10. 19. 17
Posted in: Association News

Article credited to Exotic Wildlife Association: http://www.myewa.org

 
Exotic Wildlife Association
NEWS ALERT
“Promoting Conservation through Commerce”

 

 

  
     
      EWA Celebrates USAHA Progress 

Cervid Industry Makes Major Progress on TB & Brucellosis Reform
SAN DIEGO-Deer and elk leaders at the United States Animal Health Association made major progress on regulatory reform. Fourteen cervid industry representatives were in attendance. Several major animal health issues were discussed, including TB, Brucellosis, Chronic Wasting Disease, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, and Blue Tongue Virus.
TB Reform
In an effort to make United States cervid TB herd certification programs less costly and burdensome for producers, a resolution was offered by the cervid industry to urge USDA APHIS to extend TB herd certification testing intervals from three years to five.
Specifically, the resolution requests USDA APHIS to allow the test interval to be extended to five years for certain cervid herds if they have been in the certification program for at least six years and there has been no evidence of bovine tuberculosis disclosed in either cattle or cervidae (wild or farmed) in a state or zone within the state in which the cervid accredited herd is located for the most recent six years.
The resolution was overwhelmingly supported by the Subcommittee on Tuberculosis, Committee on Farmed Cervidae and the USAHA General Membership Assembly. The resolution will now be sent to USDA APHIS for further consideration.
Brucellosis Reform
A resolution was offered and approved urging state regulatory officials to eliminate brucellosis testing requirements for interstate movement of farmed elk, red deer, and othercervid species that originate outside of the Greater Yellowstone Area(GYA).  This resolution is a follow-up to the 2013 USAHA resolution that was approved to eliminate interstate Brucellosistesting requirements for whitetail deer and mule deer. Brucellosis interstate testing requirements are currently regulated by state agencies. More details on how states can start to implement these rule changes will be discussed during the American Cervid Alliance Leadership Council meeting in November.
EHD and BTV Data
The cervid industry addressed the continent’s number one killer of deer- Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and Blue Tongue Virus (BTV). These diseases infect and kill thousands of farmed and free ranging deer. There is little data compiled and disseminated by USDA APHIS that details the estimated number of deaths related to EHD/BTV and the specific strains per state.  Strains of EHD and BTV vary by state and by year.
A resolution was approved urging USDA APHIS to prepare a descriptive report to present at the 2018 USAHA Conference and each conference, thereafter. The report shall include available data on the estimated farmed and wild cervid deaths related to EHD and BTV per state and cervid species in the past year and the strains of EHD and BTV that have been known to be found in each state for both farmed and wild cervidae in the past year. The industry associations would then be able to share it with their membership.
CWD Data
A resolution was offered that requests USDA APHIS to produce a report that compiles CWD testing data for wild cervids. The report is to be presented annually to the USAHA membership and be available on the USDA APHIS’ website.
The American Cervid Alliance sincerely thanks all the industry attendees that participated in the conference. The Alliance also would like to thank the state and federal animal health officials, and other stakeholders, that supported the industry’s resolutions.
Exotic Wildlife Association
Charly Seale, Executive Director

105 Henderson Branch Rd., West
Ingram, Texas 78025
 
October 18, 2017
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10. 18. 17

Exotic Wildlife Association News Alert

Posted in: Association News, Featured

 

Article credited to Exotic Wildlife Association: http://www.myewa.org
Exotic Wildlife Association
NEWS ALERT
“Promoting Conservation through Commerce”

 

 

  
     
Medina County Elk Tests Positive for
Chronic Wasting Disease

 

 
This update provided by the Texas Animal Health Commission
Austin, TX – Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials have confirmed Chronic Wasting Disease(CWD) in an elk located within the South-Central Texas CWD Zone. The elk was harvested on a high-fenced premises with common management as a property where white-tailed deer were previously confirmed to have CWD.
This case was detected as part of the ranch’s herd management plan, which was developed by TAHC to assess the ranch’s risk of CWD.

CWD has been found in free-ranging elk across the United States, including New Mexico and Colorado. This is the second known elk in Texas to test positive for CWD. The first CWD positive elk in Texas was a free-ranging elk harvested in Dallam County on December 6, 2016.

Due to CWD being found in white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk, TAHC established movement and surveillance requirements for exotics in CWD Zones and statewide on May 30, 2017. Statewide surveillance requires all eligible mortalities of exotic CWD susceptible species be tested until such time that three animals are tested. Please note that for CWD Surveillance and Containment Zones, all exotic CWD susceptible species hunter harvested must be tested.
To learn more about the TAHC exotic CWD susceptible species statewide surveillance and movement requirements, visit
http://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/2017/2017-05-30_CommissionMeeting.pdf.
 
Exotic Wildlife Association
Charly Seale, Executive Director

105 Henderson Branch Rd., West
Ingram, Texas 78025
10. 17. 17

Meet Jim “Antlerman” Phillips, The Man Who Collected 16,000 Shed Antlers

Posted in: Association News, Featured
NEWS :

Meet Jim “Antlerman” Phillips, The Man Who Collected 16,000 Shed Antlers

OutdoorHub Reporters

For over 60 years, Jim Phillips has searched Montana’s countryside high and low looking for shed antlers. Now, with his collection eclipsing 16,000 antlers, Jim is simply known as “Antlerman.”

Residing in Three Forks, Montana, where shed antlers seemingly fall like rain, Jim saysantler hunting has been in his blood since he found his first set of elk antlers when he was 10 years old.

Since then, Jim had to build a separate building off of his house just to store all of his shed finds – and it looks like something out of a shed hunter’s dream!

Take a look at the video to take a tour through his antler shed:

For more awe-inducing photos, hop on over to Jim’s website where he has over 350 pictures of his impressive collection. If you’re like Jim, and see antlers as an art form, we apologize for everything you don’t get done while you’re engulfed in these shed antler images:

 

A magnificent sight as the florescent light fills the room.

Image courtesy Antlerman

 

Shed antlers line the walk-ways throughout the entire room. . .

Image courtesy Antlerman
Image courtesy Antlerman

Awesome stuff!

Image courtesy Antlerman

 

 

[Read More]

10. 12. 17

TDA Meeting 2018

Posted in: Association News


Thank you to our 2017 TDA Meeting attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers! Be sure to save the dates for next year’s TDA Meeting – May 3-5, 2018

 

10. 11. 17
Posted in: Association News
 
NEWS :

Senate Candidate’s Son Arrested for Hunting on Property Without Permission

OutdoorHub Reporters

The son of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore found himself in trouble with the law when he was arrested in Alabama for trespassing on someone’s property and accused of illegally hunting over bait.

According to ABC News, 27-year-old Caleb Moore turned himself into the Etowah County Sheriff’s department, where he was arrested on a third-degree criminal trespass charge. Moore was allegedly trespassing and hunting, and was also accused of hunting over a bait pile, which is still illegal in Alabama.

A spokeswoman for the Etowah County Sheriff’s department reportedly said Moore was ultimately released on $1,000 bond.

Roy Moore, Caleb’s father, the former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice, is facing Democrat Doug Jones in the special election for a seat on the U.S. Senate on December 12.

The video below is from 2016, when Caleb was previously arrested for drug charges, but evaded court by agreeing to enter a pre-trial diversion program:

[Read More]

https://exoticclassifieds.com/association-news/15816/

10. 10. 17

DBC   Remembering Gerald Eckel

Posted in: Association News

Remembering Gerald Eckel
We at the DBC were saddened to hear of the passing of Gerald Eckel of Lyssy & Eckel Feeds. We have appreciated Gerald’s friendship along with that of Lyssy & Eckel over the years and we feel a sad sense of loss for them over Gerald’s passing. Please keep the entire Lyssy & Eckel family in your thoughts & prayers. Listed below are the service arrangements.
Funeral Services will be held at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Visitation: Monday 3:00pm-7:00pm
Rosary: Monday 7:00pm
Early Viewing: Tuesday: 8:30am
Funeral Mass: Tuesday 10:00am
Fellowship:
Immediately following Funeral Mass at V.F.W. Hall
Deer Breeders Corp. | 972.289.3100 | info@dbcDeer.com | www.dbcDeer.com
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09. 28. 17

Hunting in Texas: Animals to Hunt in the Summer

Posted in: Association News

Hunting in Texas: Animals to Hunt in the Summer

Unlike other states in the Northeast, Texas has a long list of animals that can be legally hunted during the summer months.

Note that to hunt any animal in any season hunters in Texas must have a valid hunting license and carry with them state-issued identification at all times while following state law.

Per county seasonal regulations are made public mid-August of each year by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

1. Birds
Birds, such as dove found in the North Central Zones, can be taken from September until late October, and in the South Zone from late September until late October. White-winged dove can be taken September 6, 7, 13 and 14, and again from September 19 through late October. Early teal can only be taken statewide from September 13 through 28. Larger birds, such as the Canada goose, can only be taken in the Eastern zone from September 13 to 28.

2. Small Game 
Javelinas can be taken in the South Texas and Hill Country counties year-round. Squirrels can be taken except in East Texas where its season runs from early October though late September and the whole month of May; and rabbits and hares can be taken year-round. Some animals, such as armadillos, are restricted. No possession or sale of live armadillos is allowed. Flying squirrels, ground squirrels, porcupines, and prairie dogs can be hunted year round.

3. Furbearers
Animals with year-round and no bag limits include badgers, beavers, bobcats, foxes, minks, muskrats, nutrias, and opossums. Other species include otters, raccoons, ring-tailed cats, and skunks. Coyotes are currently under statewide rabies quarantine and cannot be transported or sold in the state, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

4. Large Animals
Those with no closed season include feral hogs, Aoudad sheep, axis deer, elks, sika deer, fallow deer, blackbuck antelopes, nilgai antelopes, mountain lion, and Russian boars.

5.  Reptiles and Amphibians
Alligators can be taken in 22 counties by permit only in September and generally from April until the end of June.

Frogs are open season; however, when it comes to turtles, no person may possess a diamondback terrapin at any time.

See the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and check out Texas Hunt Lodge for more information.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

09. 26. 17

Wild Bison Crosses German Border for First Time in 250 Years, Then Gets Shot by Officials

Posted in: Association News

Wild Bison Crosses German Border for First Time in 250 Years, Then Gets Shot by Officials

A bison in Europe found its way across the German border, and was met with a bullet from panicked officials.

The Smithsonian Mag reports that bison haven’t been seen in the country for around 250 years, so when someone spotted the large mammal wandering around in the woods, people kind of panicked because they thought it was dangerous.

“City officials from [Lebus] basically freaked out and said, ‘there is a free-roaming bison, it is probably dangerous and I guess we need to shoot it,’” Moritz Klose, a policy director for the German branch of the World Wildlife Fund, told the New York Times.

This move has been met with legal repercussions from the World Wildlife Fund, which has since filed a lawsuit against German authorities for their decision making in this incident. “The shooting of a strictly protected animal without a potential hazard is a criminal offense,” WWF director Christoph Heinrich stated in German.

Coincidentally, it sounds like Germany is working to bring back Europe’s bison population:

09. 22. 17

Texas Deer Case – District Court Ruling

Posted in: Association News
Exotic Wildlife Association
NEWS ALERT
“Promoting Conservation through Commerce”

 

 

  
     
Texas Deer Case – District Court Ruling
The Travis County District Court has ruled on the “Deer Case.” In its simplest form, the judge ruled that he doesn’t have jurisdiction to rule on either ownership or challenges to actions by Parks and Wildlife, statute, or rule. The judge also ordered the Plaintiffs to pay the state’s attorneys fees.
Of note, the Judge’s ruling also includes the following from the Order: in addition to and in the alternative to the above, the court ordered that TPWD’s Motion for Summary Judgement is granted; and the Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgement is denied.
Exotic Wildlife Association
Charly Seale, Executive Director

105 Henderson Branch Rd., West
Ingram, Texas 78025
 
September 22, 2017
09. 21. 17

Texans Urged to Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day Saturday, Sept. 23

Posted in: Advertising, Association Events, Association News, Classifieds, Featured

Texans Urged to Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day Saturday, Sept. 23

AUSTIN – National Hunting and Fishing Day, an annual celebration of the contributions hunters and anglers make in conserving and protecting the nation’s wild resources, is set for Saturday, Sept. 23.

Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day to recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. Since launching in 1971, the day has been formally proclaimed by every U.S. president and countless governors and mayors.

In proclaiming National Hunting and Fishing Day in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said, “At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn more about and participate in our time-honored traditions of hunting and angling and recognize the ecological, cultural, and economic benefits they provide.”

“Texas’ rich hunting and fishing heritage needs no introduction, but there are those among us who have not had the opportunity to experience our state’s great natural bounties firsthand,” said Carter Smith, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director. “As we celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day in Texas, I encourage each of you to take a friend, family member or co-worker fishing or hunting so they, where can i buy flagyl 500 mg too, can become part of our strong outdoor community of conservationists.”

Led by sportsman President Theodore Roosevelt, early conservationists urged sustainable use of fish and game, created hunting and fishing licenses, and lobbied for taxes on sporting equipment to provide funds for state conservation agencies. These actions were the foundation of the North American wildlife conservation model, a science-based, user-pay system that would foster the most dramatic conservation successes of all time.

Each year sportsmen and women are funding more projects that enable more public access areas to be open. Through license sales and excise taxes on equipment, hunters and anglers pay for most fish and wildlife conservation programs. On average, hunters spend $1,638 every year on the sport. Portions of these funds are allocated to support conservation.

This year, NASCAR legend Richard Childress has been selected to serve as the honorary chairman for National Hunting and Fishing Day. Childress, a 2017 inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, a world-class high performance auto racing team based in Welcome, North Carolina.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org .

09. 20. 17

Texas Deer Association

Posted in: Association News
Texas Deer Association  We are very very excited to announce the score of this amazing buck!! Thanks again to the Rockstar Whitetailsfamily!! The official vote for this buck was an AMAZING 381 3/8!!!!

09. 19. 17

WHAT IS THE TDA PAC?

Posted in: Association News

WHAT IS THE TDA PAC?

TDA leads the way as the largest deer industry organization in Texas dedicated to protecting the rights of both the landowner and the hunter. And, with the help of your donations, the TDA Political Action Committee (PAC) works to protect, improve and promote that industry. To have a voice in Austin, we must support legislators who understand our issues and hear our concerns. Their knowledge is our biggest asset.

Opponents to our industry want to impose their own agenda on Texas landowners and deer enthusiasts, creating unnecessary government regulations costing our deer industry millions of dollars each year. Your PAC donations enable the TDA to positively affect legislation that has a significant impact on our industry regulations.

Working together, we can ensure the future of the deer industry in our great state, for generations to come.

09. 15. 17

Exotic Wildlife Association NEWS ALERT

Posted in: Advertising, Animal Health, Association News
Exotic Wildlife Association
NEWS ALERT
“Promoting Conservation through Commerce”

 

 

  
     
 
 
Texas Horse Owners Encouraged to Vaccinated Against Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
This update provided by the Texas Animal Health Commission
Austin, TX – The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is encouraging owners to take precautions and vaccinate their equine to protect against the West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

As of September 1, 2017 the Texas Department of State Health Services has reported five cases of WNV and one case of EEE in 2017.

In addition to vaccinations, horse owners also need to reduce the mosquito populations and their possible breeding areas. Recommendations include removing stagnant water sources, keeping animals inside during the bugs’ feeding times, which are typically early in the morning and evening, and using mosquito repellents.

Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) is a mosquito-borne viral disease of all equine species. Infected horses may suddenly die or show progressive central nervous system disorders. Symptoms may include unsteadiness, erratic behavior and a marked loss of coordination. The death rate for animals infected with EEE is 75-100%.

West Nile Virus is the leading cause of arbovirus encephalitis in horses and has been identified in the entire continental United States, most of Canada and Mexico. The case fatality rate for horses exhibiting clinical signs of WNV infection is approximately 33%. Data have supported that 40% of horses that survive the acute illness caused by WNV still exhibit residual effects, such as gait and behavioral abnormalities, 6 months post-diagnosis.

Vaccines are available for neurologic diseases such as EEE and WNV. As part of routine equine health care, the TAHC strongly recommends that equine owners consult with their local veterinarians to discuss an appropriate vaccination program to protect their horses against mosquito-borne diseases.
Exotic Wildlife Association
Charly Seale, Executive Director

105 Henderson Branch Rd., West
Ingram, Texas 78025
09. 13. 17

Official Update from the TPWD Wildlife Permit Office

Posted in: Association News
Antler Removal Deadline Update for those Affected by Hurricane Harvey
Official Update from the TPWD Wildlife Permit Office
Your Source for Timely, Accurate Deer Permit Information
Dear Texas Deer Breeders or Release Site Owners,
It has been almost three weeks since Hurricane Harvey first slammed into the Texas coast near Rockport. Our thoughts and prayers remain steadfastly with those affected by the storm’s devastation. We understand that Harvey’s unprecedented and persistent rains, wind, flooding, and related tornado activity may have caused significant damage to some deer breeding facilities and registered release sites, preventing some from being able to complete a deer transfer by September 19th in accordance with Parks and Wildlife Code §43.363(a). Please be advised that Governor Abbott approved TPWD’s request to suspend enforcement of PWC §43.363(a) untilSeptember 29, 2017 for any permitted deer breeder who provides TPWD with appropriate documentation establishing that compliance with PWC §43.363(a) is not possible as a result of Hurricane Harvey.If Harvey had such an impact on your deer breeding facility or your recipient release sites preventing you from being able to comply with PWC §43.363(a), please contact deer.breeder@tpwd.texas.govby September 15, 2017 to find out if you qualify for a 10-day extension to transfer bucks with antlers intact.
Respectfully,
TPWD Deer Breeder Program Staff
Deer Breeders Corp. | 972.289.3100 | info@dbcDeer.com | www.dbcDeer.com
09. 12. 17

TDA Relief Funds

Posted in: Advertising, Association News, Featured
09. 11. 17

TPWD Cancels Public Hunts along Coast Due to Storm Impacts

Posted in: Association News

TPWD Cancels Public Hunts along Coast Due to Storm Impacts

AUSTIN — Due to impacts from Hurricane Harvey at wildlife management areas (WMA) and state parks along the coast, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is canceling or postponing some scheduled upcoming public hunting activities.

Both annual public hunting (APH) permit and drawn hunts for alligator and early teal season on several public hunting areas are affected, including the following:

Guadalupe Delta WMA

  • Mission Lake Unit drawn alligator hunts and APH early teal hunts have been canceled.
  • Guadalupe River Unit APH early teal hunts have been canceled until the county road into the area re-opens.
  • Hynes Bay Unit will be open for the APH early teal hunts;

Justin Hurst WMA — closed until Sept. 16;

Mad Island WMA — closed for the Sept. 9-10 APH early teal hunts; drawn alligator hunts will be conducted as scheduled;

J.D. Murphree WMA — Big Hill and Salt Bayou units have canceled all drawn alligator hunts and APH early teal hunts;

Sea Rim State Park — APH early teal hunt has been canceled;

Lower Neches WMA — Nelda Stark and Old River units will be open for APH early teal hunts as long as the county road providing access is open;

James Daughtrey WMA – drawn alligator hunts will be conducted as scheduled;

Angelina Neches/Dam B WMA – drawn alligator hunts will be conducted as scheduled.

Efforts are being made to notify selected hunters in special drawing hunts. Permit fees and Loyalty Points for all accepted hunt positions will be restored in the coming weeks. Check the TPWD web site for updates.

In addition to state-managed public hunting lands impacted by the storm, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is also closed to public access and the refuge drawn archery deer hunt scheduled for Sept. 30 has been canceled.

09. 08. 17

Texas Deer Association News

Posted in: Association News
Texas Deer Association

We would like to say thank you to all of our members who have worked hard and have given so much… The true everyday heroes that embody the spirit of Texas. Ernest Bailes, Patrick Tarlton, Mark Hubbard, Chase Clark, Brandon Harrell, Gary J Bartels Jr, Dustin Johnson, Leo Martinez, Russell Furnace

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09. 07. 17

Animal health after flood

Posted in: Association News

Animal health after flood

Floods can bring a range of animal health problems, from food shortage and plant toxicity to dehydration, infection and disease.

Pasture and crops damaged by flooding may leave farmers needing to find alternative feed for stock over the coming months.

In particular, mould growth on water damaged feed reduced the nutritive value and palatability of both standing and stored feed, with some mould toxicity causing death or longer-term health problems such as liver damage.

Surprisingly, dehydration can be a problem with stock often refusing to drink flood water if it is polluted or tastes different from their normal supply. It’s important to watch your stock carefully to ensure they are drinking adequately.

While rain and floods may fill dams, flood waters carry silt and organic material, so it is important to be on the look-out for algal blooms on polluted dams and waterways.

Foot problems are another concern with all stock susceptible after long periods of immersion in water or standing on wet, muddy ground. Abscesses and other foot problems will be common where an animal’s feet are constantly wet.

The very wet season is also likely to produce larger than usual insect populations with flystrike likely to occur in sheep after wetting, especially if they have a thick wool cover.

Even when the fleece dries out, problems such as fleece rot and lumpy wool would continue to attract flies while diseases spread by flies, such as pinkeye, could become more widespread.

Most bacteria thrive and multiply in a moist environment, so bacterial diseases could become a real problem after heavy rain. Pneumonia and diarrhoea are also likely to occur in flood-affected stock due to stress and exposure to prolonged cold.

Mastitis is a problem for cross-bred ewes grazing tall grass as a result of the combined effects of udder engorgement due to lush feed, udder abrasions and flies. Vaccinating with 5-in-1 after floods is important as the sudden flush of feed make stock susceptible to pulpy kidney.

Bloat in cattle or redgut in sheep could occur, especially on lush clover or lucerne.

Worm larvae survive much longer on pasture in moist conditions and parasite burdens may increase rapidly.

For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or a departmental veterinary or Animal Health Officer.

09. 07. 17

Game Wardens urge Harvey victims to watch for wildlife

Posted in: Association News

Game Wardens urge Harvey victims to watch for wildlife

Texas Game Wardens wrangle an alligator near where Hurricane Harvey flooded a southeast Texas neighborhood. (Texas Parks and Wildlife Photo)
Texas Game Wardens wrangle an alligator near where Hurricane Harvey flooded a southeast Texas neighborhood. (Texas Parks and Wildlife Photo)

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — As Texans continue to clean up after Hurricane Harvey, Texas Parks and Wildlife wants to remind people that animals were also impacted by the storm.

“A lot of folks are going to be going back [to their homes] and they are going to be focused on cleaning up the mess in the aftermath of the floods,” TPWD spokesperson Steve Lightfoot said. “But they are not going to be focused on is keeping a vigilant eye out for critters that might wander up into their households and backyards.”

Lightfoot said Game Wardens came across numerous species—some cuter than others—looking for relief from the flooding in Houston and debris along the Coastal Bend.

“We’ve got a population of about 100,000 alligators and when the water came up they’ve got to go someplace as well,” Lightfoot said. “They are not going to want to be there any longer than they have to, so we are revising folks just to give them a wide berth, let them have their space, and they’ll go back to where they belong once the water goes down.”

While most animals generally want to avoid contact, Lightfoot said residents should still be vigilant.

“These fire ants are balling up and moving to higher ground as well,” he mentioned. “You step in a pile of those you’ll feel it pretty quick.”

To combat the influx of mosquitoes, the state is starting aerial mosquito spraying this week.

“Fortunately the bat populations that we have down there, those are our number one help for controlling mosquito populations, they made it through okay down in the Houston area, so we are excited about that,” said Lightfoot.

He said TPWD received calls about squirrels displaced from nests and trees, as well as snakes.

“Snakes obviously are always a concern but be advised that not every snake is a bad snake. There are a lot of snakes that are non-venomous in Texas and they do help with certain things, and they have a place in the ecosystem as well.”

“A snake in the yard is not a cause for panic,” TPWD Wildlife Diversity program director John Davis said in a media release. “They don’t want to be there, either, and if left alone will usually leave on their own. You’re more likely to come upon a skunk, a mound of fire ants or a wasp nest in a brush pile than a venomous snake. If you do have an encounter with a problem snake, seek help from local animal control or licensed snake removal experts.”

According to TPWD, tips and precautions about encounters with wildlife are available online at http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/rehab/orphan/.

09. 06. 17

Texas state park to expand axis deer removal

Posted in: Advertising, Animal Health, Association News

Texas state park to expand axis deer removal

Texas state park to expand axis deer removal

By Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Officials at Garner State Park, a treasured Hill Country destination, are looking  to stronger control measures for the estimated 200 exotic axis deer that inhabit the park. Scheduled public hunts have been insufficient to remove adequate numbers of the invasive species.

More than 100 permitted public hunters annually averaged just 43 axis deer harvested during the last five years. Officials plan to further reduce axis numbers through controlled harvest. The tactic proved efficient during a pilot harvest last season, removing 56 axis over the course of a few days.

Although common to Texas, axis are not indigenous to the state and compete directly with native wildlife for resources by displacing native species and damaging associated habitats.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department initiated the two-year pilot controlled harvest project last year to evaluate contract harvests as an additional method of invasive animal control at Garner and South Llano River state parks. For the pilot project, TPWD entered a services contract with a private company to remove exotic animals in exchange for the harvested meat at no cost to the state.

“Managing axis deer populations is consistent with our mission and is critical for maintaining healthy habitats that support native wildlife diversity,” said Greg Creacy, regional natural resources coordinator for Texas State Parks.

TPWD has worked to maximize use of public hunting as a wildlife management tool, while balancing the needs of thousands of park user groups who visit the park each month. Hunting activities are limited to those times of the year when visitation is at its lowest, typically week days during the winter months.

“Many years of conducting public hunts have shown us public hunting, alone, is insufficient for controlling invasive deer populations,” Creacy explained. “While we are still evaluating the effectiveness of this new contract harvest initiative, it is likely that both public hunting and contract harvests will have to be sustained to reduce axis deer numbers. The contract harvests compliment the public hunts, and we are definitely not planning to exchange public hunting opportunity for contract animal harvests or reduce public hunt initiatives.”