ACSCI Big Buck Contest Rules

• Hunter must be an ACSCI member in good standing prior to the start of NYS hunting season (Oct 1st)
• Existing ACSCI members must have their Adirondack-Catskill chapter dues and SCI national dues paid in full prior to October 1st
• The Whitetail deer entered in the contest must be taken in New York State
• The deer must be legally taken and tagged by the hunter, and reported according to the NYS DEC harvest procedure.
• The NYS Whitetail harvest tag must remain with the antlers.
• The contest ends at the December Chapter meeting when the current year's Big Buck Contest winner is determined. Only deer legally taken by an ACSCI member during the current hunting season up to the December meeting date are considered eligible for the contest.
• Antlers are scored at the December meeting. The highest score, using SCI scoring rules, will determine the 1st place winner. The 1st place winner will get a shoulder mount of the deer completed by a taxidermist who is an ACSCI member.
• Beginning with the December 2024 Big Buck Contest, a 2nd place and a 3rd place prize will also be awarded. The 2nd place prize is a $350 credit toward Taxidermy or European mount from a taxidermist who is an ACSCI member. The 3rd place prize is $100 credit toward taxidermy or European mount from a taxidermist who is a ACSCI member.
• There are no cash prizes for this contest. Money is paid directly to the taxidermist upon presentation of an invoice.
• NOTE: In a year when NYS DEC offers a late hunting season, Whitetail bucks legally taken after the December meeting will be eligible for the following year's contest provided the antlers are accompanied by the valid NYS Whitetail harvest tag and the hunter meets all the above qualifications for the Big Buck Contest.

Racks are scored and winners are determined at the December Chapter meeting in Cold Brook.