Keeping Western heritage alive, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Ranching & Wildlife Expo auctioned private hunting trips, fine jewelry and autographed football memorabilia Friday, March 1. The live auction brought in $236,000 for the Show.
Introduced seven years ago, the Ranching & Wildlife Expo strives to educate the public and promote wildlife species native to Texas.
The Ranching & Wildlife Expo Committee, composed of 353 committee members, works year-round to prepare for the expo, which began Feb. 26 and lasts until March 2. The expo includes educational seminars, a live and silent auction, contests and scholarship opportunities for youth and hands-on wildlife exhibits.
The live and silent auction consisted of more than 150 items donated by individuals and companies looking to promote youth involvement in the industry.
The committee also hosted the fourth-annual Ranching & Wildlife Expo poster board contest as a way for youth to interact with the program. The top 20 poster entries give an oral presentation about topics of their choice, which range from feral hogs, native grasslands, sea turtles and more, to a panel of judges. This year, the top 20 will be awarded a total of $15,000 in cash prizes.
“Educating the youth and incorporating them into the Show through the poster contest allows them to relate ranching and wildlife together and provide for the longevity of them,” said Ernie Williamson, chairman of the Ranching & Wildlife Committee.