Well here's the response from the govenor of Indiana, actually it's not even from him it's from his representative. Let me know what you think about it. I say we all email him some more. 
Dear Mrs. Rinard,
Thank you for contacting Governor Daniels about the event known as Snapperfest.
Snapperfest is an annual event at a private campground in Indiana at which individuals are timed on how quickly they can capture a common snapping turtle, coax the turtle to stick its head out of its shell and hold the neck without getting bit.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources investigated this matter and had a presence during the most recent Snapperfest, including undercover officers at the event. To our knowledge and from onsite observation, the abuse of the snapping turtles is not allowed at Snapperfest.
Much of the attention brought to this year's Snapperfest was due to the wide circulation of a video on YouTube. The event organizer informed IDNR that contest rules prohibit participants from smacking turtles on the ground as seen in this video. Additionally, the individual seen on the YouTube video is forbidden from future participation in the event.
The IDNR has an interest here to the extent of ensuring that all applicable laws are followed with respect to a wild animal.
The common snapping turtle is one of three turtles considered a game species in Indiana. The other two are the smooth softshell turtle and spiny softshell turtle. All three are subject to state laws that regulate their taking from the wild. Those laws include the purchase and possession of a fishing or hunting license for anyone age 18 or older, plus a daily bag limit and possession limit. Furthermore, Indiana law prohibits the sale of all native turtle species.
Many individuals who have voiced objection to Snapperfest point to the animal cruelty laws found in Indiana Code 35-46-3. However, that law is not applicable in this instance because it provides an exemption for wild animals that are legally taken and possessed under the authority of Indiana Code 14-22.
Thank you for your active citizenship.
Sincerely,
Shelley Reeves
Governor's Liaison for the Department of Natural Resources
RESPONSE NOTICE:
Please do not respond to this e-mail. The e-mail account is not set up to accept replies. If you wish to send another message, please submit it through the Governor's website contact page at www.in.gov/gov/2631.htm. Thank you.
Dear Mrs. Rinard,
Thank you for contacting Governor Daniels about the event known as Snapperfest.
Snapperfest is an annual event at a private campground in Indiana at which individuals are timed on how quickly they can capture a common snapping turtle, coax the turtle to stick its head out of its shell and hold the neck without getting bit.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources investigated this matter and had a presence during the most recent Snapperfest, including undercover officers at the event. To our knowledge and from onsite observation, the abuse of the snapping turtles is not allowed at Snapperfest.
Much of the attention brought to this year's Snapperfest was due to the wide circulation of a video on YouTube. The event organizer informed IDNR that contest rules prohibit participants from smacking turtles on the ground as seen in this video. Additionally, the individual seen on the YouTube video is forbidden from future participation in the event.
The IDNR has an interest here to the extent of ensuring that all applicable laws are followed with respect to a wild animal.
The common snapping turtle is one of three turtles considered a game species in Indiana. The other two are the smooth softshell turtle and spiny softshell turtle. All three are subject to state laws that regulate their taking from the wild. Those laws include the purchase and possession of a fishing or hunting license for anyone age 18 or older, plus a daily bag limit and possession limit. Furthermore, Indiana law prohibits the sale of all native turtle species.
Many individuals who have voiced objection to Snapperfest point to the animal cruelty laws found in Indiana Code 35-46-3. However, that law is not applicable in this instance because it provides an exemption for wild animals that are legally taken and possessed under the authority of Indiana Code 14-22.
Thank you for your active citizenship.
Sincerely,
Shelley Reeves
Governor's Liaison for the Department of Natural Resources
RESPONSE NOTICE:
Please do not respond to this e-mail. The e-mail account is not set up to accept replies. If you wish to send another message, please submit it through the Governor's website contact page at www.in.gov/gov/2631.htm. Thank you.
