Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Despite a long standing tradition that defined animal as a terrestrial vertebrate for purposes of hunting a bird or animal in Texas, it appears that TWPD is willing to sacrifice any remaining political capital it might have in an unenforceable attempt (IMO) to close the loophole that exists for invertebrates under HB12!

Three to four weeks ago, a friend of mine who was coming with me to Texas to collect beetles and other insects, was given assurances by Robert McDonald, Regulations Coordinator-TPWD, that Section 44, HB12, DID NOT APPLY TO INSECTS AND OTHER INVERTEBRATES. This morning, MR. McDonald changed his tune.
Apparently, he changed his tune because wardens were suddenly encountering quite a few bug collectors out in the field and were reporting having problems enforcing the new law-lol.

What a disgraceful attempt to bend the law to fit enforcement. I think the proverbial @#@# is about to hit the fan!!!!

R

Now why would that come as a surprise to anyone? Several posters have expressed their intentions to now be "bug collectors" to somehow circumvent this new Texas law. It has also been noted that TP&W monitors this tread. How many shots to your own foot can you guys take!

Steve,

The only surprise I have is the audacity of taking accepted law and redefining or reinterpreting it in an obvious attempt to suit their enforcement. I don't think I've ever seen that happen before.

R

Anyone up for some geology? Maybe tell how old certain rock cuts are by the layers of limestone? Yep, time to look at rocks!

Can you send me a copy
LanceBenton @ sbcglobal DOT net

McDonald's representations are oral. His support for the sudden change is written and posted on the private forum - scroll down until you see my post "McDonald's support" etc.

R

I just wanted to see if he was willing to go on record with that stance or if he was just talking.

Thanks

Lance

That's why I asked DE to confirm...didn't he already have a contact with McDonald established where McDonald went public with something else? There's too many things I have to remember