Reps. Roy, Pfluger Introduce Legislation to Ensure the Free Market Can Continue to Conserve Exotic Game Species

April 3, 2025 Press Release Washington, D.C. — Representatives Chip Roy (TX-21) and August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Exotic Hoofstock Reform Act today. This bill will delist non-native hoofstock species to guarantee that exotic game ranches in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and across the nation can continue to operate free from the shadow of a future Fish and Wildlife Service beholden to radical animal rights’ groups. Congressman Roy said: "It is no secret that radical animal welfare groups have long been pushing the government to overregulate hunting. Exotic game ranches in Texas have proven they are more capable and effective at preserving the future of exotic species than the federal government is. The government needs to stop regulating privately owned, foreign species and allow our great ranchers to do what they do best and preserve wildlife in ways they see fit." Congressman Pfluger said: “Texans know Texas best, and I have full confidence in the effectiveness of local conservation efforts over one-size-fits-all mandates that do not account for the region’s unique needs. This is why I am proud to lead this commonsense legislation with my good friend and fellow Texan Rep. Chip Roy to protect exotic game ranches in Texas and across the country who play an important role in preserving the populations of these animals." The Endangered Species Act (ESA) currently allows for the hunting of certain privately owned exotic animals. Unfortunately, radical animal rights activists groups continue to push to try and get the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to eliminate this important carve out. If their efforts are successful, it will directly threaten exotic game ranches in Texas and across the nation that play an important role in preserving the populations of these animals and contributing to conservation efforts. Representatives Chip Roy and August Pfluger's Exotic Hoofstock Reform Act will preempt this issue and support exotic game ranches by delisting certain non-native hoofstock species from the ESA. Specifically, this Act delists: Barasingha Red Lechwe Arabian Oryx Eld’s Deer Grevy’s Zebra Gaur Banteng Markhor The Exotic Hoofstock Reform Act will delist non-native hoofstock species to guarantee that exotic game ranches in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and across the nation can continue to operate free from the shadow of a future Fish and Wildlife Service beholden to radical animal rights’ groups. Ultimately, this legislation will ensure that our nation can continue to preserve the survival of these species in a closely managed way and provide a substantial amount of money to conservation. By passing this legislation, game ranches will be assured that should this loophole close, they will still be able to operate. Read the full legislation here . Issues : Rep. Roy's Pledge to Texas 21