Reptiles & Amphibians
License Requirements
- Basic Resident or Non-Resident Fishing License.
Methods for Collecting or Catching These Species
The regulations listed below apply to all frogs, salamanders, lizards, snakes, turtles and related species. All reptiles and amphibians caught are for personal (non-commercial) use only. These regulations do not include alligators. For alligator regulations visit www.wlf.la.gov. Always check with an LDWF Enforcement Office if you have questions.
ILLEGAL METHODS OF TAKE FOR ALL REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
- Removal of nesting or nest-tending animals 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.
- Additional illegal methods of take are species specific and are grouped accordingly.
Species You Cannot Harvest
- Tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
- Southern red backed salamander (Plethodon serratus)
- Webster’s salamander (Plethodon websteri)
- Mud salamander (Pseudotriton montanus)
- Red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber)
Threatened or Endangered Species
The following federally listed threatened and endangered, or prohibited species are off limits for recreational take. Civil and criminal penalties may apply for taking the following aquatic species. If any of these protected species are incidentally caught, they must be released unharmed immediately:
- 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 map turtle (Graptemys oculifera)
- Dusky gopher frog (Rana sevosa)
- Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)
- Louisiana pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni)
- Black pinesnake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi)
Wildlife Management Areas and State and Federal Lands
WMAs, state refuges and federal lands may have specific regulations regarding open seasons, harvest and gear restrictions. For state or federally regulated areas refer to the “WMAs, Refuges and Federal Lands” section on WMAs, Refuges & Federal Lands.
Turtles
ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLES
- No size limit.
- Take is limited to no more than one snapping turtle per day, per person, per vehicle/vessel.
DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS
- Must measure 6 inches or more carapace length.
- Legal during all months except between the dates of April 15 - June 15.
- It is illegal to take this species by a trap of any kind.
BOX TURTLES
- Take is limited to two box turtles per day.
- Possession is limited to four box turtles of the genus Terrapene at any time.
TURTLE EGGS
- No turtle eggs may be taken except for those of the red eared slider.
TURTLE TRAPS
- Traps must be checked daily.
- Must be marked as “turtle trap.”
- Must be open above water to allow breathing.
- Must be constructed as a horizontal, single-throated device.
- It is illegal to possess finfish while turtle trapping.
Frogs
LEGAL METHOD OF TAKE
- 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 or spears.
ILLEGAL METHOD OF TAKE
- Possession of firearms while taking or hunting frogs at night is prohibited.
BULLFROGS and PIG FROGS
- Length requirements (measured from tip of the muzzle to the posterior end of the body between the hind legs)
- Bullfrogs harvested must be 5 inches or larger.
- Pig frogs harvested must be 3 inches or larger.
- Frogs harvested on private lands, ponds or waters where the individual is an authorized representative are not limited by length requirements.
- Harvest is legal during all months of the year except April and May.
