Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This sad state of affairs has rapidly changed my opinion of TPWD.
I had a great deal of respect for a number of the people who seemed to have been involved in this. In my law practise I have represented public officials who have had ethics complaints filed against them but my over all knowledge in the area is limited. Maj. Sinclair's memo about getting the general public involved is troubling in several ways. First, I am surprised that he seems to view reptile hobbyists different from hunters and fishermen or for that matter falconers. Secondly, I believe that TPWD may have some ethical issues concerning lobbying for the ban. There seems to be some desire in TPWD to ban reptile collecting all together instead of policing with resonable regulations in the manner of other states. This is perplexing given that the Dept. has historically been pro-sportsman. Until now I never realized the extent of TPWD's, particularly its law enforcement division's, disdain for reptile hobbyists. Perhaps they don' t realize that reptile hobbyists come from all walks of life: teachers, doctors , lawyers, bankers and wage workers. We are a cross section of the Texas population and deserve to be listened to and treated with respect. With that said I will help fund HCU or any organization that takes a reasonable approach to having this law reversed. I have personally spoken to over a dozen legislators ,dems and repub, about this and can confirm that they were not aware that the house amendment had been disregarded. I hope that TPWD will come to understand that reptile hobbyists are not a "criminal element" as they seem to think. As a caution, I am of the belief that the outcry from herpers will cause some in the department to dig in their heels which is a common human reaction when a position is challenged. Please everyone be firm but be polite. I am taking this position because I believe it is right. I don't even keep Texas herps.
Richard Strieber

Richard,
My heels are dug in firmly. I'll see you tomorrow.

Best
Joe

Claws extended, heels dug in, ready, steady, go!
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Todd Hughes

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