83R30157 BPG-D
 
  By: Kuempel H.R. No. 2597
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Texas is home to the largest population of
  white-tailed deer in the nation, and deer breeding and hunting make
  important contributions to the state's economy; and
         WHEREAS, A Texas A&M University study conducted in 2007 found
  that deer breeding and ranching generated over $650 million
  annually and supported more than 7,300 jobs; as land ownership
  becomes increasingly fragmented, deer breeding is particularly
  well suited to the utilization of smaller tracts, and the industry
  is now one of the fastest growing in rural America; by 2012, Texas
  had permitted over 1,200 breeder facilities containing over 100,000
  breeder deer in nearly 200 counties; and
         WHEREAS, Disease issues that arise in the deer industry are
  handled by the Texas Animal Health Commission, but most industry
  activities fall under the purview of the wildlife division of the
  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; although TPWD is noted for its
  vast knowledge of wildlife biology, it is the TAHC that maintains
  expertise in agriculture, animal husbandry, and related matters of
  genetics, health, nutrition, breeding, and marketability;
  moreover, the TAHC manages certain breeds of cervid animals,
  including red deer and sika deer; and
         WHEREAS, Properly managing this growing industry is of
  long-term importance, and an in-depth consideration of relevant
  issues would be beneficial to this state; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
  Legislature hereby request the speaker of the house to create a
  select interim committee to study regulatory oversight of the deer
  breeding industry in order to ensure that the industry is served by
  the state agency tasked with promoting and ensuring animal health
  and productivity; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That the study include recommendations on measures
  to ensure the vitality of the industry and encompass assurances
  that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will remain involved
  in the industry through its responsibility for issuing hunting
  licenses and providing game wardens; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That the committee submit a full report, including
  findings and recommendations for legislation, to the speaker and
  the members of the house of the 84th Texas Legislature when it
  convenes in January 2015.