Ketter's also deals in wild flesh like snapping turtle. A five-pound package of semi-boneless meat from the shelled creature can be had online for $90.

It was trying to make that kind of bank that got Ketter's in trouble.

Acting on a tip from a patron who claimed there was a hoard of turtle meat inside Ketter's, DNR officers executed a search warrant in late June. In addition to finding 23 live turtles and 243 shells, officials seized almost 3,000 pounds of packaged snapper meat.

A state fishing license allows for taking up to three turtles. However, Minnesota law forbids nabbing the animals in May and June, which is when they lay their eggs. The DNR's investigation found that the turtles had been caught and sold to Ketter's during the prohibited season.

Kevin Ketter, age 54, was charged by the Becker County Attorney with possessing out-of-season snapping turtles. Jordan Ketter, age 21, and 54-year-old Darwin Bartel were charged with taking snapping turtles in a closed season.

"What they were doing is that they were buying them from people who were bringing them in," says DNR Capt. Stacey Sharp. "They did not go out and physically trap or catch or whatever all of these snapping turtles. People were bringing them into them and selling them.… As far as how many people were coming in the back door and selling them snapping turtles, I have no idea."

Snapping turtles can be caught in traps or hooked by baited fishing lines. An additional $25 state license is required when using floating or submerged traps, hooks, and other commercial angling gear. The animals can weigh over 22 pounds and live as long as 100 years.

"I don't know if [snapping turtle meat] is a high demand thing," Sharp says, "but evidently some people want it and that's why people are in the business selling it."

Both Ketters and Bartel are charged with misdemeanors, which carry a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Kevin and Jordan Ketter couldn't be reached for comment yesterday despite repeated calls to the Frazee butcher shop. Bartel's published phone number has been disconnected.