HUNTING IN TEXAS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL – As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States, more and more activities are shutting down. Most schools, workplaces and recreational areas have been shut down because of the virus. However, there are specific occupations and activities that are considered “essential”, and they are allowed to remain open. Examples include healthcare workers, some restaurants and grocery stores.
Government Order
In the great state of Texas, Governor Greg Abbot implemented a new order that considers hunting and fishing as essential activities. The order reads:
“This executive order does not prohibit people from accessing essential services or engaging in essential daily activities, such as going to the grocery store or gas station, providing or obtaining other essential services, visiting parks, hunting or fishing, or engaging in physical activity like jogging or bicycling, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and to minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same household.”
He specifically states in his order that hunting or fishing is an essential daily activity. As most of the readers of this article would agree. The Texas Wildlife Association also agreed and played a large part in getting this order in place.
“We are especially thankful for [Gov. Abbot’s] recognition of hunting and fishing as healthy ways to be outdoors in his latest Executive Order he issued today,” said TWA CEO David Yeates. “We couldn’t agree more.”
A Message to Anglers and Hunters
Although this new order does allow for hunters and anglers to go about their activities, the governor does encourage awareness. Awareness of limited access in some areas. As well as different restrictions that may be in place for different parks and lakes. He also encouraged everyone to maintain the social distancing recommendation of at least six feet apart.
Is your state allowing you to continue to hunt and fish?
