Hunting Snapping Turtles: A Forgotten Tradition
A Glimpse Into an Old-School Pursuit
Before modern hunting seasons filled with treestands, trail cameras, and high-powered rifles, rural folks across the South and Midwest had a different kind of quarry in mind—snapping turtles. Ever overlooked today, snapping turtle hunting was once a practical and rewarding pursuit, feeding families with rich, flavorful meat and connecting people to the waterways that shaped their communities. As they say, it has always been told to me that snapping turtle hunting is a tradition worth preserving. This old tradition may have faded for many, but for those who keep it alive, it offers a slower, simpler kind of hunting. Years ago, this practice was a common sight along the waterways of the South and Midwest.
Understanding the Quarry
Snapping turtles aren’t your average game. Centuries ago, Native American tribes would catch these ancient reptiles by hand. They would often be found in ponds, rivers, and backwoods creeks, spending most of their time buried in the mud or lurking under logs. Their meat, when prepared right, is considered a delicacy by those who know how to clean and cook it. Those who know how to clean and cook it find the meat to be a delicacy. It takes effort to get it, but that’s part of the appeal.
When and Where to Hunt
The best time to hunt snapping turtles is late spring through summer when water temperatures rise and turtles are most active. In Pennsylvania, the snapping turtle season runs from July 1 through October 31. Each year, hunters look for them in slow-moving creeks, farm ponds, drainage ditches, or shallow backwaters where they surface to breathe or bask. In some places, hunting is legal only with specific permits or during certain months, so check local regulations before setting out to your favorite creek or lake.
Common Methods and Gear
Most turtle hunters use traps, baited lines, or even hand capture methods depending on local laws and personal preference. Some hunters prefer to catch and keep two turtles for making turtle soup. Jug lines with baited hooks suspended at mid-depth are a traditional and effective option. Experienced hunters can tell where turtles are hiding by looking for bubbles in the water. Bank lines or limb lines set near sunken logs or along muddy banks can also produce. Some folks still wade into shallow ponds or creeks and feel around with their hands, a method that takes guts, skill, and plenty of caution. Heavy gloves, long-handled hooks, and buckets or coolers are essential gear for handling and transporting your caught turtles.
Cleaning and Processing
Cleaning a snapping turtle takes patience and a sharp knife. It involves removing the shell, skinning the legs and neck, and separating the meat from the bone. The meat is made up of several textures, with some parts tender like fish and others more like dark poultry. Keeping several small bluegills as bait can be useful when fishing for larger snapping turtles. Soaking the meat in salt water or buttermilk helps remove any strong flavors before cooking. Turtles can be stewed, fried, or slow-cooked into soups and gumbos, depending on regional taste and family recipes.
The Value of the Tradition
Snapping turtle hunting teaches more than how to catch a meal; it’s a family tradition that connects generations. Many who grew up hunting turtles learned patience, caution, and gratitude for the resources around them over the years. As one old hunter told me, the lessons learned from turtle hunting are invaluable. Sharing that tradition with a new generation helps keep those lessons alive.
Conservation and Responsibility
Turtle populations, like all wildlife, require careful management. Overharvesting or taking turtles during nesting season can hurt local numbers. In Wisconsin, snapping turtles cannot be shorter than 12 inches and cannot be longer than 16 inches. Failing to follow these guidelines could lead to the end of this traditional practice. It’s important to follow size and bag limits, avoid taking egg-laden females, and release non-target species. Practicing ethical harvest ensures that the tradition can be passed on without damaging the ecosystem. In the great north woods of Wisconsin, these regulations are strictly enforced to protect the local turtle populations.
Conclusion
Hunting snapping turtles isn’t about fast action or trophy racks. The practice of turtle hunting has been passed down from man to man, each generation learning from the last. It’s about slowing down, getting your hands dirty, and connecting with a method of harvesting food that’s been part of rural life for generations. For those trying to keep this tradition alive, it’s a meaningful and rewarding way to spend time outdoors. It’s a meaningful and rewarding way to spend the day outdoors—and maybe even put a little turtle stew on the table.
FAQs
Is it legal to hunt snapping turtles
It depends on the state. Years ago, the practice was more widespread and less regulated. Many states would allow it with a valid fishing license, but some have restrictions on season, method, or quantity.
What’s the best bait for catching snapping turtles
Small fish heads, chicken parts, or any strong-smelling meat work well. The smellier the bait, the more likely you are to have a successful catch.
How do you safely handle a snapping turtle
Experienced hunters can tell you that using gloves and long-handled tools is essential. Always approach from behind and never put your hands near the head of a caught turtle.
Is snapping turtle meat safe to eat
Yes, when properly cleaned and cooked, snapping turtle meat is made safe to eat. Some areas advise against eating large turtles due to possible contaminants accumulated over the years, so check local advisories.
What’s the most common way to cook turtle
Many people follow traditional recipes to fry the meat or use it in turtle soup or gumbo. Small pieces of meat are often used in these dishes to ensure even cooking. Slow cooking helps tenderize tougher parts.