With so many options for sportsmen (sportspersons?) in our great and glorious Republic of Texas, it makes sense that some people may be a little confused over what is and is not allowed within the Lone Star State. Especially new residents with a penchant for huntin' and killin'.

That's why, from time to time, it's always helpful when local law enforcement decides to be proactive and get ahead of any potential issues, except in this case. This time, it's just a good old-fashioned trolling.

That's where the Kilgore, Texas Police Department comes in.

Facebook-Kilgore Police Department
Facebook via Kilgore Police Department
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A time-honored tradition has returned. Yes, it's SNIPE HUNTING SEASON in Texas once again!

For the uninitiated, a good old-fashioned Snipe Hunt is a rite of passage here in Texas and surrounding states. My first Snipe Hunt was when I was visiting family in Arizona back in the mid-70s, and my cousins invited me to hunt Snipe. I wandered through the desert for hours with my flashlight and didn't bag any, even using the traditional snipe call. I was disappointed, but soon realized why my hunt had been so fruitless.

From Wikipedia:

snipe hunt is a type of practical joke or fool's errand, in existence in North America as early as the 1840s, in which an unsuspecting newcomer is duped into trying to catch a nonexistent animal called a snipe. Although snipe are an actual family of birds, a snipe hunt is a quest for an imaginary creature whose description varies.

The target of the prank is led to an outdoor spot and given instructions for catching the snipe; these often include waiting in the dark and holding an empty bag or making noises to attract the creature. The others involved in the prank then leave the newcomer alone in the woods to discover the joke. As an American rite of passage, snipe hunting is often associated with summer camps and groups such as the Boy Scouts.

Yep, it's a practical joke.

So, the Kilgore Police decided to have a little fun, reminding newcomers of the guidelines behind a successful Texas Snipe Hunt on Facebook.

Limit 2 "mature" Snipe per bag, you can use a flashlight, cannot use a vehicle, and you can only use a paper or fabric bag. 

Makes sense to me. Of course, those who are "experienced hunters" are having some fun in the comments section.

Facebook-Kilgore, Texas Police
Facebook-Kilgore, Texas Police
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It's interesting to note that Oklahoma has the exact same Snipe Hunting season. Go figure.

So, you can enjoy the joke and have some harmless fun. But fail to abide by these rules and there's no telling what could happen. After all, Snipe are a cunning, vicious and nasty breed, and you certainly don't want to be left "holding the bag."

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