Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Lainie Koch at 432-284-0048, jekoch@ag.tamu.edu
VAN HORN – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Culberson County and the town of Van Horn will conduct the Trans-Pecos Big Buck Tournament Nov. 27-Dec.14, said an AgriLife Extension contest official.
Lainie Koch, AgriLife Extension agent in Culberson County, said the Van Horn Convention Center will serve as tournament headquarters and will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. during the week of the contest, except for Dec. 14, the final day of the activities when the hours will be shortened to 9 a.m.-noon. The convention center is located at 1801 W. Broadway in Van Horn.
“There are nine categories that include other species besides mule deer,” Koch said. “The categories will include two mule deer buck categories for animals taken north and south of U.S. Interstate 10, both Boone and Crockett contests; a youth category for hunters 16-years old and under; and categories for the greatest antler spread, most points and heaviest-dressed weight. There will also be an Aoudad sheep category and categories for heaviest-dressed weight javelina and heaviest-dressed weight feral hog.”
Registration is $45 for adults and $25 for youth, plus an additional $15 for the feral hog and javelina competitions. Koch said a group rate — pay for four mule deer entries and get the fifth one free — is again being offered this year.
Koch said contestants must enter before hunting, because the actual time of harvest must be after the recorded official entry time and date.
She said all animals entered must be taken in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Mule deer must be taken only from West Texas in the region west of the Pecos River.
“We are expecting to see some big deer this year, Koch said. “We have had good rainfall throughout the year, and all indications are this will be a banner year.
“Hunting season provides a huge economic boost to our region, and the Trans-Pecos Big Buck Tournament is our way of showing our appreciation to the hunting public and providing them with some recognition. All proceeds go back to the tournament for next season.”
For more information, contact Koch at 432-284-0048, jekoch@ag.tamu.edu.
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