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MPR News Staff

DNR busts Minnesota snapping turtle poachers, frees turtles

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Snapping turtle
Snapping turtle.
Courtesy of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Three Becker County men face charges tied to the illegal taking of snapping turtles in Minnesota following an investigation by the state Department of Natural Resources.

Kevin R. Ketter, 54, of Frazee, was charged with possessing snapping turtles in a closed season, while Jordan M. Ketter, 21, and Darwin D. Bartel, 54, both of Frazee, were charged with the taking of snapping turtles in a closed season, the DNR said in a statement Monday.

Conservation officers executing a search warrant in late June at Ketter's Meat Market in Frazee found and later freed 23 live snapping turtles.

Other turtles weren't so lucky. The DNR said it also found 243 snapping turtle shells, and 291 10-pound packages — nearly 1.5 tons — of turtle meat.

"State law prohibits taking snapping turtles in May and June. The investigation revealed the turtles were being taken during this closed season and were being purchased / possessed at Ketter's Meat Market," the agency said, adding that each man was charged with a misdemeanor, which carries a sentence of up to 90 days or a maximum fine of $1,000, or both.