Frequently Asked Questions
In an effort to minimize some of the “hypothetical situations”, here are some frequently asked questions. We will add more questions to the list as we go along and have more contests. The most important thing to remember is that someone from your team will have to take a polygraph if you win, so if you don’t feel right about it, then it’s probably not within the rules, and the polygraph will show that. This is not a complete listing of the contest rules. The full contest rules can be found
Q: If our team signed up by mail or in-person before the contest, do we need to be at the Riesel Lions Club Fairgrounds on the Saturday of the contest?
A: No. If you received confirmation from us that we have your team’s entry form and entry fee, then your team may begin hunting at 12:00 PM on Saturday. We do not send a confirmation for entries received in person on the Saturday of the event. There will be no “Reading of the Rules” or anything like that. However; if you are unclear on ANY rule, we will have our representatives on site at the registration on Saturday morning of the hunt to clearify any questions you may have.
Q: Do I need a trappers license to hunt in this contest?
A: No. The State of Texas only requires a trappers license to SELL fur-bearing animals. You can view all state laws pertaining to fur-bearing animals
Q: Is it considered splitting up if two of our team members hunt on one end of a ranch, and the other two hunt the other end?
A: Yes. That is the definition of splitting up. All team members MUST hunt together. A good rule of thumb is if you are hunting off of the same caller, it is not splitting up. For instance, while hunting during the day, you set the caller out on the ground, and your team spreads out to hunt animals coming to that call — This would be within the rules.
Q: One/two of our team members will not be able to meet up with us until later. Can we go ahead and start hunting without them?
A: There is nothing wrong with this as long as that team member is not hunting someplace else. This should not be used to get around the splitting up rule. ALL team members must be at weigh-in or the entire team will be disqualified.
Q: The landowner of the ranch we’re hunting on wants to ride around with us to help navigate the ranch. He is not a member of our team. Is this against the rules?
A: This is allowed. Just remember, if that person is not part of your official “team”, then they are simply a spectator, and cannot pick up a gun, run a call for you, shine a light, pick up your animals, drive the vehicle, drop you off at stands, or aid your team in any way other than navigating their land. We do allow you to have a non-team member drive you in to weigh-in. We don’t want anyone falling asleep at the wheel.
Q: My son/daughter wants to hunt with my team. He/she is under 18. Is this okay? What about the polygraph test?
A: There is no age limit to register at this time. If the child is registered as a team member, they will be expected to take the polygraph if drawn, and parental consent must be given.
Q: My son/daughter wants to ride along with my team. He/she will not be registered as one of my team members. Is this allowed?
A: Yes. We have kids ourselves, and we know how hard it is to leave them behind when they know you are going calling without them. The future of hunting depends on us passing along the knowledge to our kids. We don’t have a problem with your kids riding around with your team as you hunt. However, they cannot assist your team in any way that gives you an advantage over another team. This includes running out to look for/pick up animals for you. Follow the same guidelines as the “Landowner Question” above.
Q: If there is a dead animal in the area where we hunt, and we know that this dead animal is there, can we hunt the area even though we didn’t place the animal there?
A: You are not violating the “No hunting in baited area” rule as long as you or your teammates did not directly or indirectly place, deposit, distribute, or scatter a carcass or any other type of ingested bait with the intention of luring target animals of this contest. We understand that livestock die naturally as a result of normal ranching activities, but once they are moved or placed to aid in the taking of targeted animals of this contest, it becomes baiting. Having someone else place the bait for you is not a loophole. That would be indirect baiting.
Q: What does “no hunting in baited areas mean”?
A: “Baiting” means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of food that could serve as a lure or attraction for targeted animals of this contest to any area where hunters are attempting to take them. A “baited area” is defined as the area in which the activity of the wildlife is influenced. We are intentionally leaving this open. The most important thing to remember is that someone from your team will have to take a polygraph if you win, so if you don’t feel right about it, then it’s probably not within the rules, and the polygraph will show that. Please use your best judgement.