https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmed...eases/?req=20250203a



Texas Game Wardens Arrest Outfitter, Guides for Illegal Exotic Hunts

Feb. 3, 2025
Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030


PORT MANSFIELD – Texas Game Wardens arrested a local hunting outfitter and two others for illegally guiding nilgai hunts on private property. The suspects used airboats and thermal optics to take clients on hunts for the exotic animals, operating a sophisticated scheme and profiting from illegal activity.

The individuals have been charged with hunting exotic animals without landowner consent, theft of exotic livestock and engaging in organized criminal activity.

The arrests were the result of a nearly year-long investigation by Texas Game Wardens in the Rio Grande Valley area. Warrants were served on multiple properties simultaneously and were executed with the support of multiple game wardens, including the Texas Game Warden Rural Operations Group, as well as Homeland Security Investigations, due to the organized criminal activity aspect of the case.

The case remains under investigation and no further details are available at this time.

Nilgai, native to India and Pakistan, were imported to Texas in the 1920s.

About Texas Game Wardens

Texas Game Wardens, within the Law Enforcement Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, are responsible for enforcing laws related to the conservation and management of natural resources and public safety through community-based law enforcement. Their mission is to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Additionally, they play a crucial role in search and rescue operations during natural disasters, exemplifying their commitment to protecting both the environment and the people of Texas.

It's interesting that they don't name the outfitter or other suspects.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
It's interesting that they don't name the outfitter or other suspects.

The nets may still be out

You can hunt Nilgai on the islands in the bay using shallow draft boats, perfectly legal.
These guys are heading out to hunt the islands and landing on private land instead. The clients MIGHT not even know they are on private land.
I assume the outfitters had been doing it for awhile to attract the wardens attention.

Perry

Very interesting deal happening with this. It happens every night out there, especially out of Port Mansfield. We will see what comes from this, but it is sketchy going 30mph in less than a foot of water...at midnight.

As long as you're up to your knees in mud for recovery it's legal