OK HB1650

Removes mesh size restrictions for nets and traps used in commercial turtle harvesting, eliminating the previous requirement of minimum 3-inch square mesh or 2-by-4-inch mesh with eight 4-by-4-inch escape holes.

Requires all traps to have identification tags displaying the owner's name and license number along with names and license numbers of all persons authorized to operate the traps or nets.

Restricts commercial turtle harvesting to private ponds with owner permission and municipal lakes with written permission from municipal authorities.

Mandates traps and nets be cleaned and emptied at least once every 48 hours, and requires any game or nongame fish caught during turtle operations to be immediately released.

Effective date is November 1, 2015.