Mich. DNR Rules on Collecting Herps
Here are the DNR rules for collecting and selling herps. They are covered under fishing licenses:
Amphibians and reptiles MAY NOT be shot with firearms (including spring, air, or gas propelled) or bow and
arrow. The following shall not be taken or possessed except as authorized by the Director of the Department
of Natural Resources: Blandings, spotted, wood, and eastern box turtle; black rat snake, eastern fox
snake, copperbelly watersnake, kirtlands snake and massasauga rattlesnake; boreal chorus frog, Blanchards
cricket frog; smallmouth salamander, marbled salamander; all reptile eggs; and amphibians and reptiles
protected under Part 365 (Endangered Species) of 1994 P.A. 451. For further information, ask for list FO-224.
Personal Use: A fishing license is required to take frogs and turtles for personal use and as such may not be
bought, sold, or offered for sale. Hand, trap, nets, seines (up to 12 x 4 feet overall dimensions), and hook
and line may be used. Set lines may not be used to take turtles. Frogs may be speared but NOT with the aid
of an artificial light. Traps used (or possessed) in areas frequented by reptiles must have a plate or tag
attached bearing the name and address of the user in legible English. For taking turtles, no more than three
(3) traps may be used, mesh traps must be no less than one (1) inch mesh, and traps must be set to allow
turtles to surface and breathe.
Commercial Use: A commercial amphibian and reptile license is required to take turtles and frogs for
commercial sale. The take is restricted to snapping turtles and green frogs ( Rana clamitans). License
applications are available from DNR Customer Services (517- 373-1204).
