Wednesday, 11 January 2012 11:08 | 
Final Rule issued for Addax, Dama Gazelle and Scimitar-Horned Oryx
On January 5, 2012, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service published its Final Rule governing the breeding and taking/culling of addax, dama gazelle and scimitar-horned oryx. The Texas Wildlife Association opposed the removal of the permit exemption and provided comments and alternate options to USFWS. However, the Service followed the federal court's orders very literally. The exemption from permitting is being eliminated, and the same two permits (Captive Bred and TAKE) that apply to barasingha, Arabian oryx, Eld’s deer and red lechwe, will apply to the three species. The effective date is April 4, 2012.
Information and permitting details have been compiled by Conservation Force, Dallas Safari Club, Houston Safari Club, The Conklin Foundation and Texas Wildlife Association with the intent of obtaining the permits for everyone in the community before the April 4 effective date of the regulation. Conservation Force is offering to assist with the required filing process and is providing this at no cost to the cooperator, which is very much appreciated by TWA.
Without the necessary permit, after April 4, it will be illegal to transfer or attempt to transfer one of the species out of state for commercial purposes or to take (hunt or cull) or attempt to take one of the animals. A permit will not be necessary to sell or trade wholly within the state, but certainly will be necessary to hunt. Commercial transfer interstate and any form of taking/hunting is a “prohibited activity,” thus a serious violation of law if the ranch owner does not have the necessary permits. If knowingly committed, the violation could be a felony. Conducting hunts before April 4 that are part of herd management continues to be lawful, but the purposeful killing off of a ranch herd is not. Ranchers would be ill advised to kill off their herds and should avoid that appearance. TWA members, nor anyone else, would want to see that happen to these magnificent animals after the efforts by landowners to enhance populations of these species in Texas and in the U.S.
Information and documents related to this issue are linked below or may be obtained by calling TWA at (210) 826-2904. TWA greatly appreciates the efforts of TWA Member John J. Jackson III of Conservation Force for compiling this important information and the offering of services at no charge to help landowners with this change.
Attachment No. 1 - Reissue or renewal of permit
Attachment No. 2 - Captive bred
Attachment No. 4 - Reissue or renewal of permit (different than No. 1)
Attachment No. 5 - Authorization representation
Attachment No. 6 - Annual report
TWA, wildlife community, mourns loss of long-time leader Ray MurskiThe Texas Wildlife Association and the Texas Wildlife Association Foundation are deeply saddened by the passing of TWA Director and longtime supporter Ray Murski of Meridian.
Friday, 11 November 2011 08:50 |
TWA supports TPWD efforts at Big Bend Ranch State ParkThe Texas Wildlife Association supports the current efforts of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to manage exotic, free-ranging feral burros on Big Bend Ranch State Park. The TWA statement of support was approved by the TWA Executive Committee on November 9, 2011. A letter from TWA President Glen Webb outlining the TWA statement and position has been provided to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
TWA Membership: The perfect Christmas Gift!The perfect Christmas gift is a TWA membership! Share the mission and message of TWA with family members and friends. A gift membership form is available by clicking here or by calling the TWA office at (800) 839-9453. We'll take care of all of the details to ensure your Christmas gift is just right. Thank you for your support this holiday season!
Questions surround new ag/timber sales tax exemption requirementThe introduction of a new ag/timber sales tax exemption registration number requirement by the state has prompted many questions from the farm, ranch, and wildlife community. The registration number requirement does not change the ag/timber sales tax exemption in the sales tax laws that have been in place since 1961. Anyone engaged in the production of ag or timber products for sale still qualifies. Click here for a copy of an article from "Texas Wildlife" magazine that outlines what you need to know about the new registration number requirement and how it may or may not impact your farm, ranch, or wildlife operation. The State Comptroller's office has provided a letter regarding the taxability of deer corn. Deer corn, deer supplements and other feed for wildlife are not subject to sales tax. Click here for a copy of the letter. |
Murski, TWA Life Member #4 who joined the organization in 1986, passed away on Monday, Dec.19, following an automobile accident in Burnet. He was 72. 
