Sec. 62.0125. HARASSMENT OF HUNTERS, TRAPPERS, AND FISHERMEN. (a) This section may be cited as the Sportsman's Rights Act.
(b) In this section:
(1) "Wildlife" means all species of wild mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, or amphibians.
(2) "Process of hunting or catching" means any act directed at the lawful hunting or catching of wildlife, including camping or other acts preparatory to hunting or catching of wildlife that occur on land or water on which the affected person has the right or privilege of hunting or catching that wildlife.
(c) No person may intentionally interfere with another person lawfully engaged in the process of hunting or catching wildlife.
(d) No person may intentionally harass, drive, or disturb any wildlife for the purpose of disrupting a person lawfully engaged in the process of hunting or catching wildlife.
(e) No person may enter or remain on public land or enter or remain on private land without the landowner's or his agent's consent if the person intends to disrupt another person lawfully engaged in the process of hunting or catching wildlife.
(f) This section does not apply to a peace officer of this state, a law enforcement officer of the United States, a member of the armed forces of the United States or of this state, or employees of the department or other state or federal agencies having statutory responsibility to manage wildlife or land during the time that the officer, member, or employee is in the actual discharge of official duties.
(g) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
(h) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution that the defendant's conduct is protected by the right to freedom of speech under the constitution of this state or the United States.
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 731, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 26, 1985. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 700, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 11, 1993.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - Wildlife and Plant Conservation
Subtitle B - Hunting and Fishing
Chapter 62 - Provisions Generally Applicable to Hunting
Subchapter A. General Provisions
Section 62.002. Computer-Assisted Remote Hunting
Section 62.003. Hunting From Vehicles
Section 62.0031. Hunting From Public Road or Right-of-Way Prohibited
Section 62.004. Hunting at Night
Section 62.005. Hunting With Light
Section 62.0055. Hunting With Laser Sighting Device by Legally Blind Hunter
Section 62.0056. Hunting With Laser Sighting Device by Hunters With Certain Disabilities
Section 62.006. Hunting for Hire
Section 62.0061. Hunting on or Over Certain Submerged Land
Section 62.0065. Hunting Deer With Dogs
Section 62.007. Stopping for Search
Section 62.008. Prima Facie Evidence
Section 62.009. Purchase for Evidence
Section 62.010. Exceeding Bag Limits, Hunting During Closed Season, Etc
Section 62.011. Retrieval and Waste of Game
Section 62.012. Written Consent to Hunt or Target Shoot Required
Section 62.0121. Discharge of Firearm Across Property Line
Section 62.0125. Harassment of Hunters, Trappers, and Fishermen
Section 62.014. Hunter Education Program
Section 62.015. Hunting and Possession of Exotic Animals