HCR71 - Designating La Salle County as the official Wild Hog Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

      H.C.R. No. 71       HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, The State of Texas is renowned for the diversity of   its animal population, and select species have become iconic   symbols for certain locations in the state; La Salle County, a   renowned destination for hunting in South Texas, has become   associated with one of its most challenging quarries, the wild hog;   and          WHEREAS, These hardy animals are descended from pigs that   escaped into the wild as well as Eurasian wild boars that were   imported as exotic game in the early 1900s; feral hogs thrive in   many parts of the U.S. and have expanded throughout Texas; while   their adaptability is impressive, they are recognized as an   invasive species that poses serious problems for landowners and   other animals; wild hogs forage for food by rooting, and Texas'   estimated population of more than three million inflicts   substantial damage to crops, pastures, and wildlife habitat each   year; and          WHEREAS, Hunting has been an important part of efforts to   control the numbers of wild hogs, and that is especially true in La   Salle County; residents and hunting enthusiasts from across the   state and beyond are drawn to the area to pursue the elusive game,   and the sport has a sizable impact on the local economy; the county   is home to numerous ranches that offer opportunities to hunt feral   hogs in addition to other game; and          WHEREAS, Building on the popularity of feral hog hunting, the   La Salle County Fair hosted the first Wild Hog Cook-Off competition   in 1981; the event proved immensely popular and grew rapidly,   adding a range of categories, including the much-anticipated   artistic presentation contest, in which teams are judged on the   elaborate trays they use to serve their food; today, the fair and   cook-off take place every March in Cotulla, and the family-friendly   event features live music, entertainment, carnival rides, and   vendors in addition to the wild hog cooking contest; and          WHEREAS, The feral hog hunting industry and the Wild Hog   Cook-Off festivities are sources of pride and prosperity for the   residents of La Salle County, and the importance of these   attractions is indeed deserving of special recognition; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby designate La Salle County as the official Wild Hog Capital of   Texas; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section   391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect   until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally   passed by the legislature.     Guillen       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.C.R. No. 71 was adopted by the House on May   1, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 140, Nays 0, 5 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.C.R. No. 71 was adopted by the Senate on May   9, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate      APPROVED: __________________                   Date                       __________________                 Governor