>>Not really close to me (Texas is way TOO BIG LOL)but you cannot collect snakes at least, on public land. No road cruising anymore, either. I still do, though..

To clarify: You CAN collect snakes on public land--right-of-ways, that is (i.e. not in state/national parks). However, you must have a current hunting license AND the new reptile/amphibian stamp (which is $10 on top of whatever huntin' license you purchase).

Road cruising was not, is not, and CAN NOT be made illegal, in the strictest sense. NOBODY can tell you you can't drive around and see an animal, herp or otherwise.

That being said, it is illegal to touch a herp on the roadway (to include the shoulder of the road). Also, if you "corral," "shoo," or otherwise impede the progress of, or change the natural behavior of, a herp on the road (technically, EVEN TO GET IT OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC), that is considered "hunting" and you can get a ticket.

See http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/faq/huntwild/amphibian_reptile_stamp.phtml for a generally-good explanation of the regs. Note their Question 6 which makes you think you can't road-cruise. False--I believe it is indeed intended to be read that way, as this FAQ was written by someone who doesn't hold herpers in the highest regard...long story. However, it is really meant to address the "old" technique of driving slowly along the shoulder of the road, shining a road cut with a Q-Beam or similar out the window. That is in fact verboten these days.

Regarding where to go--you can find some decent places southwest of San Angelo on some of the smaller roads. Find smaller road cuts with flippable rocks (after purchasing your license/stamp). You can also shine cuts at night (ensure you have your vest!). If you want to spend more on gas, drive a couple hours southwest on 277 and shine cuts for the standard West Texas fare (subocs, alterna, etc). The next couple of weeks should be a good time to do so (specifically, last quarter moon next weekend onward).

I assume you're at Goodfellow for intel training or some such...
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

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