Trap, Transport Transplant Permit

Javelina

Applicant Information


This information page contains a summary of current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulations concerning permits to Trap, Transport, and Transplant Game Animals and Game Birds as they pertain to javelina.

Purpose of the Permit: Permits to trap, transport, and transplant javelina may be issued to individuals for the purposes of wildlife management. These purposes may include, but are not limited to: propagation, distribution, population reduction or enhancement. This permit is designed to provide the serious landowner/manager an additional tool with which to manipulate and enhance the javelina resources on his/her property.

Trapping Methods: The majority of relocation operations will utilize one of the following trapping methods: (1) corral trap (into trailer); or (2) box trap. Other methods may be approved if the applicant is qualified and can demonstrate that the use of the technique will ensure the capture of herd groups. When trapping javelina, the herd unit must be trapped in order to maintain herd integrity.

Conditions for Permit Issuance: Applications for permits to relocate javelina will be thoroughly reviewed on a case by case basis. All proposed release sites must have a current Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Management Plan approved by an authorized TPWD Wildlife Biologist. Applications will be denied if the proposed activities may detrimentally affect the population status on adjacent properties, if the proposed activities may detrimentally affect the resource, or if the proposed release site is outside of the suitable range of javelina. Common sense will be the rule in evaluating an application. All proposed relocation operations must comply with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission's Stocking Policy, which stipulates that prospective release sites shall have suitable natural habitat capable of sustaining the animals stocked.

Permit Conditions: Javelina may only be relocated between November 1 and January 30. All persons named on a permit are permittees, and are therefore responsible for all activities conducted under the authority of the permit. At least one permittee must be present during each phase of a relocation operation. The Supervisory Permittee (permit applicant) or a sub-permittee must contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Communications Center at (512) 389-4848 between 12 and 48 hours prior to each attempt to trap, transport, and release javelina. Each trailer or other vehicle used to transport javelina must be marked on the rear surface with the inscription "TTT." The inscription must be at least 6 inches tall and 3 inches wide. Permittees must make reasonable efforts to ensure safe and humane handling of trapped animals and to reduce human health and safety hazards in every stage of a relocation operation. Trap sites within incorporated areas and those which may pose a human health and safety hazard must be marked as such. Relocated javelina may be marked for later field recognition with appropriate ear tags. Relocated javelina must be tattooed in one ear with an identification number supplied by TPWD. Javelina may not be sold, bartered, or otherwise exchanged for anything of value. Javelina may not be relocated into breeding facilities or any other release site not specifically identified on the permit. Javelina must be released into an acclimation pen for 14 days prior to being released onto the release site. Additional conditions may be specified on the permit. Relocation operations should only be attempted by those with the expertise to safely and efficiently conduct the operation.

Trap Release Site Information Forms: For each ranch where animals are to be trapped or released, the applicant must submit completed Trap Site Information Form(s) and Release Site Information Form(s) to the local TPWD Wildlife Biologist by the first business day in January. If a trap or release site is a high-fenced pasture within a ranch, the information submitted must be specific to that pasture. The information submitted will be used by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to assess the current status of habitat, wildlife resources, and potential competition on ranches proposed for the removal/addition of javelina.

Release Site Wildlife Management Plan: An approved Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Management Plan must be approved and on file for each proposed release site. Landowners can prepare their own plan, or seek professional assistance. Release sites must be within the historical range of javelina, and must contain a minimum of 5000 contiguous acres. A release site may be a cooperative between neighboring properties. Applicant must demonstrate the minimum acreage of a wildlife coop by having cooperating neighbors acknowledge support for the release of javelina. To obtain your TPWD Wildlife Biologist's contact information please call the Wildlife Division District Leader for your county. After clicking on the link below to select the appropriate county, the District Leader contact information appears on that page. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the Wildlife Permits Office at (512) 389-8212 for District Leader contact information.

Find a Biologist by County This link takes you away from the TWIMS Private Lands application.

Release Site Inspection: Each release site will be inspected by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to determine if the native habitat is capable of sustaining additional javelina. Please contact the biologist who approved your Wildlife Management Plan for details.

Fees and Amendments: The application processing fee for a Trap, Transport, and Transplant permit is $750 per release site. The processing fee for amending an existing permit (e.g., adding trap sites) is $30; however, additional release sites require an additional fee of $750 per release site. Application processing fees are not refundable.

Reports and Financial Disclosure: A daily log of permitted activities must be maintained by the Supervisory Permittee. This log must be made available to game wardens upon request. A financial disclosure statement must be completed and signed by the owner (or full-time employee) of the trap site, the trapper, and the owner (or full-time employee) of the release site for each trap site/release site combination each time javelina are transported. This statement must accompany each shipment of javelina. An activity report which summarizes the relocation operation must be submitted, along with all financial disclosure statements, within 30 days following permit expiration.

The Application Process: An applicant for a Trap, Transport, and Transplant Permit must follow these steps: (1) complete and submit Trap Site and Release Site form(s) to the local TPWD Wildlife Biologist by the first business day in January; (2) complete and sign the application; (3) submit all forms and the application processing fee to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Complete applications received by November 15 are guaranteed to be processed within 45 days. Note: A complete application for relocating javelina will still be required even if animals are being moved from one pasture to another pasture on the same ranch.

Please note: Trap Site Form(s) must be completed for each specific location where javelina will be trapped (each form must be signed by the landowner or landowner's agent). Release Site Form(s) must be completed for each specific location where javelina will be released (each form must be signed by the landowner or landowner's agent). An approved Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Management Plan must be on file for each release site. Trap Site and Release Site forms may be approved in the field; contact your TPWD Wildlife Biologist for details.

For More Information: If you have additional questions regarding permits to Trap, Transport, and Transplant Game Animals and Game Birds, please contact Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at 1-800-792-1112 (an electronic menu system will answer the 800 phone line. Within the menu system, select Menu 5 [Wildlife], Choice 1 [Wildlife Information]).