Texas Wildlife Exemption Requirements

Thinking about switching to Wildlife Management? Great! Many clients find it very rewarding and easier than managing a traditional Ag operation. Most have recently purchased property and want to enjoy the wildlife. There are a few requirements for wildlife though.

In order to qualify, you must already have an Ag Valuation. If you don’t have one, see the two part post on getting one.

Second, verify that minimum acreage either doesn’t apply or is satisfied. We have another post on that too!

Third, you need to submit a Wildlife Management Plan along with an Ag Valuation Application – 50-129 form.

As for the wildlife management plan itself, there are a few elements that are critical. First, you have to manage your property for native Texas wildlife – white-tail deer, songbirds, doves, turkey, small mammals, pollinators are all examples of native Texas wildlife. Exotics like axis deer and black buck antelope are NOT native. Giraffes, zebras, and tigers are also not native!

The plan must also discuss how you are going to manage for native Texas wildlife. Texas Parks and Wildlife has identified seven different categories of activities, and you must do at least three of those. When we write your plan, we usually cover 5 – 6 activities. First, always better to do above the bare minimum. More importantly, as a ranch owner you will find that many things you want to do anyways.

The final requirement comes after everything has been approved. While the plan outlines what you want to do, you should file an annual report with the county documenting what you actually got done. This is a check box form that should be supplemented with a map, photos, and receipts.

Preservation Texas can assist you with all of the above. We will verify you are eligible, then meet you on the property to go over your goals and objectives. We offer suggestions and make recommendations to develop a practical plan. everyone has limited resources – be it money or time!

Then we write the plan, fill out the forms, and submit the entire application package to the local County Appraisal District. We follow up and make sure everything is going well for you!

If you’d like more information call or email us! Fees are based on acreage and distance. We go all over Texas.