Henry Berryman Terrell

Henry Terrell, a merchant and newspaperman, served as a Texas state representative (1901-09), state senator (1909-15), and as Texas State Comptroller (1915-19). He played a major role in ending market hunting in Texas. In 1903, he wrote HB 391, modeled after Audubon standards, establishing state wildlife ownership, hunting seasons and bag limits, and protecting nongame birds. During the 1907 Session, he introduced and helped pass HB 379. This law gave teeth to enforcing the 1903 legislation. It added “Game” as part of the scope and title of the Office of the Fish and Oyster Commissioner, and established a hunting license system and provided revenue for hiring game wardens.