Why Do We Have Hunting Laws During 19

Why Do We Have Hunting Laws? • During 19 th century, many game animals were hunted nearly into extinction. • Thundering herds of buffalo that once roamed the plains reduced to about 800 head. • Beavers almost wiped out. • Once plentiful elk, deer, and pronghorn had been reduced to a fraction of their original number.

Why Do We Have Hunting Laws? • Know the Law • Ignorance of hunting laws not valid excuse for violating them. Hunter’s responsibility to review state game laws before hunting season.

Why Do We Have Hunting Laws? • In Texas, a person who violates wildlife laws might also be charged with civil restitution— meaning they may also have to pay additional fees for having to put animal species back into the environment. Costs can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars. • Operation Game Thief is a Texas Wildlife Crime -Stoppers Program. You can make a difference by reporting illegal hunting and fishing activity. Up to $1000 may be paid for information leading to arrest and conviction of poachers.

Why Do We Have Hunting Laws? • Game Conservation These laws allow game to flourish by: • Establishing hunting seasons that limit harvesting and avoid nesting and mating seasons • Limiting hunting methods and equipment • Setting “bag” limits on number of animals that can be taken • Establishing check stations and game tag requirements to enforce laws

Why Do We Have Hunting Laws? • Safety, Opportunity, and Funding In addition to ensuring availability of game for future generations, hunting laws: • Establish safety guidelines for hunting that protect both hunters and non-hunters. • Offer equal opportunity for all hunters. • Ensure adequate funding for wildlife programs by collecting license fees.

Why Do We Have Hunting Laws? • The Hunter’s Image Matters • Put in countless hours to improve wildlife habitat. • Help biologists transplant game species and save other species from extinction. • Encourage others to practice ethical behavior.

Why Do We Have Hunting Laws? • • Careful Courteous Considerate Capable

QUARTERING AND TRANSPORTING GAME.

QUARTERING- THE SMALLEST LEAGAL MANNER TO CUT UP AND TRANSPORT YOUR GAME ANIMAL. COLD STORAGE IS THE BEST WAY TO PRESERVE MEAT. HEAT IS THE NUMBER ONE REASON MEAT SPOILS. SPLITTING OR HALVING IS ANOTHER WAY TO TRANSPORT GAME.

DEMONSTRATE HUNTER LICENSE CUT OUT TAGS AND HARVEST LOG PLAY VIDEO CONCERNING ANTLER RESTRICTIONS AND LET YOUNG BUCKS WALK.