Deer hunting season has arrived, and West Alabama’s premier hunting competition – the Big Ol’ Buck Contest – is once again bringing together families, hunters, and local businesses. Organized by Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, the contest celebrates the region’s hunting heritage while rewarding participants with prizes from a wide array of community partners.
How to Enter
Hunters who harvest a buck this season should take their trophy to Hicks Taxidermy on Highway 69 North in Northport for official scoring. Once the buck is measured and documented, the hunter can submit the entry to the contest organizers. The contest runs through February 10, giving participants ample time to register their trophies.
Divisions and Prizes
The competition features three divisions: a Youth Division for young hunters, an Adult Division for seasoned participants, and an Overall Winner category that crowns the biggest buck of the season. Each division offers a slate of prizes provided by a coalition of local sponsors, including:
- Taylor Electrical Tuscaloosa
- Steven Fikes Allstate
- Precision Armory
- Black Warrior Seed & Feed
- Tuscaloosa Tractor
- Adams Services
- Milligans Farms & Lumber
- Cypress Supply
- Myles Adair State Farm
- Mary’s Travel Center
- The Trailer Store
- Bayou Blue Cajun Bistro
- Fisher Farms Shooting Ventures
- Anders Hardware
- Military Surplus R Us
- Legacy Land Group
- North River Timber Company
- Crimson Pride Hunting & Fishing
These prizes range from hunting gear and firearms accessories to home improvement vouchers and travel packages, reflecting the strong support of West Alabama’s business community for traditional outdoor pursuits.
Community Impact
Beyond the competition itself, the Big Ol’ Buck Contest serves as a rallying point for families and friends who gather to celebrate the season’s successes. The event underscores the region’s commitment to preserving hunting traditions, supporting local economies, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.
“May the best man, woman, and young person win,” the contest organizers wrote, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event and its focus on family participation.
Looking Back
Last year’s contest crowned a series of impressive winners, and photos from the 2025 competition, captured by photographer Wyatt Fulton, showcase the pride and excitement that accompany each trophy. The upcoming season promises to build on that momentum, with even more businesses joining the sponsor roster.
Why It Matters
Events like the Big Ol’ Buck Contest reinforce the values that many in West Alabama hold dear: respect for the land, dedication to family traditions, and the freedom to pursue lawful outdoor recreation. By spotlighting local enterprises and encouraging responsible hunting, the contest aligns with the community’s broader goals of economic vitality and cultural preservation.
Hunters interested in entering should contact Hicks Taxidermy for scoring details and submit their entries before the February 10 deadline. The contest’s organizers encourage all eligible participants to take part, ensuring that West Alabama’s hunting legacy continues to thrive for years to come.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
