Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm a herper residing in FL, but I've been planning on making a future cross-country trip to do some catch-it-and-release-it hunting accross the entire SW of the US. How can I help in the fights going on in ther various states for our rights as reptile/exotic enthusiasts? Thanks, and I'll do what I can to help!

~Krystie
2:1 collared lizards
2:2 blue-bellied fence lizards
1:0 frilled dragon
0:0:1 baby iguana
0:0:3 ball pythons
0:0:2 rose haired tarantulas
0:0:1 unknown tarantula

Hello, this a cut and paste of Eby's post below

There is still cause for lots of hope. Many herpers and our supporters are doing a lot of behind the scenes work. As with 2414, some things are best kept off public forums. We are exposing lots of dirty secrets and hidden agendas.

Keep calling and writing ALL Texas politicians (be civil and professional). Post links and updates everywhere you can. Joe's webpage should be linked or copied all over the web. Make people aware of what HH is trying to do.

Unfortunately, HB 12 is a popular bill (with the obvious exception of the 2414 and 1309 riders). My gut impression is that he wants to veto it, call a special session, and send it back for correction. However, such a bold move will cost him lots of political capital and require lots of support from the public and politicians.

Lobbying our representatives and senators to personally and publicly request that the governer veto HB 12 and call a special session to correct this legislative abuse is our best play at this point.

As we do this, we also need to continue gathering info, exposing dirty tricks, and looking for loop holes and grounds for legal challenges.

Copied from one of my prior posts...

Start with the Governor. Then the reps and senators for any areas that you herp or spend herp dollars. After that, move on to the reps and senators that were on the various committees that handled HB 12, HB 2414, and HB 1309. Next, focus on reps and senators from other herp and round-up hot spots. After that, just go down the list. As a tourist to Texas, you have an absolute right to be heard by any and all Texas politicians.

It would be helpful to mention estimates of your planned tourism dollars that the state stands to lose.

who is going to take some action. I can't say who and I don't know what, so we'll just have to see how it plays out BUT

THE PHONES ARE NOT BURNING UP ENOUGH!! KEEP THE CALLS COMING, GO DOWN THE LIST!