Posted: 8/12/2013 3:09:12 AM EDT
| I have chickens that normally free range on my property. Lately this appears to be attracting other animals. Hawks, possum and as of tonight a about half a dozen foxes. My question is what are the legalities of preemptively taking care of such predators (I know raptors are off limits). I was thinking along the lines of a baited cage and a 22LR to dispose of them. As best as I can tell, the possums shouldn't be an issue. But, what about game animals like foxes? Do I have to wait until I have loses before legally being able to address the problem? |
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Hawks like you mentioned are a no go.
Foxes are not a game animal. They are considered. Fur bearing animal and ordinarily you would need a trappers license. Since they are destroying livestock, game on. I would suggest contacting a local Game Warden . The listings are by county and I can assure you they will be very appreciative if you let them know you'll be dispatching predators at night that are destroying your livestock. |
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You only need a trappers license if you are going to sell the pelts. A hunting license will suffice any other time you want to take fur bearers. If you are on your own property and they are nuisance animals you can take them without any license but they can't ever be sold.
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Quoted:
I have chickens that normally free range on my property. Lately this appears to be attracting other animals. Hawks, possum and as of tonight a about half a dozen foxes. My question is what are the legalities of preemptively taking care of such predators (I know raptors are off limits). I was thinking along the lines of a baited cage and a 22LR to dispose of them. As best as I can tell, the possums shouldn't be an issue. But, what about game animals like foxes? Do I have to wait until I have loses before legally being able to address the problem? Read this - it should have just about everything you need to know living in texas in it in regards to predators. On page 6 it tells you what predators are not protected and can be shot freely. |
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Quoted: Read this - it should have just about everything you need to know living in texas in it in regards to predators. On page 6 it tells you what predators are not protected and can be shot freely. Quoted: Quoted: I have chickens that normally free range on my property. Lately this appears to be attracting other animals. Hawks, possum and as of tonight a about half a dozen foxes. My question is what are the legalities of preemptively taking care of such predators (I know raptors are off limits). I was thinking along the lines of a baited cage and a 22LR to dispose of them. As best as I can tell, the possums shouldn't be an issue. But, what about game animals like foxes? Do I have to wait until I have loses before legally being able to address the problem? Read this - it should have just about everything you need to know living in texas in it in regards to predators. On page 6 it tells you what predators are not protected and can be shot freely. By state law, one must have a trapper's license or hunting license to take and possess a fur-bearing animal. No part of the animal can be sold, and the number of fur-bearers taken can not exceed the daily bag limit of one, or the possession limit of two. Landowners (or their authorized agents) on their own land do not have to have trapping or hunting licenses to take a fur-bearer while it is damaging agricultural crops, livestock, poultry or personal property. However, neither the animals nor their pelts can be possessed or sold. Before controlling fur-bearing predators, check with local law enforcement officials to determine if any other ordinances are in effect in your area. That certainly seems to answer the main question. However, what does the following sentence mean? If I took a fox, would I not be in possession of the pelt? Or is that to say, one shouldn't be skinning and tanning their hide if you take them for attacking livestock? It also reads like that I have to take actual losses before acting. |
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Quoted: Also, depending where exactly you live (city limits or not), you'll want to check your city ordinances in regards to trapping/killing any animal, predator or otherwise. Guessing since you can have chickens, probably won't be an issue  but just to be sure.Shouldnt be a problem around here.
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Quoted:
I have chickens that normally free range on my property. Lately this appears to be attracting other animals. Hawks, possum and as of tonight a about half a dozen foxes. My question is what are the legalities of preemptively taking care of such predators (I know raptors are off limits). I was thinking along the lines of a baited cage and a 22LR to dispose of them. As best as I can tell, the possums shouldn't be an issue. But, what about game animals like foxes? Do I have to wait until I have loses before legally being able to address the problem? Before you shoot animals, contact your local game wardens office and seek the legal advice you are asking about on here from those in the business. Do not rely on posts on the internet. The situation you describe covers many forms of law including parks/wildlife, trapping, hunting, penal code on animal cruelty laws, game animals and nuisance laws, nevermind the county and local ordinances . |