84R12627 CJM-D
By: Guillen H.R. No. 894
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Muy
Grande Deer Contest in Freer, one of the state's pioneering hunting
competitions; and
WHEREAS, Muy Grande got its start in the 1960s, when Leonel
Garza, the manager of the Center Circle Gas Station in Freer, helped
a stranded outdoor sports writer whose truck had become stuck in the
mud outside town; the journalist went on to write an article about
the experience for the Victoria Advocate, and the story was
subsequently picked up by newspapers throughout the state; in 1965,
to capitalize on his newfound fame, Mr. Garza established the Muy
Grande Deer Contest, which was initially a small one-category
competition hosted in the gas station with a makeshift prize,
Mr. Garza's own wristwatch; and
WHEREAS, The contest became an annual tradition and inspired
the creation of many other hunting competitions in Texas; its
popularity led to the gas station being renamed the Muy Grande
Hunting Village, and in 2008 the store moved to a new, larger
building to keep up with the increased demand for its services;
today, the contest attracts hunters from all across Texas and the
United States, who compete in a wide range of categories divided by
age, gender, and hunting location; and
WHEREAS, The Muy Grande Deer Contest plays a significant role
in the local economy, focusing attention on the town and boosting
commerce in addition to generally promoting the area's outstanding
hunting opportunities; the event also gives back to the community
by funding scholarships that are awarded to local high school
students during the Muy Grande awards banquet; and
WHEREAS, For the past half-century, the Muy Grande Deer
Contest has served as a cultural cornerstone for residents of South
Texas and a much-anticipated gathering for hunting enthusiasts
throughout the nation, and it is indeed deserving of recognition on
the event of this milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Muy
Grande Deer Contest and extend sincere best wishes to all those
associated with the event; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the contest as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.