Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is commercial collecting of herps illegal now in Texas?

The regular license lets you collect up to 6 individuals of any one non-protected species and up to 25 individuals of all non-protected species combined.

You used to be able to also buy an additional license that would let you commercial collect and exceed the 6/25 bag limit rule. Now I hear that additional license just lets you exceed the 6/25 bag limit rule but it doesn't let you sell anything. Is that true? If so, is there some other license you have to buy now or is there just no way to legally commercial collect in Texas anymore? If so, are there exceptions for rattlesnakes taken for roundups, skins or food and/or certain turtles taken for food?

For the record I have no intention of commercial collecting, I just like to stay abreast of the laws. If it's true that there's no provision to commercial collect in Texas anymore I would be suprized that something that big could happen without any noise.

Also for the record I am not against commercial collection as long as it's legal and sustainable. It's just not something I would usually want to do, although I suppose if it were legal I might make an exception for a friend who just wanted a pair or two of something.
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www.hcu-tx.org/

Actually you're partially correct-commercial collecting is prohibited-but only on the right-of-way.

>Is commercial collecting of herps illegal now in Texas?
>>
>>The regular license lets you collect up to 6 individuals of any one non-protected species and up to 25 individuals of all non-protected species combined.
>>
>>You used to be able to also buy an additional license that would let you commercial collect and exceed the 6/25 bag limit rule. Now I hear that additional license just lets you exceed the 6/25 bag limit rule but it doesn't let you sell anything. Is that true? If so, is there some other license you have to buy now or is there just no way to legally commercial collect in Texas anymore? If so, are there exceptions for rattlesnakes taken for roundups, skins or food and/or certain turtles taken for food?
>>
>>For the record I have no intention of commercial collecting, I just like to stay abreast of the laws. If it's true that there's no provision to commercial collect in Texas anymore I would be suprized that something that big could happen without any noise.
>>
>>Also for the record I am not against commercial collection as long as it's legal and sustainable. It's just not something I would usually want to do, although I suppose if it were legal I might make an exception for a friend who just wanted a pair or two of something.
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>>www.hcu-tx.org/
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

Boas, Pythons, Colubrids, Tortoises and Turtles

Ok so it's just allowed on private property now. What license do you need? I went to TPWD's website but it wasn't readily apparent so if you could post a link or just tell me what section I should look in it would be much appreciated.
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www.hcu-tx.org/

Check the law notice post above-question 7. I believe a hunting license and commercial nongame dealer license are required.

>Ok so it's just allowed on private property now. What license do you need? I went to TPWD's website but it wasn't readily apparent so if you could post a link or just tell me what section I should look in it would be much appreciated.
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>>www.hcu-tx.org/
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Brad Chambers
WWW.HCU-TX.ORG

Boas, Pythons, Colubrids, Tortoises and Turtles

If so, are there exceptions for rattlesnakes taken for roundups, skins or food and/or certain turtles taken for food?

If you eat 6 specimens you collect, you are no longer in possession of them. If you keep them alive to make more, you are a criminal.

The Code regarding possession of game/nongame wildlife was written under the assumption that people hunted for food or trophies (i.e. animal ends up dead)...hence the regs regarding "final processing" etc.

I'm formulating some ideas to see about getting applicable regs changed to actually make sense in today's herpetoculturally-advanced climate. If HSUS, PeTA, etc. can push hard for legislation, we should be able to as well!
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

That's how it is in CA too, the possesion limit is the same as the bag limit. I think it should be an annual bag limit with no possesion limit, either that or your possesion limit is based on however many licenses you have from previous years.
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www.hcu-tx.org/

either that or your possesion limit is based on however many licenses you have from previous years.

Any combination of licenses and/or receipts/proof of purchase to substantiate the number of animals being kept alive, whether collected or purchased. Breeding records to account for offspring.

This sort of thing seems like it'd be easy to draft as a proposal to change current statutes/wildlife code.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

AMEN Chris! Very nice. You are right on with this one.