Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just want to know what this bill means to reptile collectors in reference to what has chnaged. Did it just write our ability to do this into law ? Orare there changes that are restrictive in the law. I did read theamendments and I also hunt with ahawk so they both made sense, but what was the basic bill designed for.

Keith

If it passed without amendments. " If you see a snake in Texas on the road or on the side of a road just keep driving" it would make our yearly pilgrimage to the desert an Illegal Activity.
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"Life without risk is to merely exist."

It passed WITH amendments. It's legal to hunt the roads!

I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THE MISINFORMATION OUT THERE ABOUT THIS BILL! I worked with several reps, as did others, on the bill and getting it amended. THE AMENDMENT PASSED. Provided the state senate concurs this will become law. Under the bill it is clear that walking cuts and shoulders of roads to collect reptiles will be legal. I would not rely on the bill to ok use of an auto to road collect since other laws including driving laws may allow ticketing but generally road collecting is going to be ok in Texas. I want to point out the following:
1. According to reps I have spoken to the bill was not intended as an attack on herpers.
2. Some herpers who have called and written to reps about the bill have been exteremely rude and I made ridiculous arguments that were counterproductive to getting the amendment through. That type of behavior gives the whole community a bad name. It is not a right to collect reptiles under the law it is a privelege which can be controlled by the State. In my law practise I deal with politicians everyday. Simple, rational arguments are the best way to get your point across.
3. On the other hand many fine letters were written and they really helped. We need to write and thank the state reps who helped us.

Lets hope this bill goes through the senate.
Richard Strieber

Sorry about typos in previous post.Sentence should read "extremely rude and made"
Richard

From the Representatives point of view, I'm sure that it was not meant to target herpers - most of them didn't even know that we existed as a group before HB 2414.

However, I'm not convinced that the idea for this bill, if it originated in TPWD as has been suggested, was not a target at herpers. In fact, I think that it was aimed at us by certain individuals in LE. I just don't think that they told the Reps (Isett, etc) the whole truth about what they wanted the bill to target and instead painted a broad brush-stroke bill in the hopes of getting it passed under the radar.

Irregardless, it is now time to start forging a positive relationship with TPWD and our representatives. EVERY representative should receive a letter of thanks from us - since they all voted to pass the amended version of the bill.

Troy

I also have questions of the purpose of the bill. I am also a falconer and have been involved with the bill from the beginning. Although it clarifies many of the aspects of collecting on the roadways and the trapping of raptors, I still haven't figured out the real intent of the Bill. Texas herpers need to deal with the lawmakers in a civil manner and work with them when questions arise. The Texas Hawking Association has maintained a working relationship with TP&W for many years and has assisted with many of the current falconry regulations. The various herp groups need to keep a positive dialogue with these folks. Our intent is not to hurt the resource, but to have a positive impact of these activities for the future. Collecting in West Texas has been a passion for 51 years and I never miss an opportunity to visit my old haunts. I hope we all can continue to pursue this way of life. It isn't just a hobby!

Well said Steve, now get back to work! The nurses bell is ringing! I can hear it!

Wayne

Well said. Negativity only creates hostility. It IS amazing how much more you can get with a friendly, positive, attitude, instead of just venting frustration like a couple of 10 year olds...

After all it IS a: "Way of life!"

Zee
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"I am an expert on everything, but I know so little and have so much to learn!" -Carsten "Zee" Zoldy-