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Bill

HB 4867

Relating to the management of wildlife and exotic animals from aircraft; creating a criminal offense.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Cody Vasut

HB 4867 criminalizes unauthorized aerial management of wildlife and exotic animals in Texas, establishing penalties while allowing regulated operations through exemptions.

Committee report sent to Calendars
#animals(i0035) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #parks&wildlife--general(i0585) #parks&wildlife--hunting&fishing(i0560) #transportation--aviation(i0822)
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Bill Summary · HB 4867

Legislative bill overview

HB 4867 creates a criminal offense for managing, harassing, or culling wildlife and exotic animals from aircraft without proper authorization. The bill establishes penalties for unauthorized aerial wildlife operations while potentially allowing regulated management activities through exemptions.

Why is this important

Aerial wildlife management is used for pest control, invasive species removal, and predator management across large Texas ranches and landscapes. Criminalizing unauthorized aerial operations protects both wildlife populations and property rights while establishing clear legal boundaries for what constitutes illegal wildlife harassment from the air.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "management" definition – The bill's language on what constitutes illegal wildlife management from aircraft could be interpreted broadly, potentially affecting legitimate ranching, hunting, or conservation activities
  • Exemption process – How landowners and wildlife management professionals obtain authorization and whether the permitting process is accessible and timely
  • Enforcement challenges – Proving intent and determining which aerial activities qualify as criminal versus regulatory violations in remote areas

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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