Montclair State University, in cooperation with the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, has developed a short on-line survey to gain a better understanding of the harvest of snapping turtles in the state of New Jersey.

The state currently allows both recreational and commercial harvests of turtles throughout the year in fresh waters of the state except during the nesting season from May 1 to June 15th. Recreationally, "Any person with a valid fishing license or those entitled to fish without a license" may take up to three snapping turtles a day either by traps or by hand for personal consumption only (may not be sold). Additionally, commercial snapping turtle harvesters pay $2 for commercial permits that allow the harvest of snapping turtles in excess of the daily limit from specified fresh waters.

The purpose of this survey is to obtain information on the number of anglers who recreationally harvest snapping turtles within the state and public opinion on rules and regulations governing their harvest. Even if you do not harvest snapping turtles in New Jersey your input and opinion is important.

All anglers, 18 and over are asked to participate. All individual responses are strictly confidential.