The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the state’s third annual Big Buck Photo Contest. The 19 winners included five resident youths, five resident adults, four non-resident youths and five non-resident adults who were selected from a list of 55 finalists.
Monica Smith of Buckhannon and formerly of Brandywine was chosen as one of the five resident adult division winners. Smith shared the following regarding her hunt and harvest of the 10 pointer with a 22” spread.
“I hunted the Wednesday of rifle/buck season in beautiful Pendleton County on Smith Creek, a place my family and I love so very much. The land I hunted makes the hunt that much more special.
A very large buck was under my stand early that morning, but I was unable to get a shot. The beauty of the morning was watching several does fight right underneath me, but also this large buck in particular, I watched for a long period of time as he traveled a short distance away from me and very intently watched and then chased a doe out of sight. I was nervous and devastated all at the same time. It was the largest buck I had ever had that close of an opportunity to shoot.
Several hours later as I was about to finish hunting for the day, I looked ahead and a large buck walked right towards me, traveling to me from probably 200 yards away. He came within 20 yards and I took the opportunity for a shot. He traveled about 30 to 40 yards before falling. I have never hunted alone so I was very nervous, but I have listened and learned from others.
I have several people that played an important role in allowing me such a wonderful hunt, without them the hunt would not have been possible. Brooklyn, my daughter, was overjoyed and could not wait to help me the very best she could in dragging the deer. My cousin, Todd, has always allowed me an opportunity to hunt. My brother, Darren, and my nephew, Bryce, field dressed him for me and my cousin, Travis George, is bringing him back to life for me with a mount. I have learned hunting through help from both of my kids, just watching and learning from both of them.
Hunting is such a passion and what a wonderful state we have to enjoy the sport.
I chose the lifetime hunting license as the prize offered through the WVDNR.”
“West Virginia’s hunting traditions are a big part of what makes our state so special and the Big Buck Photo Contest is just one of the ways we celebrate that heritage,” said Brett McMillion, WVDNR director. “I want to thank everyone who participated in the contest because your contributions not only help us showcase the excellent hunting opportunities in our state but will help us keep our outdoor tradition alive for generations to come.”
“Seeing families bonding over campfires, young hunters proudly displaying their first deer, and photographers capturing West Virginia’s breathtaking scenery through their lenses – these are the moments that truly warm my heart as a lifelong outdoorsman,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the winners of our contest and thank everyone who shared their passion for West Virginia’s incredible hunting seasons. These stories prove, beyond any doubt, that West Virginia offers not just thrilling hunting, but also unparalleled natural beauty, shared traditions, and lasting memories. It’s truly Almost Heaven.”
The contest was open to residents and nonresidents and included a youth division for hunters 17 years of age and younger and an adult division for hunters 18 years of age and older. To enter, hunters were required to submit a photo with a buck they harvested during a 2023 hunting season along with a short account of their hunt. Each entrant was required to show proof of a valid 2023 West Virginia Hunting License and had to include their personal 13-digit DNR-issued game check number.
Finalists were chosen by random drawing from all eligible entries and winners were selected by a judging committee. Winning photos were selected based on photo composition, size of the buck’s antlers, number of antler points and how well the hunt was described.
The five resident youth winners will all receive one lifetime hunting and fishing license. The five resident adult winners can choose one lifetime hunting license or a two-night state forest cabin stay. The four non-resident youth winners will all receive a Cabela’s prize package. The five non-resident adult winners can choose a two-night state forest cabin stay or two Pipestem Peaks Zipline tour passes.
