IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: 10/01/15

AUSTIN – This afternoon, in response to “Emergency Rules” filed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), members of the deer breeding industry filed a lawsuit against TPWD in Travis County District Court. The lawsuit speaks to the interest of the deer industry in “protecting their rights” against the “emergency regulatory scheme” put forth by TPWD.

The lawsuit speaks to the construction and implementation of the Executive Order and Emergency Rule currently governing the deer industry in Texas. Among the other allegations, the suit challenges potential violations by TPWD leadership of open meetings laws and the alleged improper procedure in implementing these “Emergency Rules”.

“Though not a party to this lawsuit, the Texas Deer Association stands behind the right of these breeders to sue for redress, the obvious application of the rules to only deer breeders, and the losses sustained by many in the industry,” said Patrick Tarlton, executive director of the Texas Deer Association. “Texas Parks and Wildlife must be held accountable for their unreasonable and heavy-handed response to the CWD situation in Texas. Unfortunately, the plaintiffs were left with no other option than to seek relief in District Court.” 

The Texas Deer Association is the only non-profit organization in Texas solely dedicated to improving the quality of Texas deer herds and protecting private property rights. We are the unified voice of deer enthusiasts who seek to share ideas and methods to improve management and harvest of deer. We are a Texas deer organization that cares for the welfare and health of deer herds and methods to increase deer and hunting quality in Texas. The TDA is working toward better conservation, appropriate regulations and improving the overall quality of deer herds in Texas.

Contact:

Patrick Tarlton

Executive Director, Texas Deer Association

816 Congress Avenue, Suite 950

Austin, Texas 78701

Phone: 512-499-0466

Fax: 844-489-8244

Attachment: Click Here For Executive Summary