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No season
Alligator Snapping Turtle in Kentucky, Status and Law
Alligator snapping turtles in Kentucky: closed to hunting, with the rule, penalties and similar legal species.
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie (Public domain)
The status of alligator snapping turtles in Kentucky
Alligator snapping turtles have no hunting or trapping season in Kentucky for 2026-27. May not be harvested.
May not be harvested.
Source: Guide p. 29 (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources); checked November 10, 2026.
Seasons that share ground with alligator snapping turtles
Hunters and trappers working snapping and softshell turtles are the ones most likely to meet alligator snapping turtles.
| Season | Area | Dates | Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turtles | Statewide | Mar 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027 | No limit |
Source: Guide p. 29 (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources); checked November 10, 2026.
What unlawful take of alligator snapping turtles can cost
KRS 150.990 sets the penalties that can follow a case involving alligator snapping turtles; each animal counts as a separate offense.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Each animal a separate offense | Each animal taken, possessed or sold and each device used illegally is a separate offense; license may be forfeited for the license year. |
| General violations | $50-$500 fine where no other penalty is fixed; some sections (e.g. KRS 150.360 road/vehicle rules) $50-$500 and/or up to 6 months. |
| Deer, turkey, bear (KRS 150.390) and illegal entry (150.092(4)) | $100-$1,000 and/or 30 days to 1 year; license forfeited 1-3 years; replacement cost of deer, turkey or bear. |
| Elk | Illegally taking or possessing a wild elk: $1,000-$5,000 and/or up to 6 months, replacement cost or double gain, license forfeited 1-3 years. |
| Trespass to hunt (KRS 150.092) | 1st offense $100-$300; 2nd $300-$1,000; later offenses 1-year license forfeiture and $1,000+ or up to 1 year jail; liable for property damage. |
| Telecheck false information | Entering false information in Telecheck is unlawful. |
| Quota hunt rules | Hunters who break quota hunt rules cannot apply for any quota hunt the next year and lose preference points. |
Source: KRS 150.990 (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources); checked November 10, 2026.
Turning in turtle poachers
Saw someone take alligator snapping turtles? The line is 1-800-25-ALERT.
Source: Guide p. 3 (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources); checked November 10, 2026.
Kentucky legal groups next to alligator snapping turtles
Big game, small game, furbearers, migratory birds and the other legal species, set against the protected list that holds alligator snapping turtles.
| Group | Members |
|---|---|
| Big game | white-tailed deer, elk, black bear and wild turkey |
| Small game | gray squirrel, fox squirrel, eastern cottontail, northern bobwhite and ruffed grouse |
| Furbearers | mink, muskrat, beaver, raccoon, opossum, gray fox, red fox, least weasel, long-tailed weasel, river otter, bobcat and coyote and 1 more |
| Migratory birds and waterfowl | mourning dove, white-winged dove, Eurasian collared dove, Virginia rail, sora, common gallinule, purple gallinule, American woodcock, Wilson's snipe, sandhill crane, American crow and ducks and 8 more |
| Other | bullfrog, groundhog, snapping turtle, softshell turtles, house sparrow, European starling and exotic (non-native) hoofed wildlife |
| Eastern spotted skunk | Protected or closed |
| Alligator snapping turtle | Protected or closed |
| Birds of prey and native songbirds | Protected or closed |
| King rail | Protected or closed |
| Federally threatened or endangered species | Protected or closed |
| Wild pig | Protected or closed |
| Black bear (cubs, small bears, denned bears) | Protected or closed |
Source: Guide p. 12 (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources); checked November 10, 2026.
White-tailed doe among fall leaves at a woods edgePhoto: Lynn Freeny (U.S. Department of Energy) (Public domain (U.S. Government work))
White-tailed doe and fawn in a weedy fieldPhoto: Jason Lupardus (National Wild Turkey Federation, posted by Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area) (Public Domain Mark 1.0)
Mallard drakes resting on rocks in pink sunset waterPhoto: Strolling Shuttereyes (CC BY 2.0)
Alligator Snapping Turtle questions
What penalties apply to taking alligator snapping turtles?
$50-$500 fine where no other penalty is fixed; some sections (e.g. KRS 150.360 road/vehicle rules) $50-$500 and/or up to 6 months. Each animal taken, possessed or sold and each device used illegally is a separate offense; license may be forfeited for the license year.
How do I avoid mistaking alligator snapping turtles for legal game?
Snapping and Softshell Turtle: No limit. Season rows: Turtles (Statewide): Mar 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027.
Who sets the rules for alligator snapping turtles?
The guides summarise KRS and 301 KAR; the regulations themselves are on apps.legislature.ky.gov. The 2026-27 Kentucky Hunting & Trapping Guide is the KDFWR summary used here.
When does the orange rule reach trappers?
Anyone afield near alligator snapping turtles during a deer firearm or muzzleloader season, trappers included, wears unbroken orange on head, back and chest.
Can I raise or sell alligator snapping turtles?
No possessing, buying or selling live native wildlife without permits; orphaned wildlife only by licensed rehabilitators.
What does KDFWR say about landowner permission?
Verbal or written permission required to enter another person's land to hunt, trap or fish; railroad tracks and rights-of-way are private.
Is it legal to harass alligator snapping turtles with a drone?
No manned or unmanned aircraft (drones) to hunt or harass wildlife.
Why is there no turtle season?
May not be harvested.
How do I report alligator snapping turtles problems?
Report wildlife violations to 1-800-25-ALERT. May not be harvested.