What are the regulations for Barasingha deer? I have a couple running around a place I hunt and I need to know if they are legal to shoot.

Barasingha are on the endangered list. A special permit is required to hunt one. I am not real sure what it takes to get the permit. You might contact TPWD and see what information they can give you. I bet someone on here can help more with what it takes on the permit.

i don't think you will be able to get a permit to shoot one , but yes they are illegal to shoot without a permit

You wont be able to get a permit on a free ranging animal like that. Too bad because they taste pretty darn good.

You can apply to USFWS for a "Take permit". It costs $100. Part of the application requires that you state what conservation programs you have in place on the property. Additionally, you have to state that you are returning funds for the conservation of the species in the native country. You do this by getting in touch with Conservation Force, the organization that handles collecting and returning funds to the native country of the animal. Conservation Force will help you fill out the USFWS permit application for free. The USFWS posts the application for public comment for 30 days. For what it's worth, I have barasingha on my lease. I went through conservation force and applied to USFWS. The application was denied. Their reasoning was that since it was a low fence, I could not regulate or control a conservation program on the property and that I could not prove taking animal(s) would benefit the overall population. The processing officer at USFWS was very friendly and helpful but told me frankly that in less I had a very large property under high fence with extensive conservation programs in place it would be just about unheard of to have a take permit granted. I hope this helps you decide.

P. Joe Riccardo

You might want to check the regs a little closer. I believe it's a bit of a loophole, but if you don't have any intention of taking the animal out of the state then the USFWS permit requirements don't apply. The USFWS regulates interstate commerce, so if it doesn't leave the state, then it's not subject to the same regulations. It then would fall under Tx regs, in which case, it's classified as domestic stock. This is why you can buy and trade in the live animals within the state, otherwise you would have to have the same permit for 'take' whether live or dead.

I spoke to the FWS LE Office in San Antonio and the Special Agent named Eric specifically said since the animal is governed by CITES and does not have an exemption it is illegal to mess with them without a permit. You can call him directly to hear the same information from the horses mouth.

Thanks for all the info. I don't think I will go through the hassle and continue to just watch them.