Tony,
PARC is such an organization. Though they are more "science" based, they are very open to the private sector and could very easily become a great ally to such in the near future
http://www.parcplace.org/
Also, they will be hosting their annual Southeast conference meeting in Hot Springs, AR February 25-27 2005
http://www.parcplace.org/SERegional.htm
I had better see you there, and don’t forget your fishing gear!
It would seem as though some laws are designed to protect a species to death. I find it odd that FL maintains the same position regarding Pituophis mugitus, as it does D. couperi, minus the required permit. While the law is to make enforcement easier on an already over burdened group of enforcement officers, much like Arizona’s law regarding Heloderma.
One would be hard pressed to find a neonate, or even yearling, D. couperi in the wild, so I believe the distinction could be easily recognized based on age, in conjunction with
micro-chipping adult captives.
Unfortunately, the “powers” that be do not agree with such logic, though they allow incidental take permits, for a nominal fee.
Jeff Snodgres