Malcolm Thompson III's Outdoors: Hunters have a voice, if they know how to use it
Posted On: Sunday, Nov. 23 2008 06:00 AM
It's usually pretty easy to find a hunter who believes that some form of change is needed to our current deer hunting regulations in Texas. Opinions often vary widely as to exactly what those changes should be.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is the governing body that determines what, if any, changes are to be made to those rules and regulations. Their goal is to always balance hunting opportunities with the sustainment of a healthy statewide deer population.
The TPWD Commission Regulations Committee is the arm of the TPWD Commission that formulates proposed changes and presents them to the commission. The development of proposals is based on extensive scientific research on deer populations and input from the general public.
One very positive fundamental change in the way the TPWD determines the need for regulation change involves the way the department divides the state for scientific study. The TPWD has historically used political boundaries when analyzing wildlife populations.
Biologists have struggled with that concept for a long time.
Animal populations are much more concerned with specific habitat, not political boundaries. The TPWD has begun a shift to what scientists call RMU's, or resource management units. These units are based on identifying specific areas by soil type, vegetation and general land use. So far, the department has identified 33 such units within our state. Many wildlife biologists feel this is the first step toward the development of much more accurate wildlife management strategies.
The Commission will meet in March of 2009 to vote on some significant changes to our current regulations. Some will have an impact on our area, while others will not. If you are a hunter or just interested in the overall process of wildlife management in our state, you need to be aware of the proposed changes and you need to provide your comments to the commission. It's a simple process to give your opinion. Much like a political election, every vote does indeed count.
Perhaps the biggest change being proposed is the youth-only hunt. Currently, the youth-only hunt is a very short, two-day season that occurs prior to the opening day of the general deer season. After those few days have passed, adults and youth hunters often have to compete for the same hunting resources. The new proposed youth-only season would cover the entire month of October.
The committee is hopeful that if adopted, this change would provide for more time for youth to have hunting experiences with their older mentors. Certain counties would also have an extended late youth-only season added after the end of the general season.
Another big change that could affect our area concerns bag limits. The proposed increase in bag limits would cover Bell (west of I-35), Lampasas, Coryell and many other counties in the state. The current bag limit would be expanded to allow for the harvesting of an additional antlerless deer. There would still be a limit of two bucks.
Since the wildlife in our state belongs to all Texans, I would encourage you to voice your opinion.
It's a very easy process. Just log on to www.tpwd.state.tx.us, and click on the link for "public comment." At that link, you will have a chance to electronically voice your opinion on all of the proposed regulation changes. The TPWD will be soliciting your comments through Jan. 14, 2009. Let your voice be heard.