SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is reminding hunters who harvested a buck during a 2024 deer hunting season to submit their photos by Jan. 10 for a chance to win prizes in the state’s fourth annual Big Buck Photo Contest.
“The Big Buck Photo Contest is a wonderful way to celebrate your successful hunt and showcase the incredible deer hunting opportunities we have in West Virginia,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “We encourage hunters of all ages to share their photos and stories and help us highlight the joy, tradition, and adventure of hunting in our state.”
The contest is open to West Virginia residents and nonresidents and includes a youth division for hunters 17 and younger and an adult division for hunters 18 and older. To be eligible, participants are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license and provide the 13-digit WVDNR-issued game check number for their buck. Consent for the release and use of submitted photos is implied upon entry. Detailed rules and entry forms are available at WVdnr.gov/photocontest.
Big Buck Photo Contest prizes include:
- Resident Adult Division (1 Winner): One (1) free resident lifetime West Virginia hunting license, one (1) two-night stay in a Cabwaylingo State Forest cabin and one (1) two-night stay in a Seneca State Forest cabin.
- Resident Youth Division (5 Winners): One (1) Cabela’s prize package.
- Non-Resident Adult Division (5 Winners): One (1) Cabela’s prize package, one (1) two-night cabin stay at North Bend State Park cabin and one (1) two-night cabin stay at Twin Falls Resort.
- Non-Resident Youth Division (5 Winners): One (1) Cabela’s prize package.
After the contest closes on Jan. 10, a random drawing will be used to select finalists from each division and entries will be judged on photo composition, antler size, antler points and the quality of the hunt narrative. Winners will be announced in January 2025.
