Joe Manchin III, Governor Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : August 8, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Marshall Snedegar, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

WANTED: Owners of West Virginia Big Bucks

  The West Virginia Wildlife Federation and the Division of Natural Resources are seeking hunters who own trophy white-tailed bucks that were legally taken in West Virginia with either bow or gun and have a Pope & Young or Boone and Crockett score of 155 or greater. The purpose of this search is to establish a West Virginia Big Buck Display at West Virginia 's Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, September 24- 25, 2005 at Stonewall Jackson Lake Resort State Park near Weston in Lewis County . This is the largest event held at a West Virginia state park, attracting 12,000 to 15,000 visitors annually.

  Interested hunters who have qualifying head or antlers mounts should contact Keith Krantz at (304) 637-0245 between 9 A.M. and 4 P.M. for additional information or a registration form. Additional information and registration forms may also be found at www.wvdnr.gov under Special Opportunities.

  Participation will be limited to the first 30 qualifying trophy entries received. As an incentive for participation, hunters who display their trophy deer at the two- day event will be entered into an exclusive drawing for several valuable prizes.

**DNR**