Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Although work was heavy 2 nights ago, I was able to see several snakes on the roadway. We were too busy to stop for any of them so I figured last night might be good as well. I headed out around 9P and didn't see a single snake until around 11P. Then it was like someone flipped a switch. Snakes started crawling everywhere. I found the following onver the next 2.5 hours:
5 AOR atrox
3 DOR atrox
1 DOR Mex Hognose
3 AOR Bullsnakes
1 AOR Emory Rat
2 AOR Checkered Garters
1 DOR annulata
1 AOR annulata (pictured)
1 AOR Texas Longnose
I'm going to have to go back out again tonight. This road in Dimmit County has proved pretty good for annulata.

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Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas

beautiful annulata, great pic and great post jason!!/jon

thanks
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Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas

I heard road cruising was illegal in Texas, was this a public road or dirt?

Although, I don't get into this discussion much. I don't collect so even IF that law applied to snake cruising, it doesn't apply to photographers..
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Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas

Actually, what I read stated that road crusing for snakes violates the vehicle safety code. I am asking because I may be moving to Texas and my favorite way of herping is also road cruising. I dont collect either, so if you are right, that will make me much happier about moving to Texas.

There are several laws that "may" apply. You will get 100 different interpretations of laws that may or may not apply depending on what herper or law enforcement officer you speak with. That is the main problem in my opinion of laws regarding road cruising in Texas.

I have written to Texas Parks and Wildlife for their interpretation of illegal road cruising. The letter I received back included more gray area than black and white. In a nutshell, the head of TP&WL law enforcement wrote that road cruising for snakes in and of itself is illegal. HOWEVER, according to the letter, (in so many words) if one were to see a snake, pull safely to the side of the road, WALK back and pick it up, it would be OK. Keep in mind; this is how I interpreted it. This is what I have always done anyway. Stopping in the middle of a public roadway violates Texas Traffic Codes anyway, not Parks and Wildlife code. So any Texas peace officer, Warden, Deputy, etc. can issue a citation. Also, contrary to what some may tell you, Game Wardens are considered peace officers in the State of Texas. This means that they can enforce any TP&WL code, Texas Traffic Code, or Texas Penal Code law. Some other things to consider: Spot lighting from a vehicle on a public roadway is illegal, failure to dim head lights is illegal, hunting snakes without a hunting license is illegal (be sure to look up the definition of hunting in the TP&WL code). Some non-game regulations also apply if you plan to sell or collect significant numbers. There are several other laws that may apply in given situation.

The problem with discussing this issue is that almost every person on an internet forum 8 years old to 80 years old; if he/she has posted more than twice becomes an expert on all things or an internet attorney. This being said; the above statements are my interpretations and are not meant as legal advice. I’ve been herping in Texas pretty much all my life and have never had a problem with a Game Warden. In fact, one of my best friends is a Texas Game Warden.

Get your hunting license, say within the law, be glad you’re moving to Texas and enjoy the wide variety of herps in our wonderful state.

I've included the link to the TP&WL code for your reading pleasure, if you're interested.

Respectfully,
Jason Penney

Texas Parks and Wildlife Code

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Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas

Yeah I read about not being able to use lights from the vehicle or stopping on the road. That is not how I cruise. I hunt by pulling over and going back and catching and then releasing away from traffic. Im glad that youve helped me understand me understand the laws there, I thought that no cruising thing was lame. I, however, plan to move closer to Dallas or San Antonio. Do you have any advice on how to find good roads by map? That farm road seems excellent, I never have that much luck out here in California. I want to cruise new places but I dont know how to find roads. We tried once by map and searching for roads upon arrival but we failed. Nobody is willing to share their spot (Im not either so its not like I dont know why).

Thanks for all of your info. Oh, and that was a nice rattleless WDB. I know someone locally that has been hunting for twenty something years and he found and kept a mojave with no rattle.

Beautiful snake.

Thanks, looks like you have some very good pic opportunities there where you're at too..
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Snakes of Hudspeth County, Texas