Diamond-backed Terrapin Application and License
Application, License and Harvest Reporting Forms
Statutory Authority: ECL 11-0905
A license is required to attempt to take (trap, capture, etc.) or assist in taking diamond-backed terrapin. Each person engaged in this activity must purchase a Diamond-backed Terrapin License. In addition, you must carry your Diamond-backed Terrapin License while taking, attempting to take, or assisting in taking diamond-backed terrapin. No other license is required.
Diamond-backed terrapin may be taken from August 1 to April 30 inclusive. Diamond-backed terrapin legally taken during the open season may be sold from August 1 until May 4. Diamond-backed terrapin must have a straight line upper shell length greater than four inches and less than seven inches to be legally taken, sold or purchased.
It is illegal to take, destroy or disturb the eggs or nests of diamond-backed terrapin in the wild. It is illegal to release diamond-backed terrapins to the wild without authorization of the Department, except that diamond-backed terrapin which are caught accidentally or incidentally, or which are not within the legal size limits, must be immediately released unharmed at the point of capture.
Diamond-backed terrapin may only be taken by dip nets, hand capture, seine nets or traps capable of capturing diamond-backed terrapin alive. Each trap must be marked with a tag bearing the name and address of the licensee and must be checked each day. Traps include, but are not limited to, hoop traps and pound nets.
To apply for this license, fill out, print and sign the Application and License Form (PDF) (378 KB). A check for $10.00, payable to NYSDEC, must accompany the application. Completed applications may be submitted by mail or in person to one of the NYSDEC Regional Wildlife Offices listed below.
Nassau and Suffolk Counties
Bureau of Wildlife
NYSDEC Region 1 Headquarters
50 Circle Road
Stony Brook, New York 11790
New York City Boroughs: Bronx, Kings, Queens, New York and Richmond Counties
Bureau of Wildlife
NYSDEC Region 2 Headquarters
47-40 21st Street
Long Island City, New York 11101
Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Westchester Counties
Bureau of Wildlife
NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters
21 South Putt Corners Road
New Paltz, New York 12561
Five (5) days following close of the season an Annual Harvest Report (PDF) (364 KB) is due. Mail or fax the completed Annual Harvest Report form to:
NYSDEC
Bureau of Wildlife
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
FAX: (518) 402-9042
