In an effort to preserve open spaces, and avoid large-scale development, the state of Texas passed a law that allows rural properties to maintain an agricultural tax rate without traditional farming or ranching activities taking place on the property. Though technically not an exemption, the tax designation provides substantial savings on the property owner’s tax bill.

To begin qualifying for a wildlife exemption, the property must first maintain an agricultural exemption. Next steps include:

• Filing an application
• Submitting a wildlife management plan
• Outlining objectives and qualifying practices

The management plan requires “the land propagate a sustaining breeding, migrating, or wintering population of indigenous wild animals for human use, including food, medicine, or recreation.” To meet requirements, at least three of the following seven wildlife management practices must be provided:

1. Supplemental Food
2. Supplemental Water
3. Supplemental Shelter
4. Habitat Control
5. Erosion Control
6. Predator Control
7. Census

All plans must be submitted to each county’s central appraisal district, or CAD. To learn more about the Texas Wildlife Exemption, you may want to check out one of these websites:

• Texas Landowner’s Association (TLA) Forum
• More Texas Landowner’s Association Articles
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Website