Can you??? Because if you can't (and it sounds pretty damn stupid and cruel to me!) than someone should tell the folks at The Wisconsin Department Of Natural Resources (of all places!) Under the "Current Status" section.

http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/factsheets/herps/WTURTLE.HTM

If, for some reason, this is an OK practice than I'll withdraw my
comments.