HB 4214 - Texas: Relating to the business of taxidermy; providing penalties AND HELP PREVENT CWD

Greetings Texas Hunters,

THIS is a very important bill. I know most officials in Texas could not say CWD (would not for fear of someone talking about it), but this is really what this bill is all about. Several states have possibly introduced CWD into their state by Taxidermist, from what the investigations have concluded. SO i would suggest that every hunter out there push for this bill to pass. YOU DO NOT WANT CWD BROUGHT INTO TEXAS, if it is not here already here, and they are going to have to do a lot more testing around NEW MEXICO WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE Texas border, and do more testing in the game farms in TEXAS to convince me of that.

Please see bill, and then CWD Taxidermy data i put together a while back. ...terry


By: AA Homer H.B.ANo.A4214

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the business of taxidermy; providing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTIONA1.AATitle 5, Parks and Wildlife Code, is amended by adding Subtitle C-1 to read as follows:

SUBTITLE C-1. TAXIDERMY

CHAPTER 73. TAXIDERMY

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.A73.001.AADEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1)AA"Animal" means any species of wild or exotic animal, including any bird or fish, the taking, possession, or sale of which is regulated by this code or a rule adopted under this code. (2)AA"Exotic animal" has the meaning assigned by Section 62.015. (3)AA"Game animal" has the meaning assigned by Section 63.001. (4)AA"Game bird" has the meaning assigned by Section 64.001. (5)AA"Migratory game bird" has the meaning assigned by Section 64.021. (6)AA"Specimen" means all or any part of an animal, including the skin or hide. (7)AA"Tanner" means a person who prepares green or

81R4378 SLB-F 1

untanned hides, capes, or skins. (8)AA"Taxidermist" means a person who is engaged in the business of taxidermy. (9)AA"Taxidermist employee" means a person who is employed by a taxidermist, performs taxidermy under the direction of another taxidermist, and does not perform taxidermy for the public. (10)AA"Taxidermy" means the art of preparing the skin, feathers, or other parts of an animal in a preserved state, often for display, including: (A)AAtanning the hides, capes, or skins; or (B)AAmounting the preserved parts of a specimen, including the skull, antlers, or horns. Sec.A73.002.AAPERMIT REQUIRED; EXCEPTIONS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a person, including a tanner, may not engage in the business of taxidermy unless the person has a taxidermy permit issued by the department. (b)AAA taxidermist shall prominently display the taxidermy permit in the place where the taxidermist performs taxidermy. (c)AAA taxidermy permit is not required for: (1)AAa taxidermist employee if the taxidermist supervises the employee ’s work; or (2)AAa tanner performing work for a taxidermist. Sec.A73.003.AAISSUANCE OF PERMIT; EXPIRATION; FEES. (a) The department shall issue a taxidermy permit to a person who submits a completed application as prescribed by the department subject to conditions set by the commission.

H.B.ANo.A4214

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(b)AAA taxidermy permit is valid from September 1 or another date set by the commission, through August 31 of the next year or another date set by the commission. (c)AAThe fee for a taxidermy permit is $50, or an amount set by the commission, whichever amount is greater. Sec.A73.004.AARULES. The commission may adopt rules to implement this chapter, including rules governing the denial of an application to obtain or renew a taxidermy permit. [Sections 73.005-73.020 reserved for expansion] SUBCHAPTER B. PRIVILEGES AND DUTIES OF PERMIT HOLDER Sec.A73.021.AARECORDS REQUIRED. (a) A taxidermy permit holder shall maintain an accurate book or electronic record containing: (1)AAthe number of specimens received in a lot; (2)AAthe date the lot is received by the permit holder; (3)AAfor each specimen, the specimen type; (4)AAfor the person who killed or caught the specimen: (A)AAthe person ’s name, address, and telephone number; and (B)AAthe person ’s hunting or fishing license number, driver ’s license number, or Department of Public Safety identification card number; and (5)AAfor the person who delivered the specimen to the permit holder, if that person is not the person who killed or caught the specimen: (A)AAthe person ’s name, address, and telephone number; and

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(B)AAthe person ’s hunting or fishing license number, driver ’s license number, or Department of Public Safety identification card number. (b)AAThe hunting license tag, wildlife resource document, or permit must remain with the specimen until the specimen is released from the permit holder ’s possession. (c)AAIf a portion of the specimen is given to a taxidermy employee or a tanner to perform work for the permit holder, the taxidermy employee or tanner shall maintain a record of: (1)AAthe taxidermy permit number of the supervising permit holder and a work order number for the specimen; or (2)AAa bill of sale from a lawful source. (d)AAExcept as provided by commission rule, a taxidermist or a taxidermy employee or tanner who is not required to hold a permit under this chapter shall maintain the records required by this section until the second anniversary of the date on which a specimen is released from possession by the taxidermist, taxidermist employee, or tanner. Sec.A73.022.AASALE OF UNCLAIMED SPECIMENS. (a) Except as provided by this section, if the owner of a lawfully taken specimen that has been mounted or tanned has not claimed the specimen on or before the 60th day after the date of receiving notification that the taxidermy or tanning is complete, the taxidermist may sell the specimen. (b)AANotification under this section must be by registered or certified mail. (c)AAThe taxidermy permit holder shall maintain records as

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required by Section 73.021 for a specimen sold under this section. (d)AAExcept as provided by Subsections (e) and (f), a taxidermy permit holder may sell an unclaimed game animal, bird, or fish specimen for an amount not to exceed the cost of taxidermy materials and labor related to the specimen. This restriction does not apply to an unclaimed deer specimen. (e)AAA taxidermy permit holder may sell an unclaimed game animal skin or hide only to a person holding a taxidermy permit. The restriction on the sale of an unclaimed skin or hide does not apply to an unclaimed deer skin or hide. The origin of any skin or hide sold under this section must be documented. (f)AAA taxidermy permit holder may not sell an unclaimed specimen of a migratory game bird or nongame bird. (g)AASection 62.021 does not apply to the sale of a specimen under this section. Sec.A73.023.AAPOSSESSION OF SPECIMENS ACQUIRED OUTSIDE THIS STATE. A taxidermy permit holder may possess a specimen lawfully acquired outside this state only if the specimen is accompanied by a bill of sale and any required permit, including a permit issued under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. [Sections 73.024-73.040 reserved for expansion] SUBCHAPTER C. ENFORCEMENT Sec.A73.041.AAPENALTY. (a) A person commits an offense if the person violates any provision of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. (b)AAExcept as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under

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this chapter is a Class C Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor. (c)AAIf it is shown at the trial of the defendant for a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter that the defendant has been convicted one or more times before the trial date of a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, the offense is a Class B Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor.

SECTIONA2.AAEffective June 1, 2010, Section 62.023, Parks and Wildlife Code, is repealed. SECTIONA3.AAThe Parks and Wildlife Commission shall adopt rules and procedures, including any fees or forms related to a taxidermy permit, required to implement Chapter 73, Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this Act, not later than April 1, 2010. SECTIONA4.AA(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009. (b)AASections 73.002 and 73.041, Parks and Wildlife Code, as added by this Act, take effect June 1, 2010.

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http://files.statesurge.com/file/916596




HB 4214 - Texas: Relating to the business of taxidermy; providing penalties




http://www.statesurge.com/bills/518179-hb-4214-texas




Wednesday, January 07, 2009

CWD to tighten taxidermy rules Hunters need to understand regulations

The movement of high-risk carcass parts (brain, spinal cord, lymph tissues) is a potential avenue through which CWD could be spread from infected areas. Investigations in New York indicate that the infection could have been spread by a taxidermist who accepted specimens from CWD-positive states, allowed rehabilitated fawns access to the taxidermy workshop and spread potentially infectious curing salt waste as a fence line weed killer on his deer farm.




http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=458&q=168948




http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/lib/pgc/taxidermists_cwd.pdf




http://wolftracksproductions.yuku.com/topic/874/t/Wyoming-deer-killed-by-Hoosier-had-CWD.html




What actions have been taken to prevent the spread of CWD? The movement of high-risk carcass parts (brain, spinal cord, lymph tissues) is a potential avenue through which CWD could be spread from infected areas. Investigations in New York indicate that the infection could have been spread by a taxidermist who accepted specimens from CWD-positive states, allowed rehabilitated fawns access to the taxidermy workshop and spread potentially infectious curing salt waste as a fence line weed killer on his deer farm. Several states, including Pennsylvania, have developed regulations to prohibit the importation of high-risk carcass parts from CWD endemic states. As of April 1, 2006 Pennsylvania's importation ban prohibits the importation of high-risk carcass parts from Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York (CWD containment area only), South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia (Hampshire County only), Wisconsin, Wyoming and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Pennsylvanians hunting in CWD-positive areas should get their animals tested and should leave high-risk carcass parts in the area where the animal was hunted.




http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=458&q=168948




SNIP...FULL TEXT ;

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

CWD MICHIGAN UPDATE September 5, 2008




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2008/09/cwd-michigan-update-september-5-2008.html




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/01/cwd-to-tighten-taxidermy-rules-hunters.html




Tuesday, March 03, 2009 TPWD Still Searching For CWD, Program Has Cost $1 Million




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/03/tpwd-still-searching-for-cwd-program.html




Saturday, September 06, 2008

Chronic wasting disease in a Wisconsin white-tailed deer farm 79% INFECTION RATE

Contents: September 1 2008, Volume 20, Issue 5

snip...see full text ;




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2008/11/commentary-crimes-hurt-essence-of.html




Tuesday, January 06, 2009

CWD Update 93 December 29, 2008




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/01/cwd-update-93-december-29-2008.html




Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Antemortem detection of PrPCWD in preclinical, ranch-raised Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) by biopsy of the rectal mucosa Full Scientific Reports




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/01/antemortem-detection-of-prpcwd-in.html




Monday, January 05, 2009CWD, GAME FARMS, BAITING, AND POLITICS




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/01/cwd-game-farms-baiting-and-politics.html




Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Noah's Ark Holding, LLC, Dawson, MN RECALL Elk products contain meat derived from an elk confirmed to have CWD NV, CA, TX, CO, NY, UT, FL, OK RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: FOODS CLASS II




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/03/noahs-ark-holding-llc-dawson-mn-recall.html




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/02/exotic-meats-usa-announces-urgent.html




Thursday, March 19, 2009

Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Elk Antler Velvet (Nutritional Supplements and CJD) CDC WARNING MAY 2009




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/03/chronic-wasting-disease-prions-in-elk.html




Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Detection of CWD Prions in Urine and Saliva of Deer by Transgenic Mouse Bioassay




http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/03/detection-of-cwd-prions-in-urine-and.html




Terry S. Singeltary Sr. P.O. Box 42 Bacliff, Texas USA 77518

CWD to tighten taxidermy rules Hunters need to understand regulations

CWD to tighten taxidermy rules Hunters need to understand regulations


Brian Mulherin - Daily News Staff Writer

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

If you hunt out-of-state and hope to bring back a trophy, the rules are likely to be stricter next year. Its been illegal for a few years now to bring full deer and elk carcasses in from states where chronic wasting disease is present, but it wasnt illegal for taxidermists to have them.

If Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries follows the advice of her staff at this weeks Natural Resources Commission meeting, it will be illegal for taxidermists to work on improperly caped deer and elk from CWD-positive states.

According to Rod Clute, big game specialist with the DNR, hunters must have their animals skinned out, with the skull removed from the cape, and may not transport a skull that contains any soft tissue, skin or fur. Meat must be de-boned, as well.

Jody Goodman of Bug-to-the-Bone Taxidermy said the change will cost him 50-100 customers a year.

Goodmans business specializes in removing soft tissue from skulls using dermestid beetles. He primarily prepares skulls for European-style mounts, which display a bare skull with antlers.

Absolutely, itll be devastating, Goodman said of the change. I would say we get probably anywhere from 50 to 100 a year (from CWD-positive states).

Goodman said hes not sure of the concern, since its not like the carcasses are disposed of improperly.

Most people bring them frozen and we immediately burn any tissue we remove, Goodman said. Theyre just making it harder and harder for people to make money.

Goodman said it seems to him the Department of Natural Resources is dancing around the elephant in the room.

If they want to shut down chronic wasting disease, for one thing theyd shut down all these deer farms because thats the only place theyve found it, Goodman said.

Another local taxidermist said he understood the change.

Its a rough law, but nobody wants CWD here, said Jamie Flewelling of Legends Taxidermy.

Were a CWD-free state, outside the one that maybe had it, Flewelling said. People are either going to have to be educated on how to cape these animals out before they go on the hunt or if they want them mounted, theyre going to have to have them caped out or mounted there.

Flewelling said he has turned hunters away who didnt know they were hunting in a CWD-positive state or province. Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Wisconsin, New York, Saskatchewan and Alberta have all had CWD-positive deer or elk found either on open land or in game farms.

Flewelling said if hunters dont know how to cape a deer, he wouldnt mind showing them, even if they may not bring their trophy to his shop. He said he would be interested in hosting a clinic for hunters who have tags for other states and are interested in learning how to cape-out animals.

You can save yourself a lot of work if you know what youre doing, Flewelling said.

Clute said game farms will be separated from taxidermy studios if the updated regulation passes.

There was some correlation between taxidermy, deer held in captivity and CWD in New York, Clute said. So were separating the two.

Cervid facilities cant host taxidermy operations and taxidermists cant have captive cervids under the proposed rule change.

The price of taxidermy permits is expected to double. A license will cost $100 specimen tags will cost $10 per 50 tags if the proposed change passes.

mhtml:%7B33B38F65-8D2E-434D-8F9B-8BDCD77D3066%7Dmid://00000096/!x-usc:mailto:bmulherin@ludingtondailynews.com

843-1122 x348CDW




http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news.php?story_id=42967&newsgroup_id=




CWD MICHIGAN UPDATE September 5, 2008


snip...

>>>but the hunter was allowed to keep the mount, according to Dr. Jennifer Strasser, a veterinarian with the Indiana Board of Animal Health and a state conservation officer. "As long as the skull cap and cape are cleaned properly, the hunter can safely keep the mount," she said.? <<<


i think it's foolish. in my opinion, the complete carcass should have been incinerated, including the head mount.


snip...



http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=250638



10-29-2007, 02:24 PM




XXXX ask ;


What part did you find "stupid"?


>>>but the hunter was allowed to keep the mount, according to Dr. Jennifer Strasser, a veterinarian with the Indiana Board of Animal Health and a state conservation officer. "As long as the skull cap and cape are cleaned properly, the hunter can safely keep the mount," she said.<<<


i understand most states allow this, but does not make it the safest way.with the risk of the skull cap and cape NOT being cleaned properly, the risk is just to great to introduce the TSE agent to a state that has not documented it yet. why take the risk ? i think it's foolish. in my opinion, the complete carcass should have been incinerated, including the head mount. just my opinion.


The movement of high-risk carcass parts (brain, spinal cord, lymph tissues) is a potential avenue through which CWD could be spread from infected areas. Investigations in New York indicate that the infection could have been spread by a taxidermist who accepted specimens from CWD-positive states, allowed rehabilitated fawns access to the taxidermy workshop and spread potentially infectious curing salt waste as a fence line weed killer on his deer farm. ...


What Every Taxidermist Should Know About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) -->



http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=458&q=168948




see full text ;




http://www.buckmasters.com/bm/Community/Forums/tabid/60/forumid/14/postid/10141/view/topic/Default.aspx




Monday, January 05, 2009

CWD, GAME FARMS, BAITING, AND POLITICS



http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/01/cwd-game-farms-baiting-and-politics.html





Tuesday, January 06, 2009

CWD Update 93 December 29, 2008



http://chronic-wasting-disease.blogspot.com/2009/01/cwd-update-93-december-29-2008.html




TSS