The Choctaw Plaindealer

The Second annual Buckmasters Banquet was held on Saturday, October 15 at the Community Center in Ackerman.

The Banquet features a live and silent auction, with an array of guns, knives, hunting gear, wildlife prints and many more items for sale.

The money raised from the auction is donated to the H.O.T. program, Hunters of Tomorrow, a program targeting youngsters with guided life hunts. It also includes hunter education programs and other programs that help kids to hunt or enjoy the outdoors.

This year's special guest, Jonathan Cooper, was present at the Banquet. Cooper went on a hunt last year in North Mississippi, provided by proceeds from the first Buckmasters Banquet.

Curtis Burton won the overall award and Best in Show for his mounted buck in the adult division and Zachary Reed won first place in the children's division. Bill Yeatman, Official Buckmaster Scorer, scored all mounts.

This year's event turned out a larger crowd than last year; over 250 attended the 2004 banquet. Those attending included Buckmaster's State Regional Chairman, Scott Mancel, and even a visit by Amy Tuck, Al Tuck, with Mississippi Parks, Wildlife and Fisheries, along with their mother Mary Lou Tuck.

Mancel started the event off with an opening speech that thanked those for attending and explained the mission behind the Buckmaster Banquet. He explained that without the banquet young hunters, like Jonathan Cooper, would not be given the opportunity to go on a live hunt.

The Choctaw County Buckmasters' Committee would like to thank all those who sponsored the event and all those who attended. Without the two the Banquet would not be successful.

Committee Member, C.B. (Buck) Ray, thanks everyone who participated and hopes to see you next year along with even more guests.

If you have any questions about the Annual Banquet or would like to become a committee member please contact Buck Ray at 285-6611 or any other member of Choctaw County Buckmasters.