Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've hunted West Texas since the 60's and it's always been the norm to look off yonder and say, "wouldn't it be great if we could hunt "over there." And it would be.

The State of Texas and TP&W has taken away a traditional pastime and a widely accepted, legal method of observing and collecting reptiles. If we fail at overturning these regulations it may very well be that we find ourselves leasing the rights to private properties. So be it. However, I find the discussions of hunting leases for snakes to be premature and not particularly worthy of our consideration at this time. More important efforts are needed to return the situation to the way it was before, *with the least amount of concession.*

It is important to stay on top of things for sure. Weigh all of our options. But I find all of this talk of land leases for snake hunting because TP&W took our rights away, well, defeatist in tone. TP&W reads these forums and the impression they are getting is that some people are ready to accept the inevitable and start paving the way to paid, private lands collecting. That's exactly what they want us to do. Then we'll shut up and just go away.

If after all efforts are exhausted and road cruising and shining the cuts is a thing of the past permanently (which I don't believe for a second), private land options can and should be explored. However, if that happens, Ginger and I will not be returning to West Texas. For the most part we do not collect specimens anymore but it is the principle of the thing. West Texas is our favorite place to visit but night hunting in rugged, dangerous terrain is not an option for her. And the truth of the matter is that she is my favorite hunting partner. If she can't go, neither will I.

So my point is that we should refrain from worrying about private land leasing at this time and put all of our resources, money, and considerations into having our rights returned in full.

Terry Vandeventer
Mississippi

Private land is obviously not an option for everyone. IMO it is only an option very experienced, fit, armed expert herpers traveling in pairs or groups. Not for very young or very old herpers.

I wonder if anyone thought about Handicapped Herpetologists? This law discriminates against Handicapped persons.

Forks

There, that's the ticket!

Don't forget us old farts. I don't qualify as handicapped but age and hips preclude any serious field work. Time to get my electric wheelchair up and running.

JH

Terry,

I couldn't agree more. I think all ALL OPTIONS other than private land will be explored very shortly, and will be pursued vigorously given the under-handed way this went down.

R

I could not agree with you more. Hunting private land is fine, in fact I bought land 2 years ago so I could do just that. But there is a principal here and that is that they are banning an activity for no good reason. It is not fair to the public and not fair to other bussinesses to push it onto private land only. I for one will boycott paying for any lease that was not already owned by a herper until we have resolved this.

As was mentioned in addition to young, elderly and those just plain afraid to accept the inherent risks of the wilderness, the handicapped are to be considered. I met a wheelchair bound herper in Del Rio last year, they exist.

>>As was mentioned in addition to young, elderly and those just plain afraid to accept the inherent risks of the wilderness, the handicapped are to be considered. I met a wheelchair bound herper in Del Rio last year, they exist.

I need that man's name. I believe the American's with Disabilities Act might come into play.

Assetto should have it, I called him and left a message.

Agreed, Terry. I am fit enough and can do it, I simply will not go quietly into the night, until our rights are put back in place. This is a bogus law and takes from those who could never afford a lease and are doing good just to get to west Texas. But this is heritage, something worth fighting for. I haven't felt like this on many issues, I know it directly concerns my chosen activities, but the Alterna page and other literature are rich in stories and lore surrounding the Bend, and I for one won't let it go into the legends or tall tales section!
Todd Hughes