Governor Jim Justice has announced the return of West Virginia’s Big Buck Photo Contest, which gives hunters an opportunity to share photos of their buck harvest for a chance to win prizes.
The contest is open to West Virginia residents and nonresidents and includes two divisions: a youth division for hunters 17 and younger, and an adult division for hunters 18 and older.
Five participants from each division will win prizes. In the youth division, five lucky winners will be drawn with the winners receiving a free lifetime West Virginia hunting and fishing license. In the adult division, the five lucky hunters can select from one of the following prizes: a free lifetime WV hunting license, a two-night stay at Cabwaylingo State Forest cabin or a two-night stay in a Seneca State Forest cabin.
To enter the contest, hunters must submit a photo with a buck they harvest during a 2022 hunting season along with a short account of their hunt. Submissions may be uploaded using the Big Buck Photo Contest entry form at WVdnr.gov/photocontest. Those entering must have a valid 2022 West Virginia hunting license and will need to enter the 13-digit DNR-issued game check number for their bucks.
The second segment of West Virginia’s antlerless deer firearms season runs through Dec. 4 on private land and select public lands. Archery and crossbow hunting for antlered and antlerless deer is also legal during the buck firearms season and subject to all archery and crossbow deer hunting regulations.
“Not only do West Virginia’s deer seasons provide quality outdoor recreation, they are incredible for our state’s economy and a major boost to our tourism industry,” Brett McMillion, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources director, said. “Our deer seasons attract thousands of out-of-state hunters and bring in millions of dollars in license and stamp sales and overnight bookings at our state park and forest facilities. I want to thank Gov. Justice for promoting our hunting seasons and outdoor recreation and making them such a big part of his administration.”
For more information about West Virginia’s hunting seasons, visit WVdnr.gov.
