Weatherford, Tx area

[MikeM75]

I was going to start doing some field herping for pictures and just the experience but I have a couple questions.

1st question, anyone know any good spots in the area?

2nd, is it legal to hold on to some that you find? I assume it is not ok to hold on to endangered or anything but just normal stuff I may find.

And of course if I did find any they would not be kept anywhere close to my BP collection for a VERY long time to make sure no pests or anything.

[reptileexperts]

Texas has some interesting laws regarding field collection / study.

You can observe, handle, and collect any reptiles / amphibians in the state of texas as long as certain guidelines are met.

1) They are not protected under any law (Federal or State - I.e. Indigo Snake, Timber Rattler, Texas Blind Salamander)
2) They are collected only on lands that are not protected - Public Roads are acceptable, state parks, national parks, and the like are not. Wildlife Management areas MAY allow collection of snakes IF and only IF they specifically indicate snakes as a huntable species.
3) If you plan on collecting any wild reptile / amphibian, non-game hunting laws apply. You must contain a valid TX hunting liscence
4) You can not have more than 10 individuals without a collectors stamp ($20 roughly)
5) You can not have more than 25 individuals without a special sellers stamp ($30-$60)
6) If you plan to hunt on the road at night you MUST follow certain rules,
a) You must park your car and walk to collect
b) You must wear hunters orange and some kind of reflector while on the road
c) You must have a valid hunting lisence (re-emphazings this here)

Certain "Wildlife Viewing Areas" that are not managed areas may not have restrictions on collecting, again you would want to check on each individual area. My previous experience in collecting mainly came from night driving public roads. If I was just going after photographs, I would try national and state parks, if you want to handle you need to be on public or private non-protected property. Keep in mind the rules of State and National Parks state that it is illegal to harass wildlife. This includes the handling of snakes, lizards, and amphibians. Keep in mind regardless of private or public property, it is now illegal in the state of Texas to handle, harass, or capture ANY American Alligator.

Know before you go!