Since discussion related to collecting and road kills has occurred on
entomo-l and tweeters, I thought the following, from the Usenet
sci.bio.herp newsgroup, might be of interest.
Peter
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>Article: 1459 of sci.bio.herp
>From: hdpjo at usho1a.hou281.chevron.com (D.P.Johnson)
>Newsgroups: sci.bio.herp
>Subject: SURVEY: Road collecting legality
>Date: 20 Dec 94 01:40:51 GMT
>Organization: Chevron
>
>This is a survey. I would like to know in which states road collecting
>is legal and illegal. If you have information either post or send me
>an email note.
>
>In Texas laws were written many years ago that prohibited "hunting"
>from a motor vehicle on public roads. The laws were very poorly
>written and it is not clear from the text of the law whether they
>would apply to live collecting of animals. For years, the Game
>department interpreted them as allowing collecting on the roads, but
>recently they changed their interpretation. They've also started
>actively enforcing the law against collectors. Game wardens will
>actually stake out areas where collectors frequent, sit up on a hill
>with binoculars and try to catch them picking up an animal. It makes
>no difference if you are a private collector or an academic with
>permits. All will be arrested.
>
>Most of us local herpers do not agree with the TPWD's interpretation
>of the law. The intent of the legislators was clearly to prohibit
>traditional hunting with a gun. But challenging their interpretation
>means fighting it in court.
>
>Many years ago Roger Conant cruised the roads of Big Bend collecting
>specimens for his best selling field guide. If he were to do that
>today, he would be taken to see the judge by the local game warden.