TEXAS laws

Texas Statutes        Texas Administrative Code https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.viewtac

DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS

BANS killing or releasing for killing listed dangerous wild animals (lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, hyena, bear, elephant, wolf, or rhinoceros or hybrids) along with promoting, conducting or advertising and selling and transporting one for such purposes. 

• EXEMPT:
  
  • peace officer or employee of municipality, county, or state killing one to protect public
    
  • veterinarian euthanizing one
    

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION from an animal registration agency required to own, harbor or have custody or control of a dangerous wild animal.  

• EXEMPT:
  
  • county, municipality, state or federal government agencies and agents
    
  • USDA research facilities
    
  • AZA
    
  • Injured, infirmed, orphaned or abandoned animal transported for care
    
  • Injured, infirmed, orphaned or abandoned animal under wildlife rehabilitation permit
    
  • transient circus in the state for less than 30 days if animals are integral part
    
  • TV or motion picture company while filming
    
  • college or university mascot
    
  • animals transported through the state in interstate commerce
    
  • USDA Class A or B dealer supplying primates to biomedical research facility
    
  • participant of AZA SSP if integral part
    
  • trapping of cougar, bobcat or coyote in county west of Pecos River with population of less than 25,000 as part of predator or depredation control
    

REQUIREMENTS:

• Allows fee of up to $50 per animal up to $500 per person
  
• COR must be filed with department within 10 days
  
• notify department before relocation and within 10 days of deaths or sales, meet caging, immediately notify animal registration agency of escapes and notify within 48 hours of attacks on humans, comply with USDA facility and operations, animal health and husbandry and veterinary care and transport requirements; veterinary care log, inspections
  
• COR must include proof of $100,000 liability insurance per occurrence of property damage or human injury, color photo within last 30 days, photo/statement of primary enclosure dimensions and items, photocopy of USDA Class A, B or C license (if applicable)
  

LIST:

• Lion
  
• Tiger
  
• Ocelot
  
• Cougar
  
• Leopard
  
• Cheetah
  
• Jaguar
  
• Bobcat
  
• Lynx
  
• Serval
  
• Caracal
  
• Hyena
  
• Bear
  
• Coyote
  
• Jackal
  
• Baboon
  
• Chimpanzee
  
• Orangutan
  
• gorilla
  
• hybrid of above
  

(Texas Health Code Ch. 822, SubCh. E; 5B Texas Wildlife & Parks Code Ch. 62, SubCh. F; 25 Texas Admin Code Ch. 169, Subch G; 31 Texas Admin Code Ch. 55, Subch. I)

 

CONTROLLED EXOTIC SNAKES

PERMIT (Controlled Exotic Snake) permit required for controlled exotic snakes. 

• TYPES:
  
  • recreational
    
  • commercial (need daily record)
    
  • sales receipt is temporary 21 day permit
    

• EXEMPT:
  
  • state and county officials
    
  • licensed zoo
    
  • USDA research facility
    
  • those assisting the department
    

LIST:

• Exotic venomous snakes
  
• African rock pythons
  
• Asiatic rock pythons
  
• Burmese pythons
  
• green anacondas
  
• reticulated pythons
  
• Southern African pythons
  
• hybrids of above
  

Engaging in commercial activity without a permit after a prior violation results in Class B Parks & Wildlife Code misdemeanor instead of Class C. 

(5A Texas Wildlife and Parks Code Ch. 43, Subch. V - Amended HB 2326 Effective 6/7/21; 31 Texas Admin Code Part 2, Ch. 55, Subch J - Amended 8/26/21 – Effective 11/22/21)

 

EXOTIC FOWL

• Domestic Fowl – those domestically propagated and used for food, eggs, agricultural exhibition or recreation
  
• Exotic Fowl – nonnative species not for agriculture
  

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION required for sellers, distributors, and transporters of domestic and exotic fowl. 

• INCLUDES: sales at other locations, at locations where congregated, or of those epidemiologically at high risk for disease; distributors; transporters; those selling in state
  
• EXCLUDES: disease surveillance program
  

(4 Texas Admin. Code Ch. 54)

 

AMERICAN ALLIGATORS

BANS LIVE possession of American alligators.

• PERMIT for Scientific Research, Zoological Collection, Rehabilitation and Educational Display
  

BANS export of American alligator eggs.

PERMIT required to take, possess, propagate, transport, export, import, and sell American alligators and eggs and parts. 

• EXCLUDES:
  
  • US Endangered species populations
    
  • Protected wildlife permits and other special permits under Ch. 43
    
  • Revoked or suspended licenses
    
  • Contracts for removal of reptiles
    

PERMITS:

• Nuisance Alligator Control Permit (take, kill, transport, sell, release nuisance alligator)
  
  • SELL TO: wholesale dealer or farmer
    
  • Allows possession of live nuisance ones – must sell to farmer in 14 days of capture
    

• Retail Alligator Dealers Permit (required to sell processed parts)
  
  • PURCHASE FROM: wholesale dealer or import
    
  • SELL: processed ones to consumers
    
  • EXEMPT: sale of products where only hide used, sale for immediate consumption, purchase of meat from dealer or farmer for resale
    

• Wholesale Alligator Dealers Permit
  
  • PURCHASE FROM: hunter, dealer, farmer, import permit, or control hunter
    
  • SELL: processed ones to anyone; unprocessed ones to wholesale dealer or farmer
    

• Alligator Farmer Permit
  
  • PURCHASE FROM: farmer or control hunter (live); farmer, wholesale dealer, recreational hunter, or control hunter (dead); eggs from legal source
    
  • SELL: other farmers or Scientific Research, Zoological Collection, Rehabilitation and Educational Display (live); wholesale dealer or farmer (unprocessed dead)
    
  • Transport or receipt requires transfer notification form 24-48 hours prior
    
  • BANS transport for exhibition except Scientific Research, Zoological Collection, Rehabilitation and Educational Display
    

• Recreational Hunting Permit
  
  • SALE: farmer, wholesale dealer, export (dead) – need commercial alligator hide tag if sold for fee
    

• Alligator Import Permit (import alligators)
  
  • LIMITED TO: wholesale dealer, retail dealer, farmer
    
  • EXEMPT:
    
    • Scientific Research, Zoological Collection, Rehabilitation and Educational Display
      
    • Shipment through state or into state for immediate export
      
    • imported ones under out-of-state hunting license
      

• Egg Collection Permit (collect from wild)
  

TAKE

LEGAL METHODS:

• firearm, air guns and arrow guns (except certain counties)
  
• hook and line (line set) – special requirements
  
• alligator gig
  
• longbow, recurved bow, or compound bow using a barbed arrow
  
• hand-held snare with integral locking mechanism
  

ILLEGAL METHODS: firearm, air guns and arrow guns (certain counties)

*See law for seasons and more

(5B Texas Wildlife and Parks Code Ch. 65; 31 Texas Admin. Code §65.11, 65.49, Ch. 65P)

SEA TURTLES

BANS taking, killing or disturbing sea turtles or eggs from state waters.

(31 Texas Admin. Code §57.972(g)(9))

 

DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS

BANS take and possession of diamondback terrapins and eggs.

• PERMIT for scientific, Educational, and Zoological
  

(31 Texas Admin. Code §57.972(g)(10))

 

NATIVE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

Reptile and Amphibian Stamp required for nonlethal capture of native herptiles from the shoulder of roads or unpaved area of public right-of-way.

• ALSO NEED: hunting license
  
• EXCLUDES: capture and release for
  
  • Pipelines and oil and gas exploration
    
  • Employee by state, utility or power generation company
    
  • Surface coal mining
    

(5A Texas Wildlife and Parks Code Ch. 43, SubCh. W)

PROTECTED WILDLIFE

PERMIT required to collect, hold, possess, display, transport, release, or propagate protected wildlife.

• Protected wildlife – indigenous mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and aquatic life regulated by code
  
• LIMITED TO: scientific research, educational display, zoological collection or rehabilitation
  
  • BANS: propagation for rehabilitator or educational display or sales
    
  • ALSO NEED: federal permit for migratory
    
• EXEMPT:
  
  • Wildlife held by another permit
    
  • Marine mammals allowed under Marine Mammal Protection Act
    
    • EXCLUDES: those department has authority over under that act and federal ESA
      

PERMITS:

• Zoological Collection Permits (AZA or those with letters of recommendation of current permit holders with more than 5 animals or those incapable of surviving in the wild)
  

• Scientific Research Permit (those adequately trained)
  

• Educational Display Permits (primary, secondary, or post-secondary educational institutions, government entities, or nonprofit educational organizations)
  
  • must meet facility standards in 69.305 if not AZA
    

• Rehabilitation permit
  

REQUIREMENTS:

• Import from Mexico requires statement from US Customs Officer at the port of entry that it originates from Mexico
  

(5A Texas Wildlife and Parks Code Ch. 43, Subch. C, 62.026; 31 Texas Admin Code Ch. 69C & 69J)

 

GAME

• Game - mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, desert bighorn sheep, gray or cat squirrels, fox squirrels or red squirrels, and collared peccary or javelina
  

PERMIT required to possess live deer.

• Scientific Research, Zoological Collection, Rehabilitation, And Educational Display
  
• Trap, transport, and transplant game permits
  
• Deer Breeder Permit (possession of white-tailed or mule deer)
  
  • Need ID tag as described – before 1/1/22 may do replacement tag instead
    
• White-tailed Deer Management Permit
  

BANS possession of live game unless authorized.

PERMITS:

• Game Breeders License (selling or propagating pronghorn antelope, collared peccary or javelina, red or gray squirrel)
  
  • ALSO NEED: shipment or transportation permit to transport or ship them live
    
  • EXEMPT: scientific and zoological purposes with permit for protected species
    
  • BANS sale during open season for that species and 10 days before, wild-caught ones, allowing hunting or killing of animals, not providing source when requested
    
  • Purchase - must have ear tag required or be shipped by common carrier
    
  • Purchase and receipt limited to release for stocking and holding for propagation
    

(5B Texas Wildlife and Parks Code 63.001 to 63.002; 31 Texas Admin. Code Ch. 65T, §65.905)

GAME BIRDS

• Game birds – Wild: turkey, ducks and geese (all), brant, grouse, prairie chickens, pheasants (all), partridge; bobwhite, scaled, Mearn’s, and Gambel’s quail; red-billed and band-tailed pigeons; mourning, white-winged and white-fronted doves; snipe (all), shore birds (all), chachalacas, plovers (all), sandhill crane
  

BANS possession of live game birds unless authorized.

PERMITS:

• Commercial Game Bird Breeders License (selling or propagating of game birds)
  
  • CLASSES:
    
    • Class 1 – possess more than 1000 birds and unlimited eggs
      
    • Class 2 – possess 1000 or less and unlimited eggs
      
  • EXEMPT:
    
    • Entities granted permit under protected wildlife
      
    • Those selling birds for consumption
      
    • those not selling or propagating
      
      • NEED receipt with name/address of source, date of sale and species
        
    • May only purchase from another breeder or import
      

(5A Texas Wildlife and Parks Code Ch. 43, Subch. C; 5B Parks & Wildlife Code 64.001, 64.007)

 

MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

• Migratory Game Birds – wild: ducks and geese and brant, coot, rail, gallinules, plovers, Wilson’s snipe, woodcock; mourning, white-winged and white-fronted doves; red-billed and band-tailed pigeons; shore birds; sandhill crane
  

BANS hunting or possession migratory game birds unless authorized.

(5B Texas Wildlife and Parks Code 64.021, 64.026)

 

FUR-BEARING ANIMALS

• Fur-bearing Animal - wild beaver, otter, mink, ring-tailed cat, badger, skunk, raccoon, muskrat, opossum, fox, or nutria
  

BANS purchase and sale of live fur-bearing animals.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Sale and purchase by Fur-Bearing Animal Propagation License
    
  • Purchase by Scientific, Educational, or Zoological Permit
    

BANS purchase and sale of pelt or carcass.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Sale by trapper (during open season) – limited to wholesale fur dealer or export
    
  • Sale by wholesale fur dealer
    
  • finished products sold to or purchased by anyone
    
  • purchase by wholesale fur dealer (during open season) or consumer
    

BANS take of fur-bearing animal unless authorized.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Landowner taking one for depredation
    

BANS possession and sale of nuisance ones.

PERMIT (Import Permit) and health certificate required for importation. 

• ALSO NEED: letter of authorization (fox, raccoon, skunk)
  

PERMITS:

• Hunting License (take and possess if not sold, bartered or exchanged)
  
• Trapper’s License (take)
  
• Retail Fur Buyer’s Or Wholesale Fur Dealer’s License (carcass or pelt)
  
• Fur-Bearing Animal Propagation License (possess or sell live ones - allows wild caught)
  
  • SALES LIMITED TO: furbearer, Scientific, Educational, or Zoological Permit
    
  • Offspring may stay with their parents for 120 days
    
  • Wild-caught limited to commercial harvest season
    
  • Allows take/possess 3 days for demonstration with letter of authorization
    

(5C Texas Wildlife and Parks Code Ch. 71; 31 Texas Admin. Code 65Q)

 

NONGAME

• Nongame – all species other than game animals, game birds, game fish, fur-bearing animals, endangered species, alligators, marine penaeid shrimp, or oysters
  

BANS hunt, sale, purchase and possession of bats.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Bats inside or on building occupied by people
    
  • animal control officer, peace officer, or health official capturing injured or diseased one
    
  • transport to lab testing if bat exposed humans or domestic animals to rabies
    
  • pest control service license
    

BANS possession, transport, receipt and release of wolves.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Transport by state or county official
    
  • Possession or transport by circus, zoo, or menagerie for exhibition or scientific purposes
    

BANS sale and possession of armadillos.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Sale by or to zoos (displays 15 or more species)
    
  • Sale to educational institution, medical or research center for scientific purposes
    
  • Sale to commercial dealers reselling to those above
    

BANS catch, kill, injuring, pursuit, possession, purchase, sale, exposure for sale, transport, shipment, receipt or delivery for transportation, possessing body, skin or plumage, and destroying or disturbing eggs, nests or young of nongame birds.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • killing European starlings, English sparrows, and feral rock doves
    
  • control yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, or Brewer’s blackbirds or grackles, cowbirds, crows, or magpies committing depredation
    
  • Canaries, parrots, and other exotic nongame birds sold, purchased, and kept as domestic pets
    

BANS taking nongame from public land or water for commercial activity.

 
PERMIT issued for other species and purposes.

• GRANDFATHERED: noncommercial owners of nongame in 331(e) “black list” on 10/21/07 and additional ones if reported by 11/1/10 and NO commercial activity
  
• EXCLUDES:
  
  • insects
    
  • crayfish from nonpublic waters
    
  • nongame fish
    
  • coyote, mountain lion, bobcat, rabbit (Sylvilagus), American bison, bats, diamondback terrapin, threatened species
    
  • Up to 6 nongame species in 331(e) “black list” and up to 25 species in 331(d) “white list”
    
  • Freshwater turtles and 331(d) “white list” species for immediate consumption
    
  • Purchase, process and sale of products
    
    • EXCLUDES: take to produce products
      
  •  Nongame imported into state by common carrier and then immediately exported
    

PERMITS:

• Nongame Dealer Permit (sell nongame to everyone, import, export)
  
  • ALLOWS: collecting 331(d) species from wild, selling nongame to anyone, acquiring nongame from another dealer or import, and importing and exporting nongame including 331(e) if not released, captive breeding, and activities involving dead armadillos (bans live)
    
  • Import - need invoice, bill or sale or receipt and must mail Notice of Import/Export to department within 24 hours of receipt
    
  • Export - must mail Notice of Import/Export to department within 24 hours of receipt
    

• Nongame Collection Permit (dealers to collect nongame)
  
  • ALLOWS: collecting 331(d) species from wild, selling to nongame dealer permit, acquiring nongame from another dealer or import, and activities involving dead armadillos (bans live and sales limited to dealer permit)
    
  • BANS collecting coatimundi
    

• Protected Nongame Sales Permit (sale of coatimundi)
  
  • LIMITED TO: captive bred
    

(5B Texas Wildlife and Parks Code 63.101 to 63.104, 64.002, Ch. 67; 31 Texas Admin Code Ch. 65O & Ch. 69K)

PROTECTED FISH

BANS purchase, sale, possession for sale, and transport or shipment for sale, barter or exchange of protected fish listed.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Out-of-state fish transported through state by common carrier without being unloaded
    
  • commercial aquaculture facility sales if given prepared feed
    
  • finfish import license
    
    • farm-raised red drum, bass (Micropterus), crappie, flathead catfish, striped bass, white bass and hybrids given prepared food
      
    • dead blue marlin, jewfish, longbill spearfish, muskellunge, northern pike, sailfish, sauger, snook, spotted sea trout, tarpon, walleye, white marlin, yellow bass, or a hybrid
      

LIST:

• bass (Micropterus)
  
• blue marlin
  
• crappie
  
• flathead catfish
  
• jewfish
  
• longbill spearfish
  
• muskellunge
  
• northern pike
  
• red drum
  
• sailfish
  
• sauger
  
• snook
  
• spotted sea trout
  
• striped bass
  
• tarpon
  
• walleye
  
• white bass
  
• white marlin
  
• yellow bass
  
• hybrids
  

(5B Texas Wildlife & Parks Code 66.020 to 66.021)

 

AQUACULTURE

BANS possession, sale and release of designated harmful and potentially harmful fish and shellfish.

LEGAL WITHOUT PERMIT to operate commercial aquaculture facilities as of 9/1/21. 

PERMIT (Site-Specific Wastewater Discharge Permit) from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required for facilities producing shrimp in coastal zone if discharging wastewater into state waters. 

PERMIT (Broodstock Permit) from Parks & Wildlife required to take broodstock from public waters to use for breeding.

• ALSO NEED: recreational fishing license
  
• BANS black bass and crappie
  

REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific other requirements for shrimp in coastal zone
  
• Records of sales for 1 year
  
• Allows cultured species to be raised, transported and sold to anyone for any purpose
  
• Copy of sales invoice submitted in 30 days for: fish not on list of exotic fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants; collected from private facility on private land by commercial aquaculture facility; owner of fish where collected; manage fish population in private facility; and operators of commercial facility
  

(Texas Agricultural Code 6-134, 5A-43 Subch. P; 31 Texas Admin. Code Ch. 57F)

 

AQUATIC SPECIES PERMITS

PERMIT required for import or delivery of aquatic species for commercial purposes.

• PERMITS: wholesale fish dealer’s license, retail fish dealer’s license, bait dealer’s license
  

PERMIT (Wholesale Fish Dealer’s License Or Retail Fish Dealer’s License) required to export aquatic species for commercial purposes.

AQUATIC SPECIES PERMITS:

• Wholesale Fish Dealer’s License (sale to retail/wholesale fish dealers, hotels, restaurants, cafes, consumers)
  
  • EXEMPT: commercial aquaculture facility if products raised at facility
    
  • Purchased aquatics must be from commercial aquaculture facility or listed license
    

• Wholesale Truck Dealer’s Fish License (sell aquatics from truck)
  
  • EXEMPT: resident transporting cultured species from private facility and selling from truck
    

• Retail Fish Dealer License (sell aquatic life to consumers)
  
  • EXEMPT: commercial aquaculture facility if products raised at facility
    
  • Purchase must come from commercial aquaculture facility or listed license
    

• Retail Dealer’s Truck License (sell edible aquatic products from truck)
  
  • EXEMPT: commercial aquaculture facility if products raised at facility
    

• Bait Dealer (catch and sell minnows, fish, shrimp, aquatic life for bait)
  
  • EXEMPT: commercial aquaculture facility if products raised at facility
    

• Offshore Aquaculture Permit (activities in offshore aquaculture zone)
  

• Permit to Possess or Sell Nongame Fish Taken from Public Fresh Waters (sell wild-caught nongame fish)
  
  • ALSO NEED: commercial fisherman license or individual bait dealer license for wild-caught OR bait or fish dealer permit for purchase and sell of captive born
    
  • OR NEED: fishing guide license for gizzard or threadfin shad
    
  • LIMITED TO: species listed
    
    • EXCLUDES: endangered/threatened
      
  • EXEMPT: Shad taking with recreational fishing license if not sold, and possessed in containers 30 gallons or less
    

LIST: Legal Nongame Fish Sales

• Gars (Lepisosteus and Atractosteus)
  
• Bowfin
  
• Shads (Dorosoma)
  
• Common carp
  
• Goldfish
  
• Grass carp
  
• Bighead carp     
  
• Suckers (buffalo) (Ictiobus)
  
• River carpsucker
  
• Bullhead catfishes (Ameiurus)
  
• Freshwater drum            
  
• Tilapia   (Oreochromis)
  
• Rio Grande cichlid
  
• Silversides (inland and rough)
  
• Mullet (Mugil)
  
• Minnows (Campostoma, Cyprinella, Hybognathus, Macrhybosis, Notemigonus, Notropis, Opsopoedus, Phenacobius, Pimephales, Rhinichthys, Semotilus)
  

(5A Texas Wildlife & Parks Code 47.001, 47.009 to 47.014, 47.018; 31 Texas Admin. Code Ch. 57C, 57E)

 

SALE AND PURCHASE OF CERTAIN FISH

BANS buying, selling, possess/transport/ship for sale, barter and exchange of listed fish.

• EXEMPT:
  
  • commercial aquaculture facility except Micropterus bass
    
  • transport into state
    
  • commercial aquaculture facility for private reared Micropterus bass marketed for stocking in waters of state
    
  • nongame fish
    
  • channel or blue catfish over 14” taken from public freshwater in certain counties, rivers and lakes
    

LIST:

• freshwater crappie
  
• bass (Micropterus)
  
• striped bass and hybrids
  
• white bass
  
• walleye
  
• sauger
  
• northern pike
  
• muskellunge
  
• trout (Salmonidae)
  
• flathead catfish
  
• wild-caught freshwater fish
  

(5B Texas Wildlife & Parks Code 66.011)

 

HARMFUL/POTENTIALLY HARMFUL FISH AND SHELLFISH

BANS release, possession, import, export, sale, purchase, transport, propagation and culture of controlled exotic species along with taking or possessing grass carp from public waters. 

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Commercial aquaculture facility (import, possess, sale) under 134.020
    
    • Shellfish must have evidence of free of disease
      
  • Active partner with letter of approval
    
  • Employee of department
    
  • Those killed, frozen or packaged on ice (EXCLUDES oysters, mussels)
    
  • Shucked oysters
    
  • Vessels transporting mussels for removal
    
  • Retail or wholesale fish dealer
    
    • live holding of triploid grass carp, blue tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, Nile tilapia, Wami tilapia if from permit holder, keep copy of transport invoice 1 year, does NOT propagate or culture OR sell or transfer live
      
    • Pacific blue shrimp and Pacific white shrimp if business not in exotic shrimp exclusion zone, from permit holder, keep copy of transport invoice 1 year, does NOT sell or transfer live
      
  • Property owner or manager disposing of dreissinid mussels and apple snails from private pond, public water adjacent to property, shorelines, docks, or waterfront infrastructure – must place in black plastic bag
    
  • Governmental or quasi-governmental agencies; operators of power generation, water control or water supply facilities, or private water intakes; entities removing garbage from public water bodies; or contractors for disposal
    
  • Fully dried or preserved mussels used for educational purposes
    
  • Noncommercial purchase, possession, transport and propagation of blue, Mozambique, Nile and Wami tilapia and hybrids
    
    • Must comply with tilapia transport rules, NOT sell or exchange for fee, use recirculating aquaculture system with safety measures, and only transport away dead
      

• Transport invoice allows transport and possession of Mozambique tilapia and triploid grass carp in a private pond or facility
  

PERMIT issued for:

• Water Spinach Permit (culture, transport, and sale)
  

• Exotic Species Aquaculture Permit (commercial aquaculture facility)
  
  • LIMITED TO: triploid grass carp, blue tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, Nile tilapia, Wami tilapia, Pacific white shrimp, Pacific blue shrimp
    

• Exotic Species Research Permit (research that benefits native species/ecosystems or insights of risks or management of exotics)
  
  • BANS sale without permission
    

• Exotic Species Biological Control Production Permit (plants for production of biological control agents)
  

• Exotic Species Zoological Permit (zoological displays)
  
  • BANS sale or propagation
    

• Exotic Species Pond Stocking Sales Permit (sale for private pond stocking)
  
  • BANS holding in facility over 72 hours and aquaculture
    
  • BANS sale or exchange of tilapia for fee from private pond and BANS live transport away
    

• Triploid Grass Carp Permit (stock in public or private waters)
  
  • Must come from controlled exotic species permit or import
    
  • BANS live transport away and sale or exchange for value
    
  • Ponds must keep exotic species transport invoice and triploid certification
    

• Exotic Species Interstate Transit Permit (transport through state)
  

• Exotic Species Aquatic Vegetation Removal Permit (remove plants)
  

• Plants for wastewater treatment
  

LIST:

• Fish:
  
  • South American pike characoids (Acestrorhynchus)
    
  • African tiger fishes (Hydrocynus)
    
  • freshwater eels (Anguillidae) except American eel
    
  • Nile perch (Lates)
    
  • whale catfishes (Cetopsidae)
    
  • Dourados (Salminus)
    
  • Piranhas (Catoprion, Pristobrycon, Pygocentrus, Pygopristis, and Serrasalmus)
    
  • Snakeheads (Channidae)
    
  • Tilapia (Coelotilapia, Coptodon Heterotilapia, Oreochromis, Pelmatolapia, Sarotherodon, and Tilapia)
    
  • African lute fishes (Belonophago, Euganthichthys, Ichthyborus, Mesoborus, Phago, and Paraphago)
    
  • walking catfishes (Clariidae)
    
  • South American pike characids (Ctenolucius and Boulengerella)
    
  • dogtooth characins: payara and vampire tetras (Cynodon, Hydrolycus, and Rhaphiodon)
    
  • Asps (Aspius, Aspiolucius, and Pseudaspius)
    
  • Old World breams (Abramis, Blicca, Megalobrama, and Parabramis)
    
  • Bighead, silver, and largescale carp (Hypophthalmichthys)
    
  • Black carp (Mylopharyngodon)
    
  • Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon)
    
  • Catla (Cirrhinus, Thynnichthys, and Gibelion)
    
  • European daces (Leuciscus)
    
  • Barbs and mahseers (Tor and Neolissochilus)
    
  • Roaches (Rutilus)
    
  • Rudds (Scardinius)
    
  • Yellowcheek (Elopichthys)
    
  • Giant barb (Catlocarpio)
    
  • Sharkminnows (Labeo) except black sharkminnow
    
  • Stone moroko
    
  • electric eel
    
  • trahiras (Erythrinidae)
    
  • round gobies (Neogobius)
    
  • African pike fishes (Hepsetidae)
    
  • airsac catfishes (Heteropneustidae)
    
  • electric catfishes (Malapteruridae)
    
  • temperate basses (Moronidae) except white, yellow, striped bass and hybrids
    
  • Amur sleeper
    
  • Asian pikeheads (Luciocephalus)
    
  • Arapaima (Arapaima)
    
  • temperate perches (Percichthyidae)
    
  • Pikeperches (Sander) except sauger, walleye and hybrids
    
  • European ruffes (Gymnocephalus)
    
  • European perch
    
  • Lampreys (Petromyzontidae) except chestnut and Southern brook lamprey
    
  • Pike Killifish
    
  • freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygonidae)
    
  • seatrouts and corvinas (Cynoscion) except sand, spotted and silver seatrout
    
  • marine stonefishes (Choridactylus, Dampierosa, Erosa, Inimicus, Leptosynanceia, Minous, Pseudosynanceia, Synanceia, and Trachicephalus)
    
  • Wels catfish
    
  • swamp eels, rice eels, or one-gilled eels (Synbranchidae)
    
  • South American parasitic Candiru catfishes (Trichomycteridae)
    

• Shellfish:
  
  • Applesnails (Pomacea) except spiketop applesnail
    
  • Giant rams-horn snails (Marisa)
    
  • zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena)
    
  • mud snails (Hydrobiidae)
    
  • golden mussel
    
  • Limnoperna fortunei
    
  • Oysters (Ostreidae) except mangrove, Eastern, frond, dwarf, sponge oyster
    
  • Southern hemisphere freshwater crayfishes (Parastacidae)
    
  • penaeid shrimps (Farfantepenaeus, Fenneropenaeus, Litopenaeus, Marsupenaeus, Melicertus, and Penaeus) except white, brown and pink shrimp
    
  • mitten crabs (Eriocheir)
    

• Certain Aquatic Plants
  

(6 Texas Agricultural Code 134.020; 5B Texas Wildlife & Parks Code 66.007; 31 Texas Admin. Code Ch. 57A)
 

NONCOMMERCIAL TAKE - QUAIL AND PHEASANT

Allows person or their guest to noncommercially take unbanded pen-reared quail and pheasant on properties at least 5 contiguous acres. 

• NOT EXEMPT FROM: game bird propagation license, bag limit or ban on take during closed season 
  

(5A Texas Parks and Wildlife Code 42.0211 – ADDED by HB 1699 Signed into law and effective 5/19/21) 
 

ENDANGERED/THREATENED SPECIES

BANS take, possession, propagation, transport, export, sale and shipment of state and federal native endangered and threatened species.  Also BANS import but not shipment of threatened species. 

• EXEMPT:
  
  • Coyotes, cougars, bobcats, prairie dogs, foxes
    
  • Mounted or preserved ones from 1973 by public or private nonprofit educational, zoological, or research institutions
    
  • Goods from threatened species AND live, mounted or preserved endangered or threatened species with a copy of out-of-state permit, bill of sale showing source, or notarized affidavit
    
  • Transport to Department of Health or medical facility if immediate threat to human safety
    
  • Bird parts by Indian tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs with federal permit
    

• PERMITS:
  
  • Endangered Species Propagation Permit (zoological gardens or scientific purposes and wild-caught ones for commercial propagation)
    
  • Commercial Propagation Permit (possess and propagate endangered species for commercial sale)
    
  • Letter of Authorization (temporary possession for relocation)
    

• mammals and turtles require tattoo, band or PIT tag
  

LISTS: See 31 TAC §65.175 and 65.176

(5B Texas Wildlife & Parks Code Ch. 68; 31Texas Admin Code Part 2, Ch. 65, Subch. G)

OTHER NATIVE PERMITS

• Field Trial Permit
  

• Falconry Permit
  

(5A Texas Wildlife and Parks Code 43.0764, 43.351 to 43.369 & Ch. 44-45, 49; 31 Texas Admin Code §65.320 & Subch K & T)

 
 

DOGS, COYOTES, HYBRIDS ANNOYING LIVESTOCK

Dogs, coyotes, and hybrids known to run or kill livestock, domestic animals of fowl may not run at large.

Any dog, coyote, or hybrid that is attacking, has attacked or is about to attack livestock, domestic animals or fowl may be killed by a witness or the other animal’s owner.  Such dogs found on a person’s property may detain or impound it and return to owner or give to local animal control.

(Texas Health Code 822.011 to 822.013)

RETAIL STORES WITH REPTILES

Pet stores that sell reptiles must post warning sign of reptile-associated salmonellosis and provider purchasers a copy that meet the listed requirements.  CDC guideline poster can replace hanging sign.

(Texas Health and Safety Code §81.352; 25 Texas Admin. Code Ch. 169, Subch. F)

RABIES QUARANTINE

BANS import, export, selling or transport of foxes, coyotes or raccoons native to North America under Statewide Rabies Quarantine.

• TRANSPORT EXEMPT:
  
  • peace officers and local, state, or federal government agencies for stray animals
    
  • AZA zoos or other institutions
    
  • educators for educational display
    
  • rehabilitators
    
  • nuisance fur-bearing animal relocation
    
  • pest management professionals
    

• Release must be in 10-mile radius or 10 miles of city limits where caught and in same county
  

(25 Texas Admin. Code §169.34)

PROTECTION OF ANIMAL FACILITIES

BANS the intentional release, stealing, destruction, or causing loss of animal from animal facility without consent; damage, vandalize or steal property; break and enter into facility with intent to destroy or alter records, data, materials, equipment or animals; and entering or remaining at facility with intent to commit act.

Animal Facility - poultry, livestock, and other domestic and wild animals used in agricultural production of animals

(8 Texas Agricultural Code 252)

IMPORT (Agriculture)

PERMIT (Entry Permit) and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection required to import:

• Livestock (Cattle, horses, mules, asses, sheep, goats, and hogs)
  
• exotic livestock (ungulates including swine, horse, tapir, rhinoceros, elephant, deer, and antelope)
  
• domestic animals
  
• domestic fowl
  
• exotic fowl (nonnative birds including ratites)
  

EXEMPT:

• exotic fowl except ratites (permit only)
  

REQUIREMENTS:

• meet testing and other requirements for exotic cervids, exotic bovids, exotic swine, camelids and exotic fowl and cervids
  

(6 Texas Agricultural Code 161.081; 4 Texas Admin. Code Ch. 51)

 

IMPORT

Imported wildlife requires having an applicable license, permit or document showing it is legal.

(31 Texas Admin Code Part §65.5)