GO HUNT, GO FISH, GO TEXAN - New wildlife initiative

AUSTIN —Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples is pleased to announce the newly established GO TEXAN Wildlife Initiative, which targets businesses and organizations that focus on wildlife recreation, is now accepting memberships.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to promote businesses and organizations that are based around Texas’ diverse and extensive wildlife resources,” Commissioner Staples said. “There is nothing more Texan than enjoying the great outdoors. It just makes good sense to combine our award-winning marketing campaign with what makes our state special — our impressive wildlife activities. So, Go Hunt, Go Fish, GO TEXAN.”

The new GO TEXAN Wildlife Initiative puts an emphasis on the culture of Texas, much of which is defined by two of the state’s greatest outdoor assets: hunting and fishing.

Established as a new category in the GO TEXAN marketing campaign, the Wildlife Initiative was created to promote Texas wildlife businesses and organizations. Eligible members include those involved in hunting, fishing, exotic animal farms, fisheries, and the organizations and associations devoted to these activities.

“This is an excellent idea to extend the GO TEXAN marketing program to our hunting, wildlife management and fishing activities in Texas,” Texas Wildlife Association President Tina Buford said. “Texas is a premier destination for hunting, fishing and agritourism on our private lands, ranches and waters. This private-public partnership to promote Texas outdoor opportunities is really unique. We appreciate Commissioner Staples for his vision and leadership in this arena.”

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a sister

state agency that in 2007 concluded that fish/wildliferelated recreation has a $15.8 billion economic impact on the state, applauds the initiative.

“It is exciting to see the GO TEXAN Wildlife Initiative emphasizing two of our state’s greatest economic and recreational assets: hunting and fishing,” Carter Smith, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department executive director said. “Nature tourism activities connect people with wildlife and we support Texans who are engaged in sustainable, wildlife-friendly enterprises that provide economic incentives to protect native wildlife and habitat.”

For a $25 fee, GO TEXAN membership benefits include: • Use of the GO TEXAN certification to tap into Texas loyalty • Listing on the GO TEXAN Web site, which is heavily marketed by TDA • Opportunities to participate in GO TEXAN promotions • Negotiated rates on advertising opportunities • Receipt of GO TEXAN email and print infoletters • Listing of events on Web site and in print and online publications • Opportunity to apply for GO TEXAN Partner Program (GOTEPP) matching funds

To join the GO TEXAN Wildlife Initiative, visit the Web site at www.gotexan.org