West Virginia Wildlife from Eyewitness News

Big Buck Contest

Big racks, could mean big recognition.

November 7, 2007
Reporter: Patrick McMurtry
Videographer: Brad Rice

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The sun is about to come up the fourth monday in november. Nothing is better for those of us who love deer hunting. Right now, all of us have high hopes of getting one of these....A bonafide trophy buck. The lucky ones can get their trophy recognized.

Gene Thorn/DNR Biologist says:
"The big buck contest started in 1964 in partnership with the Isaac Walton League and the DNR. The WV Bowhunters Association is also a sponsor. Over the years, it's gotten bigger and bigger and bigger."

So have the bucks. This looks like a good year for the big boys and the biggest racks will get some well desrved recognition.

Gene Thorn/DNR Biologist says:
"Most of the people that kill a really nice buck want some recognition for it.

"The Boone and Crockett Club recognizes gun and bow kills, the Pope and Young Club is strictly bow kills. It recognizes both the animal and the hunter."

You'll also be recognized with a plaque at the national hunting and fishing days at stonewall jackson next september. But before you get all excited about your buck, you need to know what qualifies.

Gene Thorn/DNR Biologist says:
"There are actually three here right in a row and that would meet the gun typical. What you should look for is at least an 8 point with a fairly nice, wide and massive rack.

"The bucks that would actually meet the minimum with the bow would be 125 typical, 155 non-typical. With a gun, it is 140 typical and 165 non-typical."

Good luck this year and let me know if you get a trophy buck. For west virginia wildlife, i'm patrick mcmurtry, eyewitness news.