Big Buck Night 2026
By Josh Christensen
On January 17, our chapter hosted its annual Big Buck Night at Bucks Run Golf Course in Mt. Pleasant. The evening kicked off with a social hour, giving attendees the opportunity to visit with one another, view the rifles that would be given away later that night, and browse several silent auction items. In total, more than 90 people attended the event, bringing with them over 50 sets of antlers to be officially measured.
Around 6:00 p.m., guests were asked to find their seats as the evening’s program began. Jon Zieman delivered the invocation, followed by an excellent meal featuring salad, freshly steamed vegetables, lasagna, and dinner rolls. A variety of desserts followed, and the youth in attendance were happily reminded that a minimum of two helpings was required.
After dinner, numerous awards were presented, each accompanied by stories from the successful hunters who earned them. Award categories included Lady’s Top Archery, Top Firearm, and Top Out-of-State; Men’s Top Archery, Top Firearm, and Top Out-of-State; as well as Top Youth and Top Estate. Every youth who brought in a rack to be scored also received a medal in recognition of their accomplishment.
To conclude the evening, the winners of the silent auction were announced, followed by the rifle giveaways. Each rifle was awarded through three separate drawings: one exclusively for youth in attendance, one for participants who brought in a rack to be scored, and a final “walk-around” drawing open to all attendees.
