Texas Wildlife Information Management Services (TWIMS)

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

(Meleagris gallapavo intermedia)

Purpose of the Permit: Permits to trap, transport, and transplant Rio Grande Wild Turkeys may be issued to individuals for the purposes of wildlife management.

Trapping Methods: Relocation operations may utilize one or more of the following trapping methods: (1) rocket net; (2) cannon net; (3) stationary drop net; or (4) walk-in trap.

Conditions for Permit Issuance: Applications for permits to relocate Rio Grande wild turkeys 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 a TPWD Wildlife Biologist. Applications may be denied if the proposed activity 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 the Rio Grande wild turkey. 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 birds stocked.

Permit Conditions: Rio Grande wild turkeys may only be relocated between October 1 and March 15. 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 turkeys. Each trailer or other vehicle used to transport turkeys 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 birds 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. Permittees are encouraged to mark all relocated Rio Grande turkeys for later recognition with appropriate patagial tags or leg bands. The Upland Game Bird Program will provide banding supplies in exchange for band data (sex, age and band number). Inquiries may be directed to Jason Hardin at (903) 322-2770. Rio Grande turkeys may not be sold, bartered, or otherwise exchanged for anything of value. Rio Grande turkeys may not be relocated into breeding facilities or enclosed pens. 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 birds are to be trapped or released, the applicant must submit completed Trap Site Information Form(s) and Release Site Information Form(s) to the TPWD Wildlife Biologist by the first business day in January. 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 removal/addition of Rio Grande turkeys.

Release Site Wildlife Management Plan: An approved Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Management Plan must be on file for each proposed release site. Landowners can prepare their own plan, or seek professional assistance. 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 to obtain District Leader contact information.

Find a Biologist by County

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 (adding trap sites, increasing the number of animals, PWD 1227 - W7000 (08/10) Page 3 of 10 etc.) 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 turkeys are transported. This statement must accompany each shipment of turkeys. 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 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.

Please note: Trap Site Form(s) must be completed for each specific location where turkeys 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 turkeys 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]).