Relating to the taking of certain aoudad sheep by using a helicopter.

HB 5398 amends Texas law to allow qualified landowners or their agents to use helicopters for taking aoudad sheep (an invasive species causing land damage) under the same permit system already used for depredating feral hogs and coyotes. The bill specifically adds aoudad sheep to the list of animals that can be managed using helicopter-assisted hunting or observation. It does not create new restrictions but expands existing authority for landowners dealing with these invasive animals. The Parks and Wildlife Commission must later adopt rules to implement this change, and the law takes effect September 1, 2025.