TDHA supports useing dogs to track wounded deer

[Txmason]

News Release
Media Contact: Steve Lightfoot 512-389-4701, steve.lightfoot@tpwd.texas.gov
July 18, 2013
TPWD Taking Public Comment on Use of Dogs to Trail Wounded Deer
Hearings Slated for Woodville, Lufkin and Hemphill
AUSTIN – Hunters could use dogs to trail a wounded deer in 12 counties in East Texas, a practice that has been prohibited in this area of the state since 1990, under a proposal being considered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
A series of public meetings will be held to provide details of the proposal and give the public an opportunity to comment. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission is expected to take action on the proposed change at its August 22 meeting at TPWD headquarters in Austin.
In 1990 TPWD adopted rules prohibiting the use of dogs to trail wounded deer in 34 East Texas counties. The rulemaking was necessary because the department determined that dogs were being used unlawfully to hunt deer, which was causing depletion of the resource.
By 2000, TPWD determined that the practice of using dogs to hunt deer had declined to the point of being nonexistent in some of those counties and removed the prohibition in 10 of those counties. TPWD now believes the prohibition could be lifted in an additional 12 counties, including: Harris, Harrison, Houston, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, Panola, Polk, Rusk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker.
Details about the proposal, along with an opportunity to provide public comment, can be found online at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/feedback/public_comment/proposals/201308_deer_dog.phtml . Comment may also be made in writing to Robert Macdonald, TPWD Regulations Coordinator, 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin, TX 78744, in person at any of the following public hearings or at the TPWD annual public hearing on Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. at the above address.
TPWD Public Hearing Calendar
All meetings are set to begin at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 30 in Woodville at the Woodville Elementary School Community Room, 306 Kirby Drive.
Wednesday, July 31 in Lufkin at the Angelina County Courthouse District Courtroom, 215 East Lufkin Avenue.
Thursday, Aug. 1 in Hemphill at the Sabine County Courthouse District Courtroom, 201 Main Street.

[halfbreed]

   yep this is good news doug  we have a discussion and the comment link to tpw was posted down in one of the lower sections   . 

[Rodeo]

would anyone know if they will hold one near college station area

[halfbreed]

   News Release
Media Contact: Steve Lightfoot, 512-389-4701, steve.lightfoot@tpwd.texas.gov

Aug. 23, 2013

Use of Dogs Only to Trail Wounded Deer Approved in 12 More Texas Counties

AUSTIN – Hunters will be allowed to use up to two dogs only to trail a wounded deer in 12 additional counties in East Texas during the 2013-14 deer season under a rule change approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.

The rule change does not legalize the use of dogs to hunt, pursue or take deer; that practice remains illegal statewide in Texas. Hunters are allowed to use up to two dogs only for the purpose of trailing a wounded deer in all but 10 Texas counties. Counties where the practice of trailing wounded deer with dogs remains prohibited include: Angelina, Hardin, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby and Tyler.

  well if all goes well with the new countys maybe we'll get the rest soon