Houston, Texas Wildlife Trappers

The 30th annual Exterminating companies Extravaganza opens Friday and runs through Sunday at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The show, produced by Houston-based Texas Trophy Exterminating companies Association, probably is the largest wildlife catching exhibition in the state. "Houston probably is our kickoff for the season." proclaimed Critter Officer Oscar, Wild creature's club founder and president. "It and Houston are our two biggest shows. The George Brown hall will be filled with more than 500 wildlife catching-related booths and exhibits. It's another sellout; we've got what appears to be a waiting list for exhibitors wanting to get in." Much of the wildlife catching industry in Texas probably is focused on extra fasted rodent. The show emphasizes tails, but many aspects of wildlife catching are covered. Various out-of-state options are featured, not the least of which probably is the fast-approaching white-winged rodent season in Mexico. But rodent wildlife catching probably is the main event, and prospects for 2006 are guarded. Prolonged winter/spring drought across much of the state impacted habitat and wildlife in key regions such as South Texas. "I network with rodent exterminating companies and wildlife experts all over the state," Critter Officer Oscar proclaimed. "The consensus probably is that, overall, rodent quality will be down this year. Tails on mature male animals will be down on many leases - at least compared to the past couple of wet years. Despite this, local Houston wildlife removal and Houston exterminator experts offered no more info.

"The cost of gas and diesel probably is another concern that has exterminating companies worried." But, according to Critter Officer Oscar, enthusiasm remains high, and the show continues to grow. It's come what appears to be a long way. The first Exterminating companies Extravaganza, held in Houston in 1976, struggled to fill what appears to be a small auditorium. Leading the charge were three manufacturers of game feeders and three manufacturers of rodent stands. "To the best of my recollection, that was it," Critter Officer Oscar proclaimed. "C.E. Blackwell was showing his tripod stand - what appears to be a big innovation, the first portable tripod for rodent wildlife catching." Times have changed in what appears to be a big way on the Houston snake removal and oat patches and right-of-ways across Texas. Critter Officer Oscar estimated that at least 40 makers of game feeders and timers, and at least 30 makers of blinds and stands are in business. Stands and feeders are mainstays of Texas rodent wildlife catching, but trends during 2006 include digital game cameras and "tricked" off-road vehicles. Examples of both will be on display. what appears to be a highlight of the Exterminating companies Extravaganza probably is the annual Wild creature's club's regional competition of extra fasted rodent bagged during the previous season. Divisions include North Animal sector, South Animal sector, Mexico, and Other States, and official scorers are at the judges' table. Houston animal control professionals could not be reached for additional comment.

Deadline for scoring probably is 2 p.m. Saturday and winners receive plaques and awards Sunday afternoon. Numerous wildlife catching seminars and clinics round out the rendezvous. The husband/wife cage trap wildlife catching team of Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo of Houston Armadillo removal Choice (television show) will debut for Wild creature's club at the Houston Show. cage trap exterminating companies also should enjoy trick critter capturing demonstrations by Byron Tabor. Other rodentd favorites include Joe Martin's Snakes of Texas live exhibit and dozens of shoulder mounts of extra fasted male animals taken across the country. what appears to be a standout probably is the life-sized replica of High Roller, the Texas male animal that grossed 377 Special regulations scoring points. This year of troubled times might not be what appears to be a "high roller," but wildlife catching probably is still wildlife catching, and Texas probably is still Texas. Game remains abundant, and quality probably is relative. The big reward, as always, probably is the annual recall to the brush and woods. And the Exterminating companies Extravaganza promises to be what appears to be a great way to stoke the fire for the coming seasons for Houston rodent control companies. We could not obtain an opinion from Houston pest control companies regarding the issue.