Texas Administrative Code
Title 31 - NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
Part 2 - TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
Chapter 69 - RESOURCE PROTECTION
Subchapter C - WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PERMITS
Section 69.51 - Release of Rehabilitated Wildlife

Universal Citation: 31 TX Admin Code § 69.51

Current through Reg. 50, No. 13; March 28, 2025

(a) A permittee shall release all wildlife capable of surviving in the wild in accordance with the provisions of this section, unless specifically authorized in writing by the department to do otherwise.

(b) A permittee shall not release, or cause or allow the release of wildlife in such a manner or at such a location so that the released animals are likely to become a nuisance, a disease threat, or a depredation threat.

(c) Except as specifically authorized in writing by the department, releases shall not be made in or to fenced or enclosed areas that prevent the animal from leaving at will.

(d) Wildlife shall be released only to habitat appropriate for the species.

(e) No person may release or allow the release of white-tailed deer or mule deer held under the provisions of this subchapter unless the release site is either:

(1) within five miles of the location where the deer was discovered prior to intake; or

(2) within the county where the deer was discovered prior to intake.

(f) Permittees may not release wildlife on department property without the permission of the department.

(g) A permittee commits an offense if the permittee releases or effects the release of wildlife held under the provisions of this subchapter on property without having on their person the written permission of the landowner, lessee, or operator to release the wildlife on that property.

(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt any person from any applicable provision of local, state, or federal law.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Texas may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.