The Hopewell Fish and Game Big Buck Contest is an annual event that celebrates successful deer hunters within our club community. Open to both adult and youth members, the contest includes multiple categories based on hunting method (archery or firearms) and location (in-state or out-of-state).
Participants enter prior to harvesting their deer, and winners are determined by official scoring at our February General Membership Meeting. Prizes include the opportunity for a professionally mounted trophy head—thanks to the generosity of local taxidermists who support our mission to preserve outdoor traditions.
The contest encourages ethical hunting, youth involvement, and a spirit of sportsmanship among our members while recognizing outstanding bucks harvested during the season.
Questions or Contest Registration:
📞 Contact: David Marsteller
📱 Phone: 717-515-7171
📧 Email: david.marsteller@aol.com
🏹 PA In-State Archery - $3 Entry Fee
🏹 Out-of-State Archery - $3 Entry Fee
🔫 PA In-State Firearms - $3 Entry Fee
🔫 Out-of-State Firearms - $3 Entry Fee
🧒 Junior Hunter (Archery or Firearms) - $3 Entry Fee
Entry fee is $3.00 per category and must be paid prior to harvesting your animal
Each contestant may enter multiple categories.
The Junior Hunter category is open to youth ages 7–17 who are the son or daughter or grandchild of a current Hopewell Fish and Game FAMILY MEMBER. The family membership must be valid in the year of the contest.
Scoring takes place during the February General Membership Meeting:
📅 Monday, February 24th, 2025
⏰ Scoring begins at 6:30 PM
📍 Hopewell Fish and Game Clubhouse
Valid harvest tag must be present and attached to the antlers at the time of scoring.
Contest entries without a valid tag or paid registration will be disqualified.
All scoring and winner decisions are final.
ADULT CATEGORIES (Archery & Firearms)
Each adult category winner will receive a free full shoulder mount, excluding the cost of:
Deer head form
Hide tanning
Eyes
Mounts are generously offered by our sponsor taxidermists:
🦌 In-State Bucks – Ness Taxidermy, PA
https://www.nesstaxidermy.com/
🦌 Out-of-State Bucks – Bob Miller Taxidermy
https://www.bobmillertaxidermy.com/
📝 Important:
Only the deer scored and entered into the contest can be mounted. The taxidermist will not mount a different deer in its place.
If you prefer a European (skull) mount instead of a shoulder mount, you will not be charged any additional material fees.
You must use the assigned contest sponsor taxidermist for your category to receive the discounted mount.
If you choose your own taxidermist outside of the contest, you will be responsible for full payment.
JUNIOR HUNTER CATEGORY
This is a single category for all youth entries, whether archery or firearms.
The winning youth entry will receive a completely free shoulder mount, with no materials cost.
Mount is donated by:
🧢 Craig’s Taxidermy – Delta, PA
https://www.craigstaxidermyllc.com/
Craig’s Taxidermy will also provide free caping for any youth entry intended for contest submission.
We strongly recommend having your deer professionally caped immediately after harvest to preserve mount quality.
You may:
Store the hide in your freezer, or
Ask one of the sponsor taxidermists to hold the cape until the scoring date.
The taxidermy prize is non-transferable and only applies to the winning deer in the contest.
If you choose not to claim the mount, that is your personal decision—it cannot be awarded to another hunter.
Contest participation supports hunting heritage and encourages ethical sportsmanship among our members and youth.
📞 Contact: David Marsteller
📱 Phone: 717-515-7171
📧 Email: david.marsteller@aol.com
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