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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, The State of Texas is renowned for the diversity of |
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its animal population, and select species have become iconic |
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symbols for certain locations in the state; La Salle County, a |
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renowned destination for hunting in South Texas, has become |
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associated with one of its most challenging quarries, the wild hog; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, These hardy animals are descended from pigs that |
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escaped into the wild as well as Eurasian wild boars that were |
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imported as exotic game in the early 1900s; feral hogs thrive in |
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many parts of the U.S. and have expanded throughout Texas; while |
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their adaptability is impressive, they are recognized as an |
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invasive species that poses serious problems for landowners and |
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other animals; wild hogs forage for food by rooting, and Texas' |
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estimated population of more than three million inflicts |
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substantial damage to crops, pastures, and wildlife habitat each |
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year; and |
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WHEREAS, Hunting has been an important part of efforts to |
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control the numbers of wild hogs, and that is especially true in La |
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Salle County; residents and hunting enthusiasts from across the |
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state and beyond are drawn to the area to pursue the elusive game, |
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and the sport has a sizable impact on the local economy; the county |
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is home to numerous ranches that offer opportunities to hunt feral |
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hogs in addition to other game; and |
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WHEREAS, Building on the popularity of feral hog hunting, the |
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La Salle County Fair hosted the first Wild Hog Cook-Off competition |
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in 1981; the event proved immensely popular and grew rapidly, |
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adding a range of categories, including the much-anticipated |
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artistic presentation contest, in which teams are judged on the |
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elaborate trays they use to serve their food; today, the fair and |
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cook-off take place every March in Cotulla, and the family-friendly |
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event features live music, entertainment, carnival rides, and |
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vendors in addition to the wild hog cooking contest; and |
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WHEREAS, The feral hog hunting industry and the Wild Hog |
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Cook-Off festivities are sources of pride and prosperity for the |
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residents of La Salle County, and the importance of these |
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attractions is indeed deserving of special recognition; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby designate La Salle County as the official Wild Hog Capital of |
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Texas; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section |
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391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect |
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until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally |
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passed by the legislature. |