I first posted this thought as a comment to another diary, and someone suggested I do a diary on the subject.
The laws in the state of Texas are pretty clear that a valid hunting license is required for both residents and non-residents to engange in the sport of hunting.
A hunting license is required of any person, regardless of age, who hunts any animal or bird in this state, except as specified below. Non-residents under 17 years of age may purchase and hunt with the Special Resident Hunting License (Type 102).
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/...
More after the jump.
* A hunting license is not required to hunt the following:
* Coyotes, if the coyotes are attacking, about to attack, or have recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowl.
* Depredating feral hogs, if a landowner (resident or non-resident) or landowner's agent or lessee is taking feral hogs causing depredation on the landowner's land.
* Fur-bearing animals, if the hunter possesses a trapper's license or if the fur-bearing animals are causing depredation.
Note: All laws and regulations governing hunter education still apply. (Emphasis added.)
Cheney would certainly be considered a non-resident, in which case he would have to have one of the following types of license:
Non-resident General Hunting (Type 105): $300
Valid to hunt any legal bird or animal (including deer). Stamp endorsement requirements apply.
Non-resident Spring Turkey (Type 118): $120. Available after February 1, 2006.
Valid to hunt turkey only during the open spring turkey season. Holders of this license are exempt from the upland game bird stamp endorsement requirements. (Unlawful to possess both this license and a valid Non-Resident General Hunting License.)
Non-resident Special Hunting (Type 107): $125
Valid to hunt: Exotic animals, all legal game birds (except turkeys), all nongame animals, squirrel and javelina (not valid for other game animals, NOT VALID FOR DEER). Stamp endorsement requirements apply.
Non-resident 5-Day Special Hunting (Type 157): $45
Legal for any period of 5 consecutive days (valid hunting dates will be printed on the license when issued). Valid to hunt: Exotic animals, all legal game birds (except turkeys), all nongame animals, squirrel and javelina (not valid for other game animals, NOT VALID FOR DEER). Stamp endorsement requirements apply.
Non-resident Banded Bird Hunting (Type 120): $25
Valid only to hunt banded game birds on private bird hunting areas. Id.
The questions are quite simple and very obvious:
May we please see a certified copy of the valid Texas hunting license the Vice-president had in his possession at the time he shot Mr. Whittington?
In addition, may we please see verification that the Vice-president completed all of the mandatory hunter education requirements?
Wonder if he will produce a valid license?
Think he had one?
Will this require a FOIA request?