Moving from Ag "Exemption" Valuation to Wildlife Management Valuation 

Are you a property owner in Texas and have a desire to enhance wildlife on your property?  Wildlife management is an increasingly popular option for landowners, with more than 5 million acres under wildlife management valuation across Texas.

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Why make the change from Ag to Wildlife Management?  Many landowners purchase property that is currently in Ag and they don't have the desire to manage livestock.  Others are absentee landowners and managing livestock becomes a challenge.  Moving from Ag to Wildlife Management is a great alternative !

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If your property is currently being appraised as "agricultural" (or timber) you can convert from Ag to Wildlife Management and maintain your lower tax appraisal.  Landowners qualify for a wildlife management tax exemption by completing and submitting a “wildlife management plan” with the local county tax appraisal office.  (Plans must be submitted to the county tax office prior to April 30 in the tax year that a wildlife exemption is desired).  There is no minimum acreage requirement, unless the tract of land has reduced in size from the prior year’s valuation. (Each county has different requirements for small acreages and should be consulted prior to submitting an application)

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The wildlife management plan outlines the native species (game or non-game) to be enhanced and the management practices that must be employed.  There are seven management practice categories offering over 50 options including:

Habitat Control

Erosion Control

Predator Control

Supplemental Water

Supplemental Food

Supplemental Shelter

Census

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The landowner can implement all seven management practices if they choose, however, to maintain compliance the landowner must implement and document at least three of the seven practices annually.  The county appraisal district (CAD) may request documentation of the activities so an annual report should be maintained that includes activities, photos and maps and dates performed.  (Each county operates differently and your CAD may also request a site visit to the property to review and ensure activities are being performed).

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In summary, to be eligible for a wildlife management valuation landowners must (1)  have current ag tax valuation, (2) file an application with the county, (3) submit a wildlife management plan, (4) identify objectives / management practices, (5) comply with the plan provisions.   

If you are considering converting to a wildlife management valuation we can help! 

Contact us today if you want more detail on how we can help transition your property to wildlife management ! 

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