"Whereas being a Big Shot in Texas is a matter of attitude, and whereas it ain't particularly what you hit but how much shot you put in the air, and in consideration of the fact that you can't eat a damn little clay bird, let it be known that the Bearer of this certificate is heretofore and in perpetuity recognized as a TEXAS BIG SHOT. A most prestigious award bestowed on only those who have proven the ability to get in there amongst 'em and chunk lead. On this Texas Independence Day, March 2, 2007, The Texas Heritage Songwriters' Association salutes the sure nuff, authentic TEXAS BIG SHOT Granting full rights and privileges and entitling him, from this day forward, to wear his pants tucked inside his boots - the international sign of a BIG SHOT -- GOD BLESS TEXAS"

Well, even though I did receive the certificate, I can't bring myself to wear my pants tucked inside my boots unless they are rain boots.

The invitation said it all:

The Texas Independence Shootout. A uniquely Texan sporting clays competition, and bull shooters gathering. Chuckwagon BBQ, Awards Ceremony, Texas Pageantry, Door Prizes, Live Music by Pauline Reese & Special Guests.

The event began on March 2, 2007 at the Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch and Pavillion at noon and went on until it ended.

"The firing of cannons will mark the beginning of the shootout, as the famous William B. Travis letter from the Alamo is read. After shooting, participants will enjoy Texas country music from Pauline Reese, and Chuckwagon BBQ meal.

Those who choose not to shoot are invited to "Shoot the Bull" instead. Eat, drink, enjoy the entertainment, and bull shoot with the best of 'em. The winning team will receive Texas flags, framed with their certificates authenticating that they have flown over the State Capitol Building."

We had a great time and I hope you enjoy the photos and video. Below is more information about the Texas Heritage Songwriters' Association for those who are interested:

Texas Heritage Songwriters' Association Mission Statement:

Texas is a special place. Even its shape is iconic, serving as a symbol of independence, friendship, strength, pride, risk-taking, firsts, and bests. Texas’ self-styled culture is unique in ways that are respected and envied around the world. It is incumbent on each generation of Texans to maintain this rich heritage for generations to come.

Texas songwriters, past and present, reflect in rhythm and rhyme, the essence of our culture; they are the poets of their time and have become the symbolic troubadours of our State.

The mission of the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association, in the interest of Texas cultural preservation, is to honor and celebrate Texas songwriters who have played an important role in defining and interpreting Texas’ distinctive culture.

The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association is a non-profit organization in association with Celebrate Texas, (501c3), and the Center for Texas Music History, (501c3) at Texas State University, San Marcos.

Officially recognized by the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas, The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association is commended for its effort to preserve this significant Texas tradition. Hill’s Café has been declared a cultural landmark and the official home of the Texas Songwriters Collection. This House Concurrent Resolution was documented by The State of Texas House of Representative notables Harvey Hilderbran and Terry Keel, and holds signatures of other such notables as President of the Senate David Dewhurst and Governor Rick Perry.

Board of Directors
Terry Boothe
Gregg Andrews
Joe Ables

Board of Advisors
Wayne Ahart
Ray Benson
Kent Finlay
Harvey Ford
Gerald Hill
Pat Jasper
Terry Keel
Randy "Poodie" Locke
Joe Nick Patoski
Turk Pipkin
Daniel Porter
Danny King
Darrel K Royal
Bill Schneider
Bill Worrell
Terry Young
Bill Arhos   
James White

Mail care of:
Hill’s Café
4700 S. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78745

Images and Files: View all 32 photos / videos here.