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Hunt-Happy Texas Breeds Deer Smugglers

Native species not big enough for game enthusiasts; disease risks abound

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 8, 2009 12:38 PM CST

(Newser) – White-tailed deer are everywhere in Texas, so why is the state struggling with a deer-smuggling industry? “It’s like everything else in society,” one game warden tells Time, “people want bigger, better, faster.” Luxurious lodges charge hunters big bucks for access to reserves full of, well, big bucks. Texas breeders charge huge sums for such prizes, but smugglers offer them on the cheap.

Texas is currently free of chronic wasting disease that has plagued deer, elk and moose populations in 11 states, and to keep it that way the state’s banned importing deer. That’s driven up the price of Texas-bred bucks—some specimens can fetch half a million dollars. Since capturing wild white-tails is also illegal, lodge owners often turn to the smugglers.

Deer are plentiful in Texas, and yet smuggling persists. (AP Photo)

A man hunts for deer in this file photo. (AP Photo)

With Texas' native herds not yielding the kind of trophies hunters prize, smugglers are bringing in bucks from out of state. (Getty Images)

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Hunt-Happy Texas Breeds Deer Smugglers

Native species not big enough for game enthusiasts; disease risks abound

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'Squatter' Who Claimed McMansion Gets the Boot

Texan's 'adverse possession' argument rejected

Mountain Lion Attacks Boy

6-year-old Texas boy survives attack in national park

Perry Campaign Security Cost Texas Taxpayers $800K

Home state paid for food and lodging for bodyguards

Germans Squawk About Fanatic Crow Killers

Massive killings by 'Crowbusters' have even hunting groups concerned

Perry's Approval Rating Plummets in His Own State

After failed presidential bid, Texas governor's popularity plunges

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Hunt-Happy Texas Breeds Deer Smugglers

Native species not big enough for game enthusiasts; disease risks abound

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Texas • deer • hunting • smuggler

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

'Squatter' Who Claimed McMansion Gets the Boot

Texan's 'adverse possession' argument rejected

Mountain Lion Attacks Boy

6-year-old Texas boy survives attack in national park

Perry Campaign Security Cost Texas Taxpayers $800K

Home state paid for food and lodging for bodyguards

Germans Squawk About Fanatic Crow Killers

Massive killings by 'Crowbusters' have even hunting groups concerned

Perry's Approval Rating Plummets in His Own State

After failed presidential bid, Texas governor's popularity plunges

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?