CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today the winners of the state’s fifth annual Big Buck Photo Contest during the opening ceremony of the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
“This year’s Big Buck Photo Contest showcased impressive deer and the stories and traditions that make hunting in West Virginia special,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “By participating in hunting seasons and contests like this, hunters play a vital role in stewarding our state’s natural resources and showcasing the incredible opportunities West Virginia has to offer. I want to congratulate all of our winners and thank everyone who took time to share their photos and stories.”
The Big Buck Photo Contest was open to resident and nonresident youth and adult hunters. To enter, hunters were required to submit a photo with a buck they harvested during a 2025 hunting season along with a short account of their hunt. Each entrant was required to show proof of a valid 2025 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 seven winners included one resident adult, five resident youths and one non-resident adult who were selected from a list of more than 170 finalists. No submissions were received from non-resident youth hunters.
The resident adult grand prize package includes a lifetime hunting license and a West Virginia State Park cabin stay. The non-resident adult winner will receive a State Park cabin stay or a Bass Pro Shops prize package and all youth winners will receive a Bass Pro Shops prize package. Winners will be contacted by the WVDNR to claim their prize.
Resident Adult Division Winner
- Emma Malcomb, Tallmansville, W.Va.
Resident Youth Division Winners
- Judah Brooks, Cool Ridge, W.Va.
- Bridger Willliams, Jane Lew, W.Va.
- Kylo Benton, Summersville, W.Va.
- Kelsey Ferguson, Summersville, W.Va.
- Hunter Miller, Advent, W.Va.
Non-Resident Adult Division Winners
- Hunter Murcko, Cortland, Ohio
For more information about hunting and fishing in West Virginia and to purchase a 2026 license and stamps, visit WVdnr.gov.
