Digital Hunting Tags In Texas
Recently passed HB 3081 allows the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop a program for the use of digital hunting tags for animals, including birds, to holders of hunting licenses authorizing the taking of those animals. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is currently exploring a pilot program to allow for the issuance of a digital license that would have digital tags. An individual who chooses this license would tag animals or fish such as deer, turkeys, or red drum with an app on a mobile device.
Section 436 of H.R. 4372; Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022
Section 436 seeks to ban outright the import of legally hunted trophies from Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Amendment number 148, offered by Representatives Jeff Duncan (SC-03) to strike section 436 failed 1952-232. The U.S. Senate has not begun consideration of their Interior Appropriations bill. With an August recess that may extend into September, it is Congress will revert to passing a Continuing Resolution to fund the government past September 30th.
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) Introduced into U.S. Senate
Its passage can help state agencies and tribes reverse population declines for at-risk wildlife species before they become endangered, will invest more than $50 million per year in Texas for wildlife recovery and related public education and recreation and is expected to create 30,000 new jobs. It was drafted with input from hunters and anglers across the nation, to help both game and nongame species thrive, and it would mean more funds for habitat projects, population monitoring, and other initiatives that benefit sportsmen and women, as well as the species we pursue.
U.S. Senate Conservation Infrastructure Proposal
Supports the inclusion of critical conservation measures in the Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure proposal. Specifically, the inclusion of funds for active forest management and wildlife crossings, as well as support inclusion of the REGROW Act (orphan wells) and reauthorization of the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program with additional appropriated funding. This will facilitate and grow necessary investments in wildlife habitat, migration corridors, clean water and air, and provide employment opportunities in rural communities.