Texas legislative committee convenes on deer industry

Contributed

The Joint Select Legislative Committee on the Breeding of White-tailed and Mule Deer recently held its first hearing in Austin, Texas, and members of the Texas Deer Association (TDA) played pivotal roles.

The meeting was a historic first for the Texas deer industry and shines a spotlight on the deer industry’s impressive growth and impact on the Texas economy.

State Representative Harvey Hilderbran (R-Kerrville) was elected by fellow committee members to serve as chairman of the 10-person appointed committee. The committee heard testimony from Texas deer industry experts as well as from various authorities across the country. The committee will review barriers that might prevent the breeding industry from operating in the most efficient, effective manner and investigate opportunities that could improve or enhance the industry in Texas.

Other legislators appointed to the committee by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst are Senator Kenneth “Kim” Brimer (R-Fort Worth) and Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls); House Speaker Tom Craddick appointees are Rep. Hilderbran and Rep. Tracy King (D-Batesville).

“We have overwhelming public support for hunting and deer propagation in Texas, and we have an opportunity with this committee to focus on the deer industry, identify barriers to our growth, reduce land fragmentation and protect our hunting and conservation interests throughout the state,” said Hilderbran.
“I look forward to working with the Texas Deer Association, Texas Wildlife Association and other organizations across the state to move deer breeding forward and to create recommendations which could lead to positive legislation in January.”

According to Brimer, the committee will work with breeders, hunters, and preservationists to ensure deer breeding continues to benefit all Texans.

“The impact of deer breeding profits our state’s rural, urban and suburban areas. Last year, the industry bolstered over half a billion dollars to our state’s economy,” he added. “We want to make certain our habitat and other natural resources are protected and the industry can continue to develop and prosper in Texas.”

Leading the testimony was Dr. James C. Kroll, co-founder of the Texas Deer Association, as well as founder and current director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management and Research Center for The College of Forestry at Stephen F. Austin State University.

“With the unbridled expansion of urban sprawl, American farmers and ranchers are the most endangered species today,” Kroll warned, explaining the ongoing loss of profitability in traditional agricultural has compelled many landowners to seek out alternative land uses for the land. “Raising deer has become an extremely profitable solution and it only requires a few acres so it’s a lucrative option for land owners of various means throughout Texas.”

The committee questioned Kroll on topics such as disease research, role of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department within the deer breeding industry, private property land rights, animal testing and other topics. Other witnesses addressing the committee included Clayton Wolf of Texas Parks Wildlife Department; Dr. Bob Hillman of Texas Animal Health Commission; Shawn Schafer, executive director of the North American Deer Farmers Association; Kirby Brown of the Texas Wildlife Association; Joe Trammell, president of the Whitetails of Oklahoma; Bob Zaglin, certified wildlife biologist and wildlife coordinator at Southwest Texas Junior College; and Dr. Becky Brewer, Oklahoma State veterinarian, as well as other industry experts.

“Deer breeding accounts for thousands of jobs in small towns across the state, so we are happy to work closely with the committee in developing greater efficiencies within the industry and in creating new opportunities for growth,” offered Karl Kinsel, executive director of the Texas Deer Association.

The committee originated through landmark legislation (S.B. 573), authored by Brimer and sponsored in the House by Hilderbran in the past 80th Legislative Session. It could have significant implications for the future of the deer breeding industry, which generated more than $650 million for the Texas economy last year.

For membership information about the Texas Deer Association, visit www.texasdeerassociation.com or call 210-767-8300.