>>I would like to take the time to thank all those that went to the HB 1500 hearing, but most of all JASON PENNY. His hard work has really shown on this issue. I would also like to thank all the LEGISLATURES that offered their support to us and gave us time to speak out on this matter over the last month or so.
>> For those of you that for what ever reason did not appear, call, fax or email their opinion, whether it was good bad or indifferent, for shame on you! The snake hunting community tends to be lazy and complacent, hopefully by the time the senate hears this issue we will all have woken up and can take a few minutes to support this issue.
>> And last but not lest when sending your letters or emails talk with some of the folks (Jason Penny, Joe Forks) that have been to the hearings so that you may respond in a way that will be most needed, make all letters short, courteous and to the point, the legislatures are busy they don't want to hear about grandmas gout or your dads impotence.
>>
>> Jeff Adams
As much as I'd like to take credit for some things, this whole thing has been an effort put together but large group of people from HCU, South Texas Herp Society, West Texas Herp Society, Austin Herp Society, et al. Troy Hibbits, Roy from the Outback Oasis Hotel, Anne (from the Austin Herp Society), Toby Hibbits, Travis LaDuc, Andy Price and many others hit the ball out of the park with their testimonies in from of the house committee. Make no mistake if this were a one or two man show, this would not get done. Its dependent upon everyone doing their part and we are no were near being done yet. Joe Forks has taken this bull by the horns, hired a lobbyist been in talks with the co-author of this bill Rep. Farias from San Antonio. Wayne Howell has been working with his Rep. who looks like he's going to co-author this bill as well. My part has been no bigger than anyone else. We are going to get this thing done with everyone's help but it requires everyone's help.
Everyone reading these forums has the opportunity to become part of the political process and become part of the history of herping in Texas regardless of age. There was a 16 year old girl that was brave enough to stand up in front of a house committee and a room full of grouchy herpers and give testimony. She did an awesome job and I wish I could remember her name to thank her publicly. When this law passes, she will be able to tell her friends that she was a vital part of its passage. The committee members where very impressed by her and she helped us allot.
Last but no means least, Rep. Tracy King deserves all of our thanks. He put his name and his reputation on the line writing this legislation for us. His legal dept. led by LaTronda (last name withheld in case she does not want it public) has worked tirelessly on this issue for us. She really wants to see this pass AND has even agreed to go on a herp trip to Sanderson with her son 
Her son must have some pull because I think she's deathly afraid of snakes. The committee members did listen to us and I truly believe they understand that we are not a bunch of nuts raping the environment for monetary gain. I think they understand now that what we do is a hobby and we love the animals that we pursue. The speakers in Austin portrayed us as we are, normal people that enjoy finding a widely misunderstood animal.
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HCU
Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas
