Shooting for the big time: Rusk feed store debuts Big Buck hunting contest

by Cristin Parker new@mediactr.com

Hunters in Cherokee and adjacent counties are invited sign up for the first-ever Big Buck hunting contest, sponsored by Cherokee Warehouse in Rusk.

Anyone harvesting low-fence white tailed bucks, legally, in Cherokee and surrounding counties is eligible to enter the contest.

Entry fee is $25 and includes a hat; 10 percent off processing at Dyess Processing; and entry into a drawing for a couple of Henry lever-action rifles. Participants must enter the contest prior to harvest and present proof of a valid Texas hunting license.

“We wanted to give local hunters a chance to compete in a contest, show off their deer, hang out and talk hunting,” Cherokee Warehouse owner and contest organizer James Newman said.
“Call Cherokee Warehouse at (903) 683-3414 to get signed up over the phone or come by the store, 1945 S. Dickinson Dr. in Rusk, and sign up in person.

“We’re featuring four categories – so every hunter has the chance to win.”

Categories and prizes for winners in each are:

- Men’s – first place, Browning .270 rifle; second place. Ruger .22 Pistol; third place, Rtic cooler;

- Ladies – first place 25.06 rifle; second place Rtic cooler; third, place $75 Cherokee Warehouse gift certificate;

- Youth – first place .223 rifle; second place Rtic cooler; third place Case knife;

- Archery – a hunting gift pack valued at $300; and

- the Big 8 Award – Henry lever-action rifle.

Awards will be presented during an awards banquet set for Saturday, Jan. 12. The ceremony will include a chili cookoff. Sponsors for the contest include Heritage Lank Bank, Dyess Processing, Tejas Customs and Chad and Brandi Garner.

Archery season for white-tailed deer is already open and runs through Nov. 2. Youth-only season is Oct. 27-28 and Jan. 7-20. General season opens Nov. 3 and runs through Jan. 6.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s website, the bag limit in Cherokee and its surrounding counties four deer, no more than two bucks, and no more than two antlerless, all seasons combined.

“The bag limit in each county is two legal bucks, but only ONE may have an inside spread of 13 inches or greater,” TPWD’s website states. “A legal buck deer is defined as a buck deer with: at least one unbranched antler; or an inside spread of 13 inches or greater (does not apply to a buck that has an unbranched antler). A hunter may also take ONE buck with an inside spread of 13 inches or greater in a different county with antler restrictions, and not to exceed that county’s bag limit.”

Recreational hunting and fishing licenses and stamp endorsements are available at TPWD offices and parks, and other locations. Most recreational licenses may be purchased by phone or via the internet with approved Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. A $5 administrative fee will be charged for those sales.

Many licenses may be purchased for immediate use except where tagging is required, i.e., deer and turkey. Visit the TPWD’s website, www.tpwd.texas.gov or call (800) 792-1112 to apply for a license or find a retailer offering licenses.

“100 percent of your hunting and fishing license fees go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for on-the-ground conservation efforts that help make Texas one of the best places in the country to hunt and fish,” TPWD’s website states. “Fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration, land conservation, and Texas Game Wardens are just some of the initiatives funded in part by your license fees. Thank you for your support of outdoor recreation and conservation.”