I support the prohibtion of gassing rattlesnakes, however, there is no need to use the words "commercial collection." This is done, in my opinion, to demonize commercial folks. This is an issue about using a toxic substance not whether the snakes or their parts are sold.

Now, whether they are harvested sustainably is a valid issue. As long as the animals are sustainably harvested then whether they are kept, sold or processed is inconsquential. We need to always defend our rights to harvest sustainably and sell those sustainably harvested animals. Further, we need to counter negative sterotyping and clear up any mis-information about our hobby and businesses.

I would recommend that everyone writing to TPWD about this issue express their concerns about them using "commercial collection" as negative sterotyping. Also that you support prohibition of this activity because it destroys these refugea and is unsustainable.

Welkerii

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