be taken or kept without an endangered species permit. Selling native turtles is illegal for almost everyone.
Selling. Selling live native amphibians and reptiles is illegal, except for holders of a Class A Captive Wild Animal Farm licence selling certain species under set conditions. Legally harvested dead turtles and parts may be sold during the open season only. No state codification of the 4-inch rule found.
Keeping. The possession limits apply to native Wisconsin turtle species regardless of where they came from: 5 of each species, 3 snapping turtles and 3 softshells on inland waters (10 and 5 on boundary waters and the Mississippi). Ornate box, wood and Blanding's turtles may not be possessed without an endangered species permit. No limits found for non-native turtles.
Wild turtles. Open season 15 July to 30 November with a small game or fishing approval; residents under 16 are exempt from the licence but not the limits. Snapping turtles must be 12 to 16 inches carapace length. Legal methods are hand, dip net, hook and line, setlines, bank poles and tagged hoop net traps checked daily. Eggs may not be taken.
Release. No specific rule found; releasing pets is still a bad idea.
Who to ask. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: Wisconsin DNR, turtle harvesting regulations (Wis. Admin. Code NR 19.275); Wis. Admin. Code NR 19.275 Turtles (Wis. Admin. Code NR 19.275). Last checked November 5, 2026. Our confidence in this summary: medium. This is a plain-English reading, not legal advice; the agency has the final word.
Reptile vets
- My Pet's VetGlendale, Wisconsin
General practice in the Milwaukee area that states it cares for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, guinea pigs and other small mammals. 414-540-1377.
- UW Veterinary CareMadison, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin teaching hospital whose special species service treats turtles, tortoises, snakes and lizards, including imaging, egg binding care and minimally invasive reproductive surgery in chelonians. Weekday appointments. 608-263-7600.
Rescues and adoption
- J&R Aquatic Animal RescueNeenah, Wisconsin
Nonprofit exotic animal rescue founded in 2020 that takes surrenders of reptiles, fish and other exotics at its Neenah facility and rehomes them through an adoption application and adoption events. Its Petfinder listings have included map turtles, Reeves turtles and Greek tortoises. Ships: local adoption only. 920-558-4015.
Breeders and stores
- Reptile RaptureMonona, Wisconsin
Reptile store on Monona Drive near Madison open seven days a week, selling reptiles and invertebrates from its own breeding room plus supplies and feeders, with shipping available and a reptile rescue program. The site does not list turtles or tortoises specifically. Ships: ships nationally; pickup in Monona. 608-221-0094.
Sellers that ship here
- LLLReptile and SupplyOceanside, California
Reptile retailer with eight stores in California, Arizona and Nevada, including Oceanside, Escondido, Menifee, San Diego, Chandler, Glendale, Henderson and Las Vegas, that stocks tortoises and turtles along with other reptiles and supplies. Also sells and ships animals online. Ships: ships nationally; store pickup available. 760-439-8496.
- My Turtle StorePort Richey, Florida
Online seller of aquatic turtles, tortoises, food and supplies that says it has operated for over 40 years and changed ownership in late 2024. Live animals ship by air only within the contiguous United States and are held when forecast lows are below 38 F. No statement about the FDA 4-inch rule or animal sizes was found on the pages read. Ships: contiguous US only. 656-777-1509.
- Snakes at SunsetMiami, Florida
Online seller of captive-bred reptiles with a Miami address that lists turtles such as pink-bellied side-necks and Fly River turtles plus a tortoise category. Ships FedEx Priority Overnight to all states except Alaska, Hawaii and the District of Columbia, and its turtle page cites the federal rule against selling turtles under 4 inches, with 4 inch juveniles offered. Ships: all states except AK, HI and DC.
- XYZ ReptilesPalmetto Bay, Florida
Breeder and online retailer of captive-bred reptiles with turtle and tortoise categories, shipping overnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with a live arrival guarantee. Does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico, and its turtle page states that turtles and tortoises under 4 inches are offered for educational, scientific or export purposes only, not as pets. Ships: all states except AK and HI. 305-305-5998.
- New England Reptile DistributorsPlaistow, New Hampshire
Reptile breeder and shop known as NERD, with a facility in Plaistow that offers tours and sells pythons, boas, lizards and other animals in person and online with priority shipping. Its terms state that turtles and tortoises are sold for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: ships nationally; pickup in Plaistow. 603-382-2772.
- Jungle Bob's Reptile WorldSelden, New York
Long Island reptile store open daily that sells tortoises, turtles, lizards, snakes, amphibians, feeders and supplies, with in-store pickup, local delivery and nationwide shipping of supplies. Ships: local pickup; ships supplies nationwide. 631-737-6474.
- Redfoot RanchAlice, Texas
Home-based breeder of red-footed and other tortoises and turtles, formerly in Wimauma, Florida and now in Alice, Texas, selling hatchlings and other sizes by mail order. Ships throughout the continental United States and to Alaska, with pickup possible near Corpus Christi, and its terms state that tortoises and turtles under 4 inches are offered for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: continental US and AK. 727-421-5542.
- ReptmartOnline
Online seller of captive-bred reptiles only, with turtle and tortoise categories. Live animals ship FedEx Overnight Monday to Wednesday with a live arrival guarantee, not to Alaska, Hawaii or the District of Columbia, and its terms state that all turtles and tortoises under 4 inches are sold for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: all states except AK, HI and DC.
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