Big_buck

Jeff Green | Nov 22, 2007

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Big Buck Contest Sets New Recordby Jeff Green

The Conservationists of Frontenac Addington (COFA), in conjunction with Bishop Lake Outdoor Sales, had a banner year with their big buck contest, selling well over 400 tickets.

In addition, the Land o’ Lakes Sporting Club held a raffle, and they also sold 235 tickets for two muzzle loaded rifles, raising almost 800 for the club.

A series of draws were held last Sunday afternoon at Bishop Lake, including the grand prize draw for an $800 cross bow, and the two prizes of muzzle loading rifles in the Sporting Clubs Raffle. Then came the time for the announcement of the winners and runners up in the big buck and doe weigh-in.

Gary Smith, from New Jersey, was the winner of the big buck contest, winning $200 for a 231 pound buck. Smith was not in attendance, but he hunts with a party called the “Head Hunters” at a hunt camp near Shabomeka Lake. The second prize winner, Don Anderson of Cloyne, was on hand to receive his $100 prize for a 223 pound buck. The winner for largest doe was Bob Bancroft from Madoc, (139.6 lbs) and 2nd prize went to Rick Lemoire of Campbellford (137.2 lbs).

COFA realised a little under $2,000 in profit from the contest, and the money will be used for COFA projects throughout the year.

COFA operates a fish hatchery and ponds, and does other conservation related work year round. Their major fundraiser each year is a beef barbecue in April.

After the prizes had been awarded, Bob Yearwood of Bishop Lake reflected on the best season he has had in the nine years he has had the store open. “We had a good summer and a tremendous fall,” he said. “There have been a good number of Americans, lots of Canadian tourists, and the locals are always very supportive of our store.”

Steve Smart, from Smart’s Marina on Mazinaw Lake, also said the summer was a good one for tourist traffic. “It was a bit slow early, but once the weather got nicer in July, business was excellent,” he said.