Those of you who are uncertain of the recent HB 1788 interpretation, or are planning a trip to West Texas, please see e-mail communication with Game Warden Captain Robert Newman (El Paso) ;



The legal folks say that the bill did not get the required votes in both

houses and will not take effect until September 1. Even if it had, that

means that the law goes into effect but the department still has to do

certain things under the law before folks are able to hunt under this

law (which they have not yet done and therefore you would still not be

able to hunt immediately even if the law was in effect). This is not

unusual for a hunting, fishing, and boating law. A new law normally goes

into effect on Sept. 1 and the new provisions for that law are in place

and they start then.



You will not be able to hunt under this bill until next year. The same

rules we are under now are still in effect.



Please pass this along to others that may be interested, I know there

are some out there saying that the law is in effect and they are going

to hunt. If they are caught violating the law, they will probably be

filed on criminally and possibly civilly then end up fighting it in

court. Also, these violations would probably be used as statistics the

next time the bill is challenged.



I hope this answered your questions, if not let me know.



Captain Robert Newman

Texas Game Warden







-----Original Message-----

From: John Craft

Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 1:09 PM

To: Robert Newman

Subject: Quick question



Captain Newman,



I have been a reptile enthusiast for several years. In 2007 a bill was

passed that banned reptile collection from the roads and right of ways.

This month, TX HB1788 passed, allowing the take of reptiles from the

unpaved shoulders. The language of the bill states that it is to take

effect immediately if it was passed in the legislature with a 2/3

majority, which it did.

My question is how will this bill be interpreted and enforced in the

counties you preside over? Please give consideration to the many reptile

enthusiasts, like myself, who have been waiting for the day that we can

resume our pursuit. Many of us have held the tradition of visiting West

Texas for this sole purpose for several years. I am planning a trip to

Alpine during the 4th of July weekend, and would like to know if I will

be within my rights to collect reptiles from the ROW as outlined in the

bill.

I appreciate your consideration of this and look forward to your

response.



Sincerely,



John Craft

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