TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- In a state whose official song salutes deer and antelope at play on the range, Gov. Sam Brownback has declared this to be a week to celebrate cowboy poetry.

The governor is urging Kansans to mark Cowboy Poetry Week through Saturday with "the appropriate celebration," although he did not say what form that might take.

Brownback issued a proclamation Monday recognizing the contributions of cowboy poets throughout the state's history. He says cowboy and pioneer poets have played a large part in preserving Western heritage and the culture of Kansas.

The proclamation also says the "long tradition and endearing qualities" of telling old stories and poems demonstrate that cowboy poetry is a cherished Kansas tradition.