When the state surveyed/monitored alterna collection numbers over a 3 year period, they determined that the number collected from the wild was miniscule when compared to the available habitat.



The only thing that matters is "is the take biologically significant?" and our current data suggests that it is not. Furthermore, the take is certainly less here in the 00's than it was in the late 80's and early 90's right after de-listing (and quite possibly less than during the 70's and 80's when it was protected, judging from old timer's stories).



I've caught 34 since 1987, and I've yet to let one go (although I'm at the point that if I caught one from Val Verde or even eastern Terrell Co that didn't fit in with my breeding groups that I would).



Finally, some people "get" the mystique of alterna, some never do. If you'll be happy with pairing up your Crockett snake, I'd suggest that you don't "get" the mystique. I'm rather a diehard, and I expect that hunting alterna will be part of my annual herping experience for the rest of my life, although over the past few years, my herping endeavors have changed to include a lot more travel outside of Texas . . .



Troy

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