Winners announced in the 2nd Annual Big Buck Competition at Big Guy Outdoor Sports

 

Big Guy Outdoor Sports wrapped up its second Annual Big Buck Competition on Saturday, February 24 with an awards ceremony at the Seniors Circle. Store owners Ricki and Perry Sawyer are very happy with the growth they have seen in the competition in just two years. Last year they had nine registrations and this year they had 29 including three 12-year-old girls. All registrants were invited to enjoy a delicious dinner ahead of the winner announcements.

“During hunting season everyone buys tags, and when you buy a Whitetail tag you have the option to join into the competition,” explained Ricki. If hunters register for the competition before they go out hunting, then anything they catch can go towards it.

This year they had three winners: for first, second, and third, but Ricki said next year they will grow that to accommodate the different types of people who joined this year. “Next year we will have a youth division and a women’s division.” Amber Cote, Koda Sawyer, and Becky Boutin worked very hard amongst the adults to land a competitive rack. The three 12-year-olds impressed everyone with their determination and received special gift bags from Big Guy Outdoor Sports.

“First place gets 50 per cent of the pot and the first pick of the three rifles up for grabs. Second place gets 30 per cent of the pot and their choice of a rifle, and third place gets 20 per cent of the pot and the final rifle,” said Ricki. Mackenzie Watson scored top marks with his catch and pocketed $507.50. Matthew Leighton won second and took home $304.50 and third place was Garrett Furlong with $203.

The first-place winner also won a free head mount from Rack and Rifle Taxidermy which is a local company owned by Wesleigh Lenko. “I had hunted with my husband and really enjoyed it. Then I shot a deer about two years ago and I thought it would be really cool if I could do that process myself.” Wesleigh said she ended up really liking it and took a course so that she could learn even more and offer the service locally. She works on anything except birds and fish and can be reached at 780-396-9972.

This type of competition happens all over the country and is a favourite for hunters. Racks are properly measured by an official from the Boone and Crockett Club and hunters even have the chance to make it into the records if they happen to snag a high point rack. For more information on the competition or to learn more about hunting, call Big Guy Outdoor Sports at 780-778-2736 or follow its Facebook page.