REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN REGULATIONS

Reptile and Amphibian regulations apply to frogs, salamanders, lizards, snakes, turtles and related species. They do not include alligators. In order to collect non protected reptiles and/or amphibians for non commercial purposes (personal use as food, bait, etc), all residents and non residents must possess a Basic Resident or Nonresident Fishing License.
Removal of nesting or nest tending animals is prohibited.

• Traps must be checked daily.
• Turtle traps must be open above water to allow breathing, be marked as “turtle trap” and be constructed as a horizontal, single throated device. No additional gear license is required for a turtle trap.
• Possession of finfish while turtle trapping is prohibited.
• Use of gasoline to flush animals from hiding places is prohibited.
• Natural cover such as stumps and logs may not be destroyed while searching for animals.
• Frogs may be taken using any visible light and mechanical devices known as frog catchers or with devices that puncture the skin such as gigs and spears.
• Possession of firearms while taking or hunting frogs at night is prohibited.

Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) and pig frogs (Rana grylio) may be taken year round except during the months of April and May.

No person shall take or possess bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) that are less than five inches in length, nor take or possess pig frogs (Rana grylio) that are less than three inches in length. Length is measured from the tip of the muzzle to the posterior end of the body between the hind legs.

Exception: Frogs under the legal length may be taken from privately owned ponds or waters by the owner thereof or his authorized representative and may be sold for the purpose of stocking ponds or waters.

Alligator snapping turtles (Macroclemys temmincki):

A. Size Limit: No size limit.

B. Bag limit: One per day per person, per vehicle.

Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) may not be taken by trap of any kind and may not be taken between April 15 and June 15. Must measure six inches or more carapace length.

Turtle Eggs: No turtle eggs may be taken except for those of the red eared slider (Trachemys scripta), wherever found.

Box turtles: No more than four box turtles of the genus Terrapene may be possessed at any time, and only two may be taken per day.

RESTRICTED - THREATENED/ENDANGERED REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

The following species may not be taken or collected from the wild in Louisiana: tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), southern red backed salamander (Plethodon serratus), Webster's salamander (Plethodon websteri), mud salamander (Pseudotriton montanus), red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber), and threatened or endangered species (green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), ringed sawback turtle

(Graptemys oculifera), dusty gopher frog (Rana capito).