Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Over a decade actually! My daughter is getting bigger and bugging me to bring her hunting. So what has changed? Laws? New haunts? Where's the $#%*&( FAQ?

Seriously, don't pummel me too hard!

Welcome Back!

First... The laws that were very grey are now very black and white.
1. You can not hunt from the road or right of way.
2. You have to purchase a permit to keep native herps. (This is if you have more than 10 or something like that)
3. You have to purchase a permit to sell native herps.

2nd... Keeping GB's really hasn't changed much. Folks are experimenting with Calcium suppliments to increase the health/quality of animals and eggs. Hardcore locality folks are still around.

3rd... Animals still range in price. Usually based upon, looks, locality, luster, lineage... (wait a minute did I say luster??? Must be early) feeding vs nonfeeding/scented

Loads of posts in here and the law forum about the changes that occured in 2007.

Again best wishes on finding a GB for her Birthday!

Steven X

So no more highway cuts... Is that a state wildlife law? DOT? I guess we are now limited to field herping then, huh? I saw some posts earlier and they had some photos of the pecos river - that looked inviting....

It is enforced by DOT, TP&W, Border Patrol and local law.(Sheriff)

Field herping is legal.

Best Wishes,

Steven

I guess it depends on what field, huh? Here's what I got from Robert Macdonald at TPWD:

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It is lawful to collect nongame wildlife other than threatened and endangered wildlife (alterna are not threatened or endangered), in Texas; however, several rules apply:

1. The person doing the collecting must possess a valid resident or nonresident hunting license.

2. Collection is prohibited on public lands and waters, including public roadways and the rights-of-way of public roadways.

3. If you intend to collect or possess fewer than 25 specimens, no other permit is required other than a valid hunting license.

4. If you possess more than 25 specimens or intend to engage in a
commercial activity involving ANY nongame wildlife, you must purchase a commercial nongame permit.

I hope I have answered your questions to your satisfaction. If not, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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So if #2 is true, all public lands are off limits, not just roads and ROW. I wonder how well it would hold up if challenged? You can't require/sell someone a license and then prohibit them from using it. Or allow other hunters to hunt public lands and waters, but prohibit snake hunters from use of the same. There has to be a million common sense arguments.

This sounds like a State legislated vendetta born from some rich rancher's campaign contribution, not a law to protect snakes or hunters.

But I'm sure this has been covered in this forum a while back, huh?

the public/ROW laws are the result of some frustrated wardens that some how got the right person convinced that herpers are .....i dunno...the law is just illogical

Well, if someone would give me the HB number of the law, or better yet, a link to the actual law (not just a link to TPWL's interpretation), I'd be happy to get my guys on it for you.

>>Well, if someone would give me the HB number of the law, or better yet, a link to the actual law (not just a link to TPWL's interpretation), I'd be happy to get my guys on it for you.

The pertinent info with links to the laws is on this page

www.chihuahuandesert.com/

If you have questions or solutions call me at 210-860-0594
We are working on this still and we are cautiously optimistic.
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Herp Conservation Unlimited
Mexicana Group Directory
Photography by Joseph E. Forks

>>Well, if someone would give me the HB number of the law, or better yet, a link to the actual law (not just a link to TPWL's interpretation), I'd be happy to get my guys on it for you.

HCU is actively trying to get this stuff changed. Feel free to jump in with both feet, we could use the help. Email Joe Forks or any of the HCU board members (or myself) if you want to help coordinate efforts. Like Joe, I'm hopeful.
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HCU
Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas