Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For those of you in TX, or who get out there to herp a lot, I was wondering how many folks have had luck finding alterna away from road cuts. Most of the alterna I hear about being caught were along roads and road cuts. Has anyone here had luck on private or public property away from cuts?

Just curious to know how successful this has been. I continue to hope to get to West TX for a few days of herping - maybe this spring (more likely toward the fall).

Also, while it is illegal to collect in Big Bend, I would assume in-situ photography would be perfectly fine? How squirrely do the authorities get about this?

Thanks,

Bill
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WJS Herps
Brooksville, Fl
Bill & Jennifer Smoot

The problems of hunting natural habitat are many. To start with , in the range of alterna, the natural habitat is mostly on private land where we are not welcome. The state and national park lands are off limits. If you were to find a place to hunt there are many dangers associated with hunting at night , in rugged terrain, where there are drug smugglers and illeagle aliens traveling regularly. If you are injured or attacked by man or beast there will be no help out there. I'm sure I've over looked other reasons but I;m sure others will add to this.
Our most reliable , traditional method of hunting alterna is on the roads and right of ways. This is a safe technique as well because you will not get lost along the roads. You will see other hunters which will help you if you have needs. You also have access to services such as law inforsement, ambulance and tow services when you hunt along the roads.

but its illegal....

THANKS! Bob for not posting a photo of Darth Vader for once!!!!BA

>>Also, while it is illegal to collect in Big Bend, I would assume in-situ photography would be perfectly fine? How squirrely do the authorities get about this?
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

For some reason my reply didnt show up above-

They are SO squirrely about it that it is now the rule in BBNP that no one can use an artificial light source OF ANY KIND (this includes headlights!) to "observe wildlife" anywhere in the park! This even though the park's own literature recommends observing desert wildlife at night with lights! Crazy, huh?
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

Best idea is to not cut through the park at night. If you do so at your own risk don't stop for anything. No matter how much you are tempted.

Take Care,

SXO792

I would like to see them enforce that Bullshi*. You cannot legally enforce something like that espcecially when it's in their little book as saying the best way to observe some animals is at night. HHHM..., sounds like some kind of lawsuit to me. That is crazy!!

Wayne

It would make for an interesting challenge for someone who only saw the pamphlet recommending lights and had on reason to know about the ban. Any of us would likely be nailed to the wall. I think our best bet would be to argue discriminatory enforcement by documenting that the ban is only enforced against herpers (if that is indeed the case -as I suspect it is).

how does one look like a herper????

>>how does one look like a herper????

Shining a cheap flashlight on a DOR snake in order to decide if it needs to be run over again = non herper = "Good evening folks, I hope that snake didn't scare you too badly."

Shining an expensive flashlight on an AOR snake while trying to take a photograph and make sure it makes it off the road = herper = "Please stand over there while I search your vehicle."

Back in 92-94, I spent a large amount of time hunting the Black Gap area away from the road. Typically I would spend 6 hours per night walking with battery pack and spotlight. In 30 some nights I collected two alterna and one celaenops that way. Back then Heath Canyon ranch allowed this activity. I'm not sure it's still open. I also collected one alterna in Val Verde county this way. After spending lots of time doing this and working cuts, my opinion is that working cuts is more productive but walking in the field works. I also find hunting away from the road to be very pleasant. You'll burn a lot of calories and sweat a lot doing it though.

who was your companion on the pleasant forays off the ROW.....2 alterna in 30 nights......how does that compare to your road hunting???.....do you have a number???......

Andy is still out there Dan and he still allows collecting but you have to stay at his facility. I did this once and you're right! It's a mother! Plus you freak out all the Mexicans across the river. Looks like some kind of ghost to them up in the mountains! They all talk about seeing a strange light bouncing around early in the morning.

Wayne

" Plus you freak out all the Mexicans across the river. Looks like some kind of ghost to them up in the mountains! They all talk about seeing a strange light bouncing around early in the morning."

LOL

>>Andy is still out there Dan and he still allows collecting but you have to stay at his facility. I did this once and you're right! It's a mother! Plus you freak out all the Mexicans across the river. Looks like some kind of ghost to them up in the mountains! They all talk about seeing a strange light bouncing around early in the morning.
>>
>>
>>Wayne
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Herp Conservation Unlimited
Mexicana Group Directory
Photography by Joseph E. Forks

"They all talk about seeing a strange light bouncing around early in the morning. "
Maybe you solved the mystery of the "Marfa lights"
All this time it was a herper with a stubby.
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Regards, Bill McGighan

I was just thinking the exact same thing!
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