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Whats state has the least amount of regulation as far as keeping, collecting and keeping of native and non-native species?

I know this probably isn't the proper forum for this question but I wanted the opinion of people here that I know and trust.

I know that Califronia and Georgia are out and probably AZ. I would think one of the southern states has the least amount of laws regarding herpetoculturists. Maybe LA, Kentucky, SC, Texas?? Or how about about NM or Nevada?

Someone recently mentioned to me New Mexico being extremely herp tolerant. The only city I have ever heard anything negative about here in Texas is Houston due some sort of large constrictor ordinance. Other than that I am only aware of laws restricting collecting and keeping of Texas Indigos, LA Pines and Brazos Water snakes. Tom Stevens

I agree with Tom...I think Texas is one of the "snake friendly" snakes. There are some city ordinances throughout Texas restricting large constrictors...Houston and Corpus Christi are two cities I can think of, but I know there are more.
For collecting snakes one must purchase a hunting license. If you want to collect in larger quantities than I would ever you must obtain a permit for doing so. And there are some protected species as Tom mentioned....
I too have heard New Mexico is herper friendly...I don't think you can keep an alterna if you found one there....

John Lassiter

I'm in oregon and they seem to have pretty few restrictions.
There are some snakes you cant have but not many. Mostly venomous if i remember right.
Native species are legal to keep but not sell and they require no permit for venomous and dont care about large snakes.

i think a state with some regulations protecting snakes is more snake-friendly than one without. A very interesting and provocative question.
terry

>>Whats state has the least amount of regulation as far as keeping, collecting and keeping of native and non-native species?
>>
>>I know this probably isn't the proper forum for this question but I wanted the opinion of people here that I know and trust.
>>
>>I know that Califronia and Georgia are out and probably AZ. I would think one of the southern states has the least amount of laws regarding herpetoculturists. Maybe LA, Kentucky, SC, Texas?? Or how about about NM or Nevada?

In South Dakota all you need to collect non-protected native species is a fishing license, this includes prairie rattlers-whos gonna use rattlers for bait......

For non-native species there is no regulation as far as i know.

City laws have restrictions of course but if you live in a rural setting you can keep just about anything except protected native species like the redbellied snake.

As far as "snake-friendly goes" we are alot better than the southern states, we don't have rattler roundups. Also alot of farmers and ranchers tolerate non-venomous species like bullsnakes and gardners, though they are quite willing to kill a rattler if they come across one.

Ky is not one of them like you thought it might be. Technically to bring anything into the state you have to get a permit. Also if you keep more than 5 of any native species than you need a permit. If your going to sale or breed you have to have a permit. Also they do not distinguish between subspecies so that means california kings are considered to be native to kentucky. Venomous are getting ready to be outlawed along with all crocs and i've heard rumors of large constrictor legislation coming soon

South Carolina fas few laws, and all that is needed to possess any reptiles is a licence from dept.of natural resorces which cost alittle of nothing, and i've yet to see that inforced by any game wardens that i know.

In South Carolina you do not need any sort of license to keep or to collect snakes. I know the DNR's reptile person, who breeds Pituophis, and he knows that I catch and keep native snakes, yet has never said anything at all about any permits. There are even people who take others out on well-advertized herping expeditions in this state for pay. The only one you would need a permit for is the Eastern Indigo. Venomous are allowed and are sold at reptile shows in South Carolina. As far as being "snake-keeper/collector" friendly, SC is probably the best, plus we have a pretty wide variety of native snakes.

Sharon McKenzie

Janesville WI city ordinance says you cannot keep any venomous reptiles at all. Also no "constricting type" of snake. I doubt they really mean any constricting snake but they specify boas and pythons, also no snakes over 4 ft. in length and no "exotic" animals. Theres also rumor of a guy who walked in the local Petco with a red tail boa where he actually bought the snake and the manager called the police and they came and took it away. This rumor aside most people do not know about this law (ball pythons and red tails are always sold at the pet shops) and most people are safe owning them but the city does enforce it when brought to their attention.