Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've reproduced the post by RandRinSand below because I think it should go to the front of the class. The cat is now out of the bag!

Here is what I just received from the office of Pete Gallego via e-mail.......

Mrs. Engeldorf
I just visited with Matt from Representative Isett's office. Here is what he said...

The purpose of the bill is to prevent people from outside of the state to come to rural Texas and take reptiles out of Texas back to their home states. Texas Parks and Wildlife contacted the office regarding the bill. They said this has been a big problem and has caused the population of reptiles in certain areas to decrease. The intent of the bill is to preserve certain species of reptiles.

If you have any other questions feel free to let me know

Thanks

Katherine Frolow

State Representative Pete P. Gallego

Texas State Capitol - 4S.5

(o) 512-463-0566

to TP&W's policy to not influence legislation that I have been hearing about.

I am wondering if we have grounds to pool our resources for some kind of class action suit? So far the judicial branch is the only side that has not come out in this... lets bring them in to round things out and make it fair.

Who out there is a herper and an attorney? I will sign my name, just let me find a pen....

Lance

I can set you up on this. I will be speaking with him tonight!! I will post about this later. He has helped me out in a city as well as a federal matter!

Wayne

I am not in a strong financial situation right now, but will put 100% into anything that can make a difference.

I will have my pen ready....

Lance

§ 556.006. Legislative Lobbying

(b) This section does not prohibit a state officer or employee from using state resources to provide public information or to provide information responsive to a request.

I've got an email into TPWD right now asking them specifically about the email from Gallego's office, especially in regards to this very question.

Troy

Sounds like a good idea, from the post below sounds like this is now aimed at nonresidents, blaming us for depleating reptile numbers. Sounds like a excuse to get this thing passed then shut herping down for everyone. Last year i was in West Texas for 2 weeks, spent $2500 dollars and brought home 2 snakes. I hope i didnt cause the species to go on the verge of extinction! That is $1250 per snake,could have stayed home and bought them for $200. I think they are now trying to divide us, trying to get the local herpers on their side, when this is done they will shut it down for every one. Iam willing to contribute to a fund to hire an attorney to halt this thing, just say the word. This is a bunch of B.S. Clark

"Who out there is a herper and an attorney?"
Lance,
Isn't Dave Long's herpin' buddy Brett Nelson (from Ohio if I remember correctly) and attorney as well? I seemed to recall Dave saying something of the sort several years ago when I ran into them one night on 277. Dave, if your out there, care to shed some light?
Nathan

The perfect attorney would be locally in Austin, but anybody qualified to evaluate and file a case in Texas would not be passed up. At least that is my opinion.

Lance

So should we copy this email and attatch our response to this?

Some points to mention:
1)Most Texans would be prohibited too as they don't have land or access.

2)Ask for study supporting any delines. If only turtles are delining point out that effectivly banning all collecting of all herps is not a fair solution.

3)Ask how many commercial licenses were sold to out of staters.

4)Ask how many out of staters who did not purchase a commercial license but did purchase a hunting licencs have been caught with over the limit.

5)Ask how can roadside collection cause declines when the roadside makes up probably less than 1% of available habitat.

I would be down right offended if I were you, as a Texas resident I am embarrassed.. how many years have you been buying an out state license to come down here and herp with us locals? Me, I shake your hand every time you show up, sit down for a meal and some stories... You are sportsmen that should be encouraged to visit our beautiful state.

Now we have TP&W openly directing policy through our legislature to limit the type of tourist coming hear to legally participate in outdoor recreation sporting activities.

What they are doing is wrong and you should be very very loud about it.

I would even go as far to suggest that you get your local (non-Texas) representative up to speed. They should be outraged that they you are not welcomed in Texas. Maybe with some luck one or two of them will make some contact

Lance

Sounds like a good idea, i think i will contact my Rep here in MO. We have some of the best Turkry Hunting in the US and dont discriminate who comes here to hunt on public land or private. I personally now people that come from TX every year to hunt. Clark