Reptile & Amphibian Forums

All,

I have read the feedback and want to let you know that yes, I did try and get a lower payment on the lobbyist. He may still do it for less but I don't know. Some $ is better than NO money. Let me know.

I do NOT support High Impact Commercial Collection. I support Low Impact Commercial Collection. I want to keep our ability to commerce in sustainable amounts of EVERY non-protected herp species. I DO support captive propagation of protected species as well and VERY regulated harvest of founder animals. I want to keep the ability of the private person to commerce in herps in small amounts and I want to eliminate High Impact Commercial Collection. If species are that much in demand then they should be captive bred. Bag limits is the answer here not bans and "white lists".

We are not selling out our brothers. All HB 1309 does is monitor exotic venomous and large (this is the part that needs amending)constrictors. Yes it would be great to have NO regs but that isn't going to happen. IF Hilderbran wants to monitor exotics so what? We want to herp from the roads right?

We need to sit down with him and talk this out. I don't know what Dave Barker and the others are doing about HB 1309 but Hilderbran seems to want a meeting. Let's give him one. I would like to be a part of any meetings with TPWD and the legislators in regards to herp regs. Although, I respect many of your opinions in regards to the commercial end of things this is my business so I will be attending these meetings. Yes, I sell animals for research, zoos, museums and hobbyists and I want to continue to be able to offer specimens in small amounts to those people that are interested in them.

We need to call Rep. David Farabee (HJR 70) and get his support with HB 2414. I already have a call in to him. I also have several calls into Hilderbran. I can go to Austin next week to get this done.

Ideas thrown out. I have seen alot of ideas thrown out on the forum but NOBODY steps up to do anything. Outside of Troy, Daryl and Lance. I know everyone has been writing their Reps that is not what I mean. There has been mention of someone contacting all the west TX businesses. Who is doing that? There has been talk of contacting the herp societies. Who is doing that? Who is going to post on all the forums on kingsnake? Who is going to post on Fauna and Venomous.org? Ideas are great and we have alot of them but we need to know that you have an idea AND that you are going to do that idea.

I can be reached by cell 352-256-4000. I have no problem with Joe being the $ man. Let me know how I can help. I will let you know if hear back from Hilderbran and Farabee. Who is communicating with Gallego? Ask him what we need to do to kill this thing.

Take Care,

Mike Welker
El Paso, TX

relax - we are making progress the old fashioned way. Please remain calm cool and collected (no pun intended) when dealing with our Reps.

We won't need the Lobbyist by Sunday, but that's not to say we need one at a later date.

Best
Joe

Ditto, relax, I am checking with BSA, a pretty powerful conservation minded group, maybe you think it's lame but I have some great ears there, ex-highway patrol, super-savvy computer techs, teachers and yes lawyers, doctors,people with $ if necessary. I think we are doing what we can and will be there to watch this thang burn down in the Senate! I respect your right to conduct your business, and we are not slackin'! I see a powerful movement comin' down the pipeline, IF we keep our heads! UNITED we stand, divided we fall. DAMN the torpedoes, full steam ahead, I regret that I only have one pair of subocs togive for my freedom!!!
Todd Hughes

If Hildebrant is willing to talk we should definitely accomodate him! I was up there with Dave Barker for the meeting for 1309 and got the impression that they were willing to compromise.

As for myself, 1309 is a minor thing compared to the enormity of 2414!

Brad Chambers

those talks are taped and linked on the main front page at kingsnake.com

Mike,
Your help is definately appreciated and you've done allot. Ideas are just that however. Ideas and strategies must play out. Some work, some don't. There are LOTS of us doing what we can behind the scenes, calling, writing, meeting with people, ect. Allot more is being done off of this forum than is evidenced here. Like any team effort, all members must participate for the team to be effective. You're knowledge of the process is invaluable and has educated me in many aspects and I thank you for taking the time to learn and post. I've used some of what you've posted in conversations with folks that I've spoken with. The 40K I think scared some folks but unfortunately, we're operating behind the curve ball now and playing catchup. If everybody does their part, this team of ours may ultimately prevail. Keep learning, following the process, keep posting and we'll keep reading. Joe has offered to be the point man for money transactions, Troy is getting letters of his org's together and sent off, all of us are calling, this issue has been posted on many forums, a few have it on their websites (like mine), and this issue is VERY public.
Trust me, they know we're posting about this stuff. I just hope the ones that are sympathetic to us don't get upset because of it. If you guys are reading and want your names kept off of here, PLEASE let us know. We WANT to be in your good graces and you're help is GREATLY appreciated.
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Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas

Mike thank you for your contributions. I was not up to speed on 1309, hence my negative comment below. I am ok with monitoring venemous and large, just not all out prohibition. My $200 is there for when we need it, and significantly more if it is needed.