Texas Legislative Committee Convenes on Deer Industry
SAN ANTONIO – The Joint Select Legislative Committee on the Breeding of White-tailed and Mule Deer recently held its first hearing in Austin, Texas, and members of the Texas Deer Association (TDA) played pivotal roles. The meeting was a historic first for the Texas deer industry and shines a spotlight on the deer industry’s impressive growth and impact on the Texas economy.
State Representative Harvey Hilderbran (R-Kerrville) was elected by fellow committee members to serve as chairman of the 10-person appointed committee. The committee heard testimony from Texas deer industry experts as well as from various authorities across the country. The stated mission of the committee is to review barriers that might prevent the breeding industry from operating in the most efficient, effective manner and investigate opportunities that could improve or enhance the industry in Texas. Other legislators appointed to the committee by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst are Senator Kenneth ‘Kim’ Brimer (R-Fort Worth) and Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls), House Speaker Tom Craddick appointees are Rep. Hilderbran and Rep. Tracy King (D-Batesville).
“We have overwhelming public support for hunting and deer propagation in Texas, and we have an opportunity with this committee to focus on the deer industry, identify barriers to our growth, reduce land fragmentation and protect our hunting and conservation interests throughout the state,” says Rep. Hilderbran. “I look forward to working with the Texas Deer Association, Texas Wildlife Association and other organizations across the state to move deer breeding forward and to create recommendations which could lead to positive legislation in January.”
“Our committee is working with breeders, hunters, and preservationists to ensure deer breeding continues to benefit all Texans. The impact of deer breeding profits our state’s rural, urban, and suburban areas; last year the industry bolstered over half a billion dollars to our state’s economy” adds Senator Brimer. “We want to make certain our habitat and other natural resources are protected and the industry can continue to develop and prosper in Texas.”
Leading the testimony was Dr. James C. Kroll, co-founder of the Texas Deer Association, as well as founder and current director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management and Research Center for The College of Forestry at Stephen F. Austin State University.
“With the unbridled expansion of urban sprawl, American farmers and ranchers are the most endangered species today,” warned Dr. Kroll, who explained the ongoing loss of profitability in traditional agricultural has compelled many landowners to seek out alternative land uses for the land. “Raising deer has become an extremely profitable solution and it only requires a few acres so it’s a lucrative option for land owners of various means throughout Texas.”
The committee questioned Dr. Kroll on topics such as disease research, role of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department within the deer breeding industry, private property land rights, animal testing and other topics. Among the other witnesses to address the committee were: Clayton Wolf of Texas Parks Wildlife Department; Dr. Bob Hillman of Texas Animal Health Commission; Shawn Schafer, executive director of the North American Deer Farmers Association; Kirby Brown of the Texas Wildlife Association, Joe Trammell, president of the Whitetails of Oklahoma; Bob Zaglin, certified wildlife biologist and wildlife coordinator at Southwest Texas Junior College; Dr. Becky Brewer, Oklahoma State Veterinarian, and other industry experts.
As the state’s only non-profit organization solely dedicated to Texas deer, the Texas Deer Association provided strong representation for the industry with Dr. Scott W. Bugai, D.V.M., of Seguin; Joseph Warren Bluntzer Jr. of Lometa, Dr. Richard Cain of St. Jo; and Amanda Lasater of Mason making up nearly one-third of the committee. Dr. Bugai and Bluntzer were appointed to the committee by Governor Rick Perry, Dr. Cain by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst and Lasater was appointed by House Speaker Tom Craddick. Other public appointees to the committee are William Eikenhorst, D.V.M., and Lee Bass.
“Deer breeding accounts for thousands of jobs in small towns across the state, so we are happy to work closely with the committee in developing greater efficiencies within the industry and in creating new opportunities for growth,” says Karl Kinsel, executive director of the Texas Deer Association.
The committee originated through landmark legislation (S.B. 573), authored by Sen. Brimer and sponsored in the House by Rep. Hilderbran in the past 80th Legislative Session, and could have significant implications for the future of the deer breeding industry which generated more than $650 million for the Texas economy last year.
The TDA is the only non-profit organization solely committed to improving the quality of Texas deer herds through better habitat practices, modern harvest strategies and use of superior deer to enhance the deer herds. As a part of its public education efforts, the TDA produces a full-color bimonthly publication, Tracks Magazine, which updates TDA members on current industry news, deer genetics and game management issues. The TDA also hosts an annual convention and trade show every August featuring fund-raising auctions, a deer auction, golf tournament and other events.
For membership information about the Texas Deer Association, visit www.texasdeerassociation.com or call 210.767.8300.
Headquartered in San Antonio, the Texas Deer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of Texas deer herds, and to developing ways to improve deer quality in Texas. For more information on the Texas Deer Association, call 210.767.8300 or visit www.texasdeerassociation.com.
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