Wildlife Diversity Program

Wildlife Diversity Permits

Contact Information

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Wildlife Diversity Permits
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744

WPoffice@tpwd.texas.gov

Additional Information
 

CITES (Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species)

Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Many wildlife species in trade are not endangered, but the existence of an agreement to ensure the sustainability of the trade is important in order to safeguard these resources for the future.

CITES Program in Texas is a federal program that is administered by the state. CITES regulations require that pelts of certain species legally harvested be tagged with a department-issued federal CITES tag.

Bobcat CITES tags are required for any bobcat pelts that are sold, traded or shipped out of Texas. A pelt tag must be attached prior to being transported or shipped out of state. In addition, anyone who intends to transport or sell outside Texas the pelt of a bobcat taken in this state shall complete, sign, and submit an Out-of-State Shipping or Selling Report media download(PDF 240.2 KB) within 20 days of the time the pelt is shipped.

Otter CITES tags are required for all otters that are legally harvested in Texas. The pelts are required to be tagged with an otter CITES tag regardless of whether or not it is being shipped out of Texas. The otter pelt must be tagged within 90 days of take and is valid for the year in which the otter was taken.

Pelt tags can be obtained by presenting the pelt and your hunting license number at one of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Regional & Field Law Enforcement Offices. Please call the office ahead of your arrival.