Still Time To Enter Youth Big Buck Contest

Hannah Hively’s 13-point buck earned her first place and a $400 gift certificate in the 2020 youth big buck contest at Harp’s in Doniphan.

Ron Smith

Those participating in the Missouri Early Special Youth Deer Hunt on Oct. 30-31 won’t want to be left out of the running for the Youth Big Buck Contest at Harp’s in Doniphan. Although now retired, Warren Bland will be overseeing the contest.

Ripley County annually ranks among the top counties statewide during the youth hunt. Last year, 250 deer were harvested, ranking the county ninth among 114 counties in the state.

The two-day youth-only firearms season is for individuals ages 6 to 15. Ages 11-15 who have hunter education certification may hunt on their own. Hunters ages 6-15 who are not hunter certified must be in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult who either is hunter education certified or was born before Jan. 1, 1967.

Entry fee for the big buck contest is $10. All entries must be paid before the season begins. Deadline to enter will be store closing time on Friday.

Judging will be held Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the store. The BuckMasters Scoring System will be used.

Grand prize will be a gift certificate redeemable at Harp’s Sporting Goods in Alton, Mo. Numerous other prizes will be awarded to all youth bringing in a buck.