What is the deal with exotics?

By now, most every hunter in Texas knows what exotics are, maybe not all of the names (since there are so many species running around), but the presence of something besides a whitetail at the feeder is no longer completely foreign. Species such as axis, blackbuck, aoudad, fallow, elk and red deer are free ranging all over Texas these days, with many more species to add to that list. And for most hunters, the sight is not an unwelcome one. I know more than a handful of guys who have changed weekend plans and made unplanned trips to the ranch after a cellular game camera photo has shown a surprise visitor.

So, what are the rules with hunting exotics? You are now required to have a Texas hunting license to hunt exotic animals, but beyond that, the rules are fairly lax when hunting on private property with landowner’s consent. One thing to keep in mind if you are hunting on someone’s property is that even though the law says you can shoot an animal, the landowner might not want you to. This is something that should be clarified in your hunting lease agreement. I have heard of landowners getting mad at lease hunters for shooting an axis buck because they hoped it would stick around and draw in Macy Ledbetter

Numerous construction-ready designs & floor plans to choose from.

SPRING BRANCH TRADING POST

Specializing in Cedar Cabins Since 1972

Four Generations

of Wholesale Lumber & Building Construction

www.SpringBranchTradingPost.com State License & Registered

Cedar Shell Homes

• Complete rustic turnkey homes available • Exterior metal doors • Dbl. pane bronze divided lite windows • 29 ga. galvalume 5-v crimp metal roof • 1x10’ L&G cedar siding • Cedar trim • Interior studded walls

Specialty Buildings Garden Sheds Play Houses • Dog Houses Custom Buildings • 2x6 treated skids • 2x6 floor joists 16” O.C. • 3/4 T&G OSB plywood flooring • 2x4 7’ studs 16” O.C. • 2x6 rafters 16” O.C. • 7/16 OSB plywood decking • 29 ga. galvalume 5-v crimp metal roof • 2 windows • 1 3’6 panel metal door

Cedar Cabinets Cabins

8 Texas locations... Our main location in Spring Branch Satellite locations in Midway , San Angelo, Melvin Display lots in Garvin Store, Bulverde, Eden & Bandera on Hwy. 173 830-885-6114

more axis deer.

Another thing to consider is if there is a visible tag or brand, which is more common on the more expensive (or “Super Exotics” such as kudu or sable), these animals can fall under the protection of Texas Estray Laws, the same laws protecting domestic livestock. If you find a tagged animal on your property, or the property you are hunting, you should contact the local sheriff and inform them of the situation so they can try to track down the owner. Safe return of some of these super exotics could even land you a reward if you are lucky, as the value of these animals can be astonishingly high. Just this summer, several sable cows sold at auction for over $53,000 each.

Regardless of how you might feel about them, free-ranging exotics are here to stay in Texas. They offer hunting opportunities outside of normal hunting seasons, and with far fewer regulations. They are great table fare, and make for a great mount on the wall, and make for a lifelong hunting story that’s hard to beat.

Macy Ledbetter

GONZALEZ

HILL COUNTRY ELECTRICIAN Rudie Gonzalez

330 N. 16TH JUNCTION, TEXAS 76849

rudiemg2015@gmail.com

806-367-1526

325-446-6130 ALT. Veteran owned

www.heartothehillstaxidermy.com

Search: Heart O’ The Hills Taxidermy

If you would like to make a donation, please use the QR code at the right or you can make a deposit to Kerr County FCU. For more information on this program, please call 325-257-7060