Importation laws?

I was reading the venomous snake laws, and noticed mention of an "importation permit" to buy out of state non-native species. Is this correct or am I miss-remembering? Do you need an additional permit to buy venomous snakes from out of state?

Note: I am not experienced enough to begin keeping hots yet, I just like to know my rights.

FalconPunch,

Welcome to our forum.

It's great to have you join us.

If you buy a snake from out-of-state, venomous or nonvenomous, make sure you

keep all of your paperwork (your receipts, etc.)

You do not have to have an "import permit" per se, for nonnative venomous snakes,

but you must obtain a Noncommercial Breeder's License from the ODWC even though

you may not intend to breed your snake(s).

Refer to "Local Laws" on this forum and then click on "2011 Oklahoma Hunting

Regulations for Reptiles and Amphibians".

Your cage(s) for your venomous snake(s) must also meet ODWC standards and they

will come inspect your setup.

If you decide to keep native reptiles/snakes nonvenomous or venomous, you can not

keep more than 6 of any one species.

I hope this helps.

Thanks so much. That does help a great deal. Sounds like I might as well get the NC permit no matter what just to make life easier. Is it illegal to sell snakes period if I get a NC permit? I know you can sell a few puppies every once in a while without a permit, so what is the deal with snakes?

You can find that information in the same section.

A good "rule of thumb" to remember is that you can not sell native herps.

If you legally collect a native herp, you can release it, give it away or trade it, but you

can't sell it.

If someone attempts to sell you a native herp, I'd just walk away.

You can sell nonnative, legal [check the ordinances for the city or town where you live

and make sure it's legal to keep the snake(s) you want] snakes.

(In Midwest City I can not keep any venomous snakes, native or nonnative.)

If you plan to breed and sell the offspring, you'll need to get a Commercial Breeder's

License also.

Thank you, I believe you answered all my lingering questions!

You're welcome and again welcome to the forum.

FalconPunch wrote:Thanks so much. That does help a great deal. Sounds like I might as well get the NC permit no matter what just to make life easier. Is it illegal to sell snakes period if I get a NC permit? I know you can sell a few puppies every once in a while without a permit, so what is the deal with snakes?

Depends on if they are native to Oklahoma or not. Larry has all the answers to those ques. And he can send to info on links to find out. I think everyone new and old ask him all the time. He could probably quote some in his sleep!