MLDP Fees: Costs for Deer Management Program?

MLDP Fees: The Cost of Success

One of the great tools for white-tailed deer management in Texas has been the Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP) administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The program has historically been offered at no cost to participating properties, but TPWD will soon start charging MLDP fees for program participation.

The program allows landowners and deer managers to participate in two different options, both of which provide flexibility outside of the normal whitetail hunting regulations established for a county. According to TPWD, the number of participating properties has grown exponentially over the years. Funds raised through MLDP program fees would be used to add staff positions throughout the state.

Popular Deer Program Results in Fees

TPWD: “The MLDP is an extremely popular program that provides landowners and land managers with additional flexibility to manage deer populations, improve habitats, and provide greater hunting opportunities,” said Alan Cain, TPWD white-tailed deer program leader.

“Increased participation in the MLDP has made it challenging for wildlife staff to administer the program and provide technical guidance to participants. In response, the Texas Legislature earlier this year enacted Senate Bill 733, which authorizes the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to establish MLDP fees for participation.”

Below is the email that MLDP participants received on December 11, 2019 regarding proposed program fees.

MLDP Fee Details Emailed to Participants

TPWD is seeking your feedback on proposed MLDP regulation changes that would establish a fee for participation and clarify existing program provisions. The proposed fee amendment is as follows:

Harvest Option

• $30 fee for each management unit within a property that is enrolled in the Harvest Option (HO), provided the property is not part of an aggregate acreage enrolled in the MLDP;
• $30 fee for each aggregate acreage enrolled in the HO;

Conservation Option

• $300 fee for the first management unit of each property enrolled in the Conservation Option (CO) plus a $30 fee for each additional management unit of a property enrolled in the CO;
• $300 fee for each aggregate acreage enrolled in the CO;
• $30 fee for each management unit of a wildlife management association or cooperative enrolled the CO.

Provide Feedback on MLDP Fees

The amount of MLDP fees were selected by the department after soliciting and receiving input from department staff, stakeholder groups, and advisory committees regarding what would be a reasonable fee for participation in the MLDP considering the benefits received, the demands on department staff in administering the various options available to landowners under the MLDP, and which would not result in significant attrition from the MLDP by landowners.

The proposed regulation changes are available for review in the Dec. 6 edition of the Texas Register. The public comment period is open through January 23, 2020, when the TPW Commission will meet to vote on adopting these changes.

Comments on the proposed MLDP fees can be submitted via TPWD’s public comment page on their website or in person during the TPWD Commission meeting January 23, 2020 at TPWD’s Austin Headquarters, located at 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744. Comments on the proposed changes may also be submitted to Alan Cain by phone at (830) 480-4038 or email alan.cain@tpwd.texas.gov.