Relating to the ownership of deer in this state.

HB 4939 changes deer ownership rules in Texas by making deer on fenced property the private property of the landowner. Specifically, a deer becomes the landowner's personal property if it's located on land surrounded by a fence at least seven feet high that can reliably contain deer under normal conditions. This amendment to the Parks and Wildlife Code overrides the general rule that all wild animals are state property, but only applies to deer and requires a specific fence standard. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and would directly affect landowners with deer on their property who maintain qualifying fences.