Amphibian and Reptile FAQ
Q1: Can I capture indigenous reptiles and amphibians on the road if I have the Reptile and Amphibian Stamp?A1: No. The road is closed to capture of reptiles and amphibians, as well as other wild animals and birds.
Q2: Where can I capture indigenous reptiles and amphibians if I buy the Reptile and Amphibian Stamp?
A2: With the Reptile and Amphibian Stamp, and a valid hunting license, you can capture by nonlethal means indigenous reptiles and amphibians on the shoulder of a road or on the unpaved area of a public right-of-way.
Q3: Is the paved area to the right of a solid white line considered the shoulder of the road?
A3: No. That area is considered an "improved shoulder". Texas Transportation Code §541.302(15) defines shoulder as the portion of a highway that is:
- adjacent to the roadway;
- designed or ordinarily used for parking;
- distinguished from the roadway by different design, construction, or marking; and
- not intended for normal vehicular travel.
A4: No. The use of any type of trap to capture reptiles and amphibians is prohibited on the shoulder of a road or on the unpaved area of a public right-of-way.
Q5: Do I need anything else in addition to a valid hunting license and a Reptile and Amphibian Stamp in order to capture by nonlethal means reptiles and amphibians on the shoulder of a road or on the unpaved area of a public right-of-way?
A5: Yes. You must wear reflective clothing at all times while capturing reptiles and amphibians on the shoulder of a road or on the unpaved area of a public right-of-way. This reflective clothing must have at least 144 square inches of reflective material on both the front and back.
Q6: Can I cruise the road in a vehicle at night and look for reptiles and amphibians on the shoulder of the road or on the unpaved area of the public right-of-way?
A6: No. It is a violation to use an artificial light from a motor vehicle in locating, capturing or attempting to capture reptiles and amphibians on the shoulder of a road or on the unpaved area of a public right-of-way. The vehicle's headlights are considered artificial lights.
Q7: Can I sell any of the reptiles and amphibians that I capture on the shoulder of a road or on the unpaved area of a public right-of-way?
A7: No. It is a violation to take or attempt to take reptiles and amphibians on public property for commercial purposes.
Q8: Is there a limit on how many reptiles and amphibians I can capture on the shoulder of a road or on the unpaved area of a public right-of-way?
A8: Yes. If you possess more than 25 specimens of a species of reptile or amphibian listed in Texas Administrative Code, §65.331(d), or more than 6 specimens of a species of reptile or amphibian listed in Texas Administrative Code, §65.331(e), you will also need a valid Nongame Permit.
Q9: If I only want to photograph reptiles and amphibians that I find on the shoulder of a road or on the unpaved area of a public right-of-way, do I need a hunting license and a Reptile and Amphibian Stamp?
A9: If you capture, or handle in any way, the reptiles and amphibians that you find on the shoulder of a road or on the unpaved area of a public right-of-way, then you do need a valid hunting license and Reptile and Amphibian Stamp. This includes temporarily capturing, or temporarily handling in order to position a reptile or amphibian for photographs.
Note: Violations of the Reptile and Amphibian Stamp laws are Class C Parks and Wildlife Code Misdemeanors. Each violation is punishable by a fine of up to $500 plus court costs.