CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that hunters who want a chance to win a prize in the state’s fifth annual Big Buck Photo Contest need to submit photos of their buck harvests by Jan. 9
The contest is open to licensed resident and nonresident youth and adults. Eligible participants must submit a photo of a buck legally harvested during a 2025 season to be entered into the prize drawing.
“The Big Buck Photo Contest is a great way for hunters to celebrate a successful season and showcase West Virginia’s outstanding deer hunting opportunities,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “We look forward to seeing hunters share photos that highlight the tradition, skill and enjoyment that come from hunting in our state.”
After the contest closes on Jan. 9, a random drawing will be used to select 20 finalists from each division (resident adult, non-resident adult, resident youth and non-resident youth). Final entries will be judged on the size of the buck and quality of the photo submission. One resident adult grand prize winner will receive a lifetime hunting license and a West Virginia State Park cabin stay. One non-resident adult winner will receive a state park cabin stay and a Bass Pro Shops prize package and 5 resident youth and 5 non-resident youth winners will receive a Bass Pro Shops prize package. Detailed rules prize packages are available at WVdnr.gov/photocontest.
Winners will be announced on January 23 during the opening ceremony at the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
