Posted 9:32 pm Sunday, October 04, 2009
Buck Contest Registration Under Way
Even with deer season opening Saturday for some hunters, registration continues for the 30th Tyler Paper Big Buck Contest.
Hunters may register for the contest at any of the sponsors including: Army/Navy Store of Tyler, 1201 ESE Loop 323; East Texas Seed, Cotton Belt Rail Yard; Gander Mountain, 151 Market Square; Lynch's Food Store, 3400 E. Fifth; Mac's Gun Shop, 213 E. Elm; Noonday Gun Trader, 14674 U.S. 155 South; Porter's Sporting Goods, located on U.S. 155 South in Dogwood City and Still-Life Taxidermy, 1415 E. Tyler St., Athens.
Hunters must register at least 24 hours before taking their deer. Other contest rules are listed on the back of the registration tickets.
Along with the North and South divisions in the Adult Division, this year the contest will feature a Women's Division open to hunters 17 and older.
The Women's Division replaces a High Fence category dropped because of the lack of entries.
This year the Big Buck contest will not accept deer taken from behind a high fence in adult or youth divisions.
First-place winners in each adult category will receive a Remington .270-caliber rifle and a mount of their deer. Second-place winners will receive $300 in gift certificates.
There will also be North and South Texas youth divisions for hunters 16 and under. The winners of both will receive a mount of their deer. Second- and third-place finishers will receive gift certificates.
Deer may be entered in the contest beginning Saturday, the opening day for the statewide archery season and the opening of the Managed Lands Deer Permit season for many hunters. The last day to enter a deer is Jan. 24.
