HB 185 & HB 560
 

I just spoke with the Texas State Rifle Association's Legislative liason and was given assurance that they recognize these bills for what they are and are currently working to oppose them. What position if any will the LSBA take? I would hope that we support the TSRA in their opposition to these bills. I know I have heard from several members that they oppose them. We should also act as individuals and contact our representatives to express our feelings. I have.

For those that don't know, these bills would make it illegal to put a feeder, stand, hog trap etc within so many yards of a fenceline. I forget which bill it is, but one of them says that this is to repect a landowners right to not have hunting on his place.

There are some on the TBH site that like the bill, perhaps because they have had a bad experience with a neighbor. I personally think that these bills contain some major flaws and I would think that LSBA woudl oppose them to the max.

I am studying them so we can be crystal clear on their meaning so we can make a definite stance and respond accordingly.

HB505, I know this is a bowsite, but I can bet most of you probably hunt birds (dove) at some time. This bill prohibites the discharge of a firearm across property lines. Sometimes it is hard not to shoot across a property line while hunting dove, unless once again, you have a large ranch to hunt on. Just thought I would pass this on FYI.

I could see how that would really be an enforcement problem for wardens. Isn't there already a law against your bullet traveling onto the adjacent property?

The other two bills would outlaw feeders, stands, hunting devices, etc. within 150 yards in one bill and I think 66 yards in the other. There was quite a bit of discussion on the TBH stand and some there favor it. I personally don't. I think it really restricts people on small acreages, and many small acreages are good candidates for bowhunting.