Search found 281 matches

by Gluesenkamp
July 15th, 2015, 6:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: How many times shoud I voucher the same rattlesnake?
Replies: 9
Views: 2844

Re: How many times shoud I voucher the same rattlesnake?

I agree. the value of repeated observations greatly outweighs the small risk that someone will inadvertently treat multiple observations of the same individual as different individuals. Tracking individuals over time and being able to verify individual ID are advantages of photo vouchers.
by Gluesenkamp
June 16th, 2015, 8:37 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Your most significant find in 2015
Replies: 51
Views: 20541

Re: Your most significant find in 2015

Image

Troglobitic population of an undescribed salamander from near the Pedernales River.
by Gluesenkamp
June 2nd, 2015, 7:55 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Commercial Harvest of Freshwater Turtles in Texas
Replies: 0
Views: 2059

Commercial Harvest of Freshwater Turtles in Texas

I have been reviewing the commercial turtle harvest issue in Texas. Surprisingly, annual dealer reports indicate virtually no commercial harvest in recent years. Interviews with game wardens revealed that they very rarely encounter evidence of commercial harvest. However, hobbyists and researchers c...
by Gluesenkamp
May 26th, 2015, 5:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mojave National Preserve rareties!!! and some casuals today.
Replies: 4
Views: 1957

Re: Mojave National Preserve rareties!!! and some casuals to

I recall seeing a Gilbert's in the Granites back around '91. Has anyone else seen them there?
by Gluesenkamp
May 26th, 2015, 5:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Coalinga Horned Toad Derby
Replies: 81
Views: 81648

Re: Coalinga Horned Toad Derby

Are they racing wild-caught lizards?
by Gluesenkamp
December 4th, 2014, 1:48 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping laws in TX
Replies: 60
Views: 27924

Re: Herping laws in TX

Old habits die hard. I still call it road cruising, even when I'm walking. What I meant to say was "five days of carefully searching ROWs with approved reflective vest."
by Gluesenkamp
October 23rd, 2014, 9:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Danish Texas family visit
Replies: 5
Views: 2974

Re: Danish Texas family visit

Looks like you had a great trip. You did better than most of us could in such a short amount of time. Please consider sharing some of your observations with our Herps of Texas project on inaturalist. Observations of species like the Big Bend slider are of particular value.
best,
Andy
by Gluesenkamp
October 2nd, 2014, 8:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Vote for the next Texas License plate design - atrox?
Replies: 5
Views: 2930

Re: Vote for the next Texas License plate design - atrox?

Voting ends October 15. There's still time to vote for your favorite plate.
by Gluesenkamp
September 23rd, 2014, 11:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Vote for the next Texas License plate design - atrox?
Replies: 5
Views: 2930

Re: Vote for the next Texas License plate design - atrox?

Latest tally shows a *single digit* spread between the atrox plate and the next most popular design. Now's the time to get out there and vote.
by Gluesenkamp
August 1st, 2014, 11:59 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Game Warden Feedback (TX Specifically)
Replies: 130
Views: 535014

Re: Game Warden Feedback (TX Specifically)

Hunter's safety is not required to get a hunting license (as long as you are not going to shoot things).
by Gluesenkamp
July 30th, 2014, 1:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Fenix HP25 Review..
Replies: 16
Views: 8929

Re: Fenix HP25 Review..

I have been very impressed with the Fenix HP25. Damned good light for caving and herping (although not waterproof so I can't take it in many caves). I splurged on some high mAh Li-ion batteries. Definitely worth it. I just charged my batteries for the second time in six months. Alkaline batteries ar...
by Gluesenkamp
June 18th, 2014, 12:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thoughts on iNaturalist.org
Replies: 25
Views: 5375

Re: Thoughts on iNaturalist.org

My personal policy is that I "obscure" any observations on private land and leave all observations on public land as "open". All observations of T&E species are automatically obscured. Of course, the ratio of public to private land in TX is the inverse of that in CA. Nonethel...
by Gluesenkamp
June 18th, 2014, 6:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thoughts on iNaturalist.org
Replies: 25
Views: 5375

Re: Thoughts on iNaturalist.org

I'd just like to add that, although the observer can obscure their observations or even make them private, the project curators can still see the detailed location.
by Gluesenkamp
June 17th, 2014, 6:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thoughts on iNaturalist.org
Replies: 25
Views: 5375

Re: Thoughts on iNaturalist.org

Why would I need to surf the net for E. panamintina localities? Stebbins lists eleven specific localities for this species and Jones and Lovich list two dozen (in addition to tips on how to find them).
by Gluesenkamp
June 13th, 2014, 10:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: timber or wdb
Replies: 7
Views: 2603

Re: timber or wdb

Your friends might want to contact these local experts and see what they say:

Walker County Game Warden(s)
Game Warden Phone
Corcoran, Anthony W 979-412-3121
Ingram, Stephen 979-412-0975
by Gluesenkamp
June 11th, 2014, 7:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thoughts on iNaturalist.org
Replies: 25
Views: 5375

Re: Thoughts on iNaturalist.org

PM sent. Thanks for the offer!
by Gluesenkamp
June 9th, 2014, 11:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thoughts on iNaturalist.org
Replies: 25
Views: 5375

Re: Thoughts on iNaturalist.org

As other have mentioned, iNaturalist includes three options for privacy settings (open, obscured, and private). Privacy is set by the observer (except in the case of T&E species, in which it is automatically set to "private"). "Open" means that anyone can see it, "Obscur...
by Gluesenkamp
May 12th, 2014, 7:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: TX reflective vests
Replies: 8
Views: 2859

Re: TX reflective vests

Yep, ANSI III vests have enough coverage. The problem with the language in the regs seems to be that the reflective clothing requirement was lifted directly from existing blaze orange requirements (public hunting lands requires 144si of blaze orange, f/b). You can buy any piece of clothing you like ...
by Gluesenkamp
April 10th, 2014, 9:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I actually did some herping! - Central Texas
Replies: 10
Views: 4445

Re: I actually did some herping! - Central Texas

Now, try to find a Brazos WS and your brace of rare Nerodia will be complete.
by Gluesenkamp
March 7th, 2014, 9:58 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Pro Lizard Noose
Replies: 2
Views: 1517

Re: Pro Lizard Noose

I like to use those collapsible crappie poles with just an eye on the end. Tie the noose with suture silk, spider wire, or dental floss. The advantage of the crappie poles is that they are adjustable and looong.
by Gluesenkamp
March 7th, 2014, 9:55 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New-Amphibians
Replies: 9
Views: 3027

Re: New-Amphibians

I'd love to see a Lithodytes in the wild, especially a tadpole. They are essentially stygobitic. They live in the waste pools at the bottom of leaf cutter ant colonies (picture the trash compactor -with monster- in Star Wars). Some of those colonies can cover an acre and would take a backhoe to exca...
by Gluesenkamp
March 6th, 2014, 10:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herpmapper is operating
Replies: 58
Views: 25668

Re: Herpmapper is operating

I agree that observations should be easy to post. Even with data from an iphone or GPS, I double check my locations by looking at the google map and adjusting acc. to fit (i.e. if it shows the observation is in the ROW but on the wrong side of the road, I assign an accuracy that is roughly the width...
by Gluesenkamp
March 6th, 2014, 6:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herpmapper is operating
Replies: 58
Views: 25668

Re: Herpmapper is operating

I'm excited to see that more people are interested in contributing to online databases. I am also a little bit concerned about proliferation and redundancy but I am confident that most of these issues will be worked out in the future. For example, the suggestions mentioned above regarding exporting ...
by Gluesenkamp
February 27th, 2014, 8:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: The worst thing thats happend to you while herping
Replies: 215
Views: 39979

Re: The worst thing thats happend to you while herping

Gbin mentioned having locking lugnuts and no key. This is a common occurrence so I figured I'd offer a solution. Take a large socket and drive it over the offending locker. Works every time. Of course, you need a set of sockets...
by Gluesenkamp
February 24th, 2014, 11:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Yolo County Species List and Database Gaps
Replies: 6
Views: 2982

Re: Yolo County Species List and Database Gaps

Under Turtles, you list "possible introductions". There's a honker Chelydra serpentina in the UC Davis Zoology Museum collection that was caught in a duck trap in Putah Creek (on campus) back in the early 90s. It took many liters of formaldehyde to preserve that beast. I know of one old (e...
by Gluesenkamp
February 20th, 2014, 6:51 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anybody want to review my Aransas proposal before I submit?
Replies: 14
Views: 4220

Re: Anybody want to review my Aransas proposal before I subm

Chris, I have some comments. Feel free to call me at 512-389-8722.
by Gluesenkamp
February 18th, 2014, 9:02 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: What I Learned About Life from Field Herping
Replies: 154
Views: 67343

Re: What I Learned About Life from Field Herping

So much wisdom here. If only I could count how many times I have parked a vehicle, bushwhacked my way up/down some canyon, then searched "prime" habitat to find my target organism only to then encounter them all the way back to the place where I parked.
by Gluesenkamp
January 22nd, 2014, 6:41 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 22
Replies: 3
Views: 1837

Re: Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 2

Please note that this issue has been pulled from tomorrow's agenda. Hopefully, it will be back on the agenda for March 27, 2014. We will re-post a refined draft of the proposed rule and open *another* round of comments shortly Thank you for your patience and please keep the comments coming.
by Gluesenkamp
January 22nd, 2014, 6:41 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 22
Replies: 15
Views: 4333

Re: Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 2

Please note that this issue has been pulled from tomorrow's agenda. Hopefully, it will be back on the agenda for March 27, 2014. We will re-post a refined draft of the proposed rule and open *another* round of comments shortly Thank you for your patience and please keep the comments coming.
by Gluesenkamp
January 21st, 2014, 8:49 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 22
Replies: 3
Views: 1837

Re: Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 2

See my most recent comment on the main Forum page.
by Gluesenkamp
January 21st, 2014, 8:47 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 22
Replies: 15
Views: 4333

Not just for Texans- public comment period ends 5pm January

Online public comment is open to everyone, not just Texans. The box at the top of the page asks for county of residence, etc but you don't have to reside in Texas. Also note the comment box at the very bottom of the page, after the proposed rule in bold text. The public comment period ends at 5pm to...
by Gluesenkamp
January 17th, 2014, 10:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 22
Replies: 15
Views: 4333

Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 22

Just a quick reminder that the public comment period ends on January 22 at 5pm. Please consider taking *3 seconds* to register your comments at:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/fe ... eans.phtml
by Gluesenkamp
January 17th, 2014, 10:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 22
Replies: 3
Views: 1837

Gassing Snakes- public comment period ends 5pm January 22

Just a quick reminder that the public comment period ends on January 22 at 5pm. Please consider taking *3 seconds* to register your comments at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/fe ... eans.phtml
by Gluesenkamp
January 8th, 2014, 8:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: TPWD Commission meeting date- correction
Replies: 1
Views: 1199

TPWD Commission meeting date- correction

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will consider a proposed amendment to the Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations regarding the use of toxic substances to collect nongame wildlife at its January 23 meeting in Austin, NOT in March as incorrectly stated in some media reports. (The mistake was on ...
by Gluesenkamp
January 6th, 2014, 12:40 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: McMartin 2013 EOY Post: KS, TX, MO, IL
Replies: 17
Views: 6776

Re: McMartin 2013 EOY Post: KS, TX, MO, IL

Excellent post, Chris. With all the fine weather you are enjoying, now would be a great time to document some of that TX stuff in H.O.T.
by Gluesenkamp
January 2nd, 2014, 6:39 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: TPWD seeks public comment on gassing issue
Replies: 2
Views: 1815

Re: TPWD seeks public comment on gassing issue

Shane, we are seeking public comment ahead of the Commission meeting on January 23. The Commission will make a final decision (new reg OR no new reg) at that time, in part, based on response from the public.
by Gluesenkamp
January 2nd, 2014, 6:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: TPWD seeks public comment on gassing issue
Replies: 3
Views: 2017

Re: TPWD seeks public comment on gassing issue

The public comment period is open through January 22. On January 23, the TPW Commission will make a final decision (new reg OR no new reg).
by Gluesenkamp
December 17th, 2013, 8:37 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Milksnake changes published
Replies: 62
Views: 51207

Re: Milksnake changes published

Here, gentlemen, I believe we have the crux of the biscuit.
by Gluesenkamp
December 16th, 2013, 10:05 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Milksnake changes published
Replies: 62
Views: 51207

Re: Milksnake changes published

That is not the dumbest thing I have ever heard but it is definitely tied for third. While we are at it, let's just get rid of phylogenetic systematics and the comparative method. Nothing cool ever came from understanding the evolutionary history of anything anyway.
by Gluesenkamp
December 13th, 2013, 6:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Deadpool Seining (WAS: Electrofishing for Herps)
Replies: 16
Views: 5566

Re: Electrofishing for Herps

Depending on the settings used, it can be pretty hard on aquatic amphibians ("popcorn"). I have a friend who documented lots of new localities for tailed frogs in NorCal. He was shocking for trout and discovered that shocking caused Ascaphus tadpoles to lose their grip on rocks in fast-flo...
by Gluesenkamp
December 4th, 2013, 7:41 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: SnakeDays 2014
Replies: 12
Views: 3132

Re: SnakeDays 2014

Not only does this event promise camaraderie, presentations by professionals and hobbyists, and field herping in herp heaven, it also raises funds for reptile and amphibian research and conservation efforts in Texas. Thanks to the organizers, sponsors, and participants for all they do!
by Gluesenkamp
November 22nd, 2013, 9:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: decimal degrees vs UTMs
Replies: 7
Views: 1678

Re: decimal degrees vs UTMs

Cavers prefer UTM for a few reasons, primarily, because it is easier to find a precise point (i.e. a tiny, obscured cave entrance) when navigating the landscape. Choice of datum generally isn't that important in this day and age when conversion can occur at our fingertips. The most important thing i...
by Gluesenkamp
November 13th, 2013, 6:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Masters at A&M?
Replies: 23
Views: 3921

Re: Masters at A&M?

Pianka? I suppose it could be slightly unnerving to sit next to someone who (not so) secretly wishes that you and everyone else in the building was dead. I enjoyed every bit of being his student- right up to the moment he grabbed me by the neck and invited me to a fistfight outside. Actually, it may...
by Gluesenkamp
November 7th, 2013, 7:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Gassing Rattlesnakes--On the Outs in Texas?
Replies: 4
Views: 1300

Re: Gassing Rattlesnakes--On the Outs in Texas?

You should be able to get streaming audio here:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/feedback/meetings/

It looks like the transcript of the Nov 6 meeting may not be available yet.
by Gluesenkamp
October 28th, 2013, 12:20 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Lepidus in Hill Country?
Replies: 19
Views: 5467

Re: Lepidus in Hill Country?

I would have used the term "vestments" but I like "vestiture" as well. And maybe the cautionary phrase "Non illuminati via publici"
by Gluesenkamp
October 11th, 2013, 9:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Austin monitor
Replies: 7
Views: 2634

Re: Austin monitor

Make sure he takes his glasses off before you punch him.
by Gluesenkamp
October 8th, 2013, 2:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herp stamp
Replies: 20
Views: 5883

Re: Herp stamp

Chris, I haven't checked the numbers lately but I think it was around 700 last time I checked. Not a big seller by any stretch. As was previously suggested, there are probably several reasons for this. Sure, some herpers may have decided to "risk it" but I doubt that is a huge number. Poss...
by Gluesenkamp
October 7th, 2013, 12:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herp stamp
Replies: 20
Views: 5883

Re: Herp stamp

Good suggestion, Steve. I might have to try the "non-threatening" approach. Some of the people I have been chasing for data are bigger than me...