Difference Between Wildlife and Ag Exemption

What exactly is a wildlife exemption and how is it different than an Ag exemption? I like to say that the Wildlife Exemption (Valuation is the legal name) is just a category of Ag. Under the Ag umbrella, you can do a variety of things that qualify for an Ag exemption / valuation. Traditional categories include raising livestock – cows, goats, sheep… or growing some sort of crop – hay, cotton, corn… Orchards and grape vines are other options. For properties between 5 – 20 acres, honeybees qualify.

Since 1995, Texas landowners have been able to manage for native Texas wildlife and maintain their Ag valuation. When you switch from traditional Ag to Wildlife your property taxes stay the same. You still have an Ag valuation and can switch back to traditional Ag anytime.

One key difference between Wildlife and traditional Ag is that when you switch to Wildlife you have to file a wildlife management plan with the county appraisal district. This is what we do – we help you by writing the plan and submitting the required paperwork.

In summary, with wildlife management your property taxes will stay the same as traditional Ag. You will need to submit a wildlife management plan though. Call or email us if you have questions!