Tallmansville hunter wins grand prize in state Big Buck Photo Contest

A Tallmansville woman has won the grand prize in West Virginia’s fifth annual Big Buck Photo Contest.

Emma Malcomb was named the Resident Adult Division winner and will receive a lifetime hunting license and a West Virginia State Park cabin stay, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

The WVDNR announced the winners during the opening ceremony of the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on January 23.

“This year’s Big Buck Photo Contest showcased impressive deer and the stories and traditions that make hunting in West Virginia special,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “By participating in hunting seasons and contests like this, hunters play a vital role in stewarding our state’s natural resources and showcasing the incredible opportunities West Virginia has to offer.”

To enter, hunters were required to submit a photo with a buck they harvested during a 2025 hunting season along with a short account of their hunt. Each entrant was required to show proof of a valid 2025 West Virginia Hunting License and had to include their personal 13-digit DNR-issued game check number.

Finalists were chosen by random drawing from all eligible entries. Winning photos were selected based on photo composition, size of the buck’s antlers, number of antler points and how well the hunt was described.

The seven winners were selected from more than 170 finalists.

Youth division winners included Judah Brooks of Cool Ridge, Bridger Williams of Jane Lew, Kylo Benton and Kelsey Ferguson of Summersville, and Hunter Miller of Advent. Each will receive a Bass Pro Shops prize package.

Hunter Murcko of Cortland, Ohio won the non-resident adult division and will receive a State Park cabin stay or a Bass Pro Shops prize package.

For more information about hunting and fishing in West Virginia and to purchase a 2026 license and stamps, visit WVdnr.gov.