I really can't think of anything new and exciting to put here right now. I am rather depressed by the apparent intent of USFWS and, under their pressure, various state fish and game departments, to pretty much shut down the reptile hobbyists and breeders.
In Texas (and I assume in other states) there are imported game animals running loose all over the state but nothing is said about them. In fact, some counties now have seasons on Axis deer. I've seen Axis deer, Fallow deer, Aoudad, Black buck and other animals loose in the wild.
In some areas escaped birds are a problem, such as cherry head conures and Quaker parakeets, yet nothing is done to the bird hobbyists. Heck, I have a flock of ring neck doves which feed regularly on my property.
Feral cats are a major problem and yet no action is taken toward cat owners.
People are releasing horses onto public lands as they can no longer afford to keep them. While notice is being taken, nothing is really being done.
People dump dogs into the wild. Notice is taken, people bemoan, but not much is done.
So why are reptiles the target? The only thing I can think of is that F&W, like any government agency, needs to justify its existence and needs to create problems so it can grow. Birds are cute, cats are cuddly, dogs are man's best friend, horses are noble beasts and canned hunts are for wealthy contributors but snakes are oookey and evil. Ergo snakes must go.
What can be done about it? I have no clue. It will have to be done either with lawyers - expensive way to go - or anarchy and anarchy would require more than a couple herpers publicly bemoaning the persecution.
In Texas laws have recently been passed banning hunting from the roadways. As Texas is 97% privately owned land and those public lands in decent herping areas are not open to collecting, easy access herping has been shut down. At the same time the state passed laws requiring the registration of venomous reptiles and the larger constrictors. Both laws were, probably, passed in a manner which bordered on illegal but the herpers of the state, instead of fighting it to the limit, have "held dialogs" which got them nowhere and then threw up their hands and started looking for private lands on which to hunt. Never mind that these lands won't be available to everyone or that they might not be available at all. The state has effectively made herping for most people illegal.
Every year more and more laws are passed regulating herps on the federal, state and local levels. Legislators need to write laws to justify their existence and herptiles are easy prey. So, expect to see more laws passed on a regular basis and the erosion of your liberties diminished on a regular basis.
I have no problem with sensible laws to protect the animals both in their habitats and in captivity. I have no problem with protection of the environment but governmental agencies are far more responsible for allowing or encouraging damage to the environment than reptile hobbyists could ever be. Where is the government in the eradication of fire ants and killer bees? They supply a small band aid where surgery is required. Often it has been state agricultural or wildlife agencies which have caused the problems, such as New Mexico releasing non-native game animals or Texas importing African dung beetles which have pushed out the native dung beetles in some areas.
Well, I guess I did have something to say after all. I'm nearing the end of my herping days but I was lucky in having been able to do my herping when it was fun and legal. I feel sorry for the coming generations. They will actually look back on now as "the good old days." If you don't fight today for your rights, what will your children and grandchildren have? Not much except a very bland existence. It isn't just our herps, folks. It is our jobs, our ethics, our principles, our individuality. Look at the current presidential wannabes. Hilary is an extreme liberal with apparently no ethics. remember when she and her husband were under indictment for various felonies? Barak is an attorney who moved on to being a professional black politician. The fact that he did not disavow his preacher and move on to a new church is just one indication that he has no strength of character. McCain at least has shown some character and ethical core. However, the media make it sound as if Obama is the savior of the world. Cut me some slack. I want a candidate who will get the country back on course, one who will lead by example. Bill Clinton was surely not an example you want for your kids, nor will hilary or obama be that example. If this is the best we can find then we are indeed in serious trouble.
well, I'm starting to ramble so I'll quit for now.
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