Well after I just posted a reply I got a response from the Texas Parks and Wildlife director and here is the response:



Mr. Kinney; (Spelled my last name wrong)



I was asked to respond to your recent email concerning rattlesnake round-ups

in Texas. Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.Texas Parks and Wildlife is committed to protecting all species of wildlife in Texas. Five years ago we implemented regulations concerning rattlesnake harvest in Texas, so we would have better data on the extent of the take and sale of nongame species.



Based on 4 years of data, it appears that about 20,000 rattlesnakes are captured and sold each year in Texas. While we realize the information we receive from annual reports isn't perfect, we feel that this level of harvest is unlikely to have significant impacts on rattlesnake populations statewide.



It is our Department's position that the hunting of common wildlife species is acceptable as long as there is no adverse impact on statewide populations and the survival of the species. Rattlesnakes are common in Texas and we see no reason to treat them differently than any other hunted species.



We hear from a number of constituents each year who are concerned about other aspects of rattlesnakes round-ups, such as the treatment of the animals, the potential for misinformation, and the 'entertainment' that occurs at these events. (We hear from a number of people that support round-ups as well.) While these are important social and ethical concerns, they do not fall within the regulatory authority of our agency.



In Texas, only local municipalities have the authority to regulate and enforce animal welfare issues. And it is also up to these local communities to determine the image they want to portray to the public. The best approach is for concerned citizens to express their concerns regarding humane treatment to the local communities involved in round-ups.



Thank you for your interest in Texas wildlife.



John Herron

Program Director, Wildlife Diversity

Texas Parks and Wildlife



This was my orginal post to him:

Hello,



I am writing to you because of the travesty that takes place annually in Texas. It's called the rattlesnake roundup. I think that this tasteless disrespect for wildlife should be stopped at once. I don't how an act such as this is still going on after so many years. This does nothing to benefit nature or humans. It would be one thing if these rattlesnakes were bred for this purpose but to let barbarians pillage the earth for just pure satisfaction is ridiculous and cruel. So I write to the defenders of wildlife to help put a top to this carnage and maybe educate the barbarians that commit this act, and help them understand how vital a role rattlesnakes play in the ecosystem.



Sounds to me that he just does not care. I will have to write him again and again until I get a better response. That is bunch of crap he just told me. Feel free to write in as well.

Thanks, Josh

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