dominion outdoors first annual big buck contest

 Think you have what it takes to take down the biggest buck of the season? The challenge is on! Join our 2026–2027 Dominion Outdoors Big Buck Contest and compete for the ultimate bragging rights. Hunters must be Virginia residents and must register at the store no later than the day before the hunting season begins for each category season. All bucks must be harvested in Virginia during the 2026–2027 season. Each entry must have a valid 2026–2027 Virginia check tag number and a valid Virginia hunting license. All bucks must be scored in person Mon -Fri only (no Saturdays) at Dominion Outdoors by January 8th 6pm  using the Boone and Crockett scoring system, with gross score only determining the final standings.
 There will be THREE CATEGORIES and SIX WINNERS, with the highest-scoring eligible bucks taking the top two spots in each category. Whether you're chasing your first trophy or the buck of a lifetime, this is your chance to put your name on the board! 

1STPLACE IN EACH CATEGORY GETS A $1,000 DOMINION OUTDOORS GIFT CARD  

 2nd PLACE IN EACH CATEGORY WILL RECEIVE A $500 DOMINION OUTDOORS GIFT CARD!  

 🏹 ARCHERY (register by October 2nd 6pm)
🔥 MUZZLELOADING (register by October 30th6pm)
🎯 RIFLE (register by November 13th 6pm)

No entry fee. No excuses. Just you, your tag, and the hunt for the buck of a lifetime! Get registered at Dominion Outdoors or Dominionoutdoors.com before the deadline.  Hit the woods, and let’s see who brings home the biggest buck! 

DOMINION OUTDOORS 2026–2027 BIG BUCK CHALLENGE

OFFICIAL RULES & REGULATIONS

• Virginia Residency: All participants must be legal residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Registration: All hunters must register in person at Dominion Outdoors or online at Dominion Outdoors no later than the day before the hunting season begins for their respective category. There is no registration fee.
• Virginia Harvest: All deer entered into the contest must be legally harvested within the Commonwealth of Virginia during the 2026–2027 hunting season.
• Fair Chase: All deer must be taken under fair-chase conditions. Deer harvested inside high-fence enclosures are not eligible. Replicas, farm-raised deer, pen-raised deer, and deer from breeding operations are not eligible for the contest.
• Legal Harvest: All deer must be legally hunted, harvested, and tagged in accordance with all applicable Virginia hunting and wildlife laws and regulations.
• Hunting License: All participants must possess a valid Virginia hunting license at the time of harvest.
• Scoring Deadline & Location: All deer must be brought in and presented in person by the rightful hunter for scoring at Dominion Outdoors. Scoring will be conducted Monday through Friday only; no Saturday scoring will be available. All deer must be presented for scoring no later than 6:00 PM on January 8, 2027. Scoring appointments are required.
• Scoring System: The Boone and Crockett scoring system will be the only scoring system used for this contest. Gross score only will determine the final standings. No deductions will be taken from the gross score. Broken or snapped beams or points will be measured only to the exact point of the break. No estimated measurements, reconstructed points, or repaired portions will be included in the score
• Deer or Antlers Must Be Presented by Hunter: The deer or antlers must be brought in by the rightful hunter who harvested the deer. Any attempt to alter, enhance, manipulate, or otherwise change the natural condition of the antlers or skull will result in immediate disqualification.
• Youth: All participants under 17 years of age entering the contest must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when registering.
• Skull Plate Requirement: Antlers must remain naturally attached to the original skull plate or an approved skull cap. Split, repaired, altered, or artificial skull plates are strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
• Virginia Check-In Tag: Every deer entered must have a valid Virginia 2026–2027 check-in tag number associated with the legal harvest. The check-in tag number must be provided at the time of scoring and may be verified by Dominion Outdoors.
• Youth/apprentice hunters need to be registered by Sept 25th, 2026, if they plan on registering anything from youth weekend.

Dominion Outdoors reserves the right to verify any entry and request documentation necessary to confirm eligibility. All contest decisions regarding eligibility, scoring, disqualification, ties, and winners shall be made by Dominion Outdoors and shall be final.

By registering for the Dominion Outdoors 2026–2027 Big Buck Challenge, participants acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by these rules and all applicable Virginia hunting laws and regulations.