SAFFORD — The Ag building at the Graham County Fairgrounds was packed with hunters and those who support the sport for the annual Big Buck Benefit Saturday.
“A lot of people (and) the sponsors were great this year,” said John Wilson, Southeastern Arizona Sportsman Club president.
Adult and youth hunter were recognized for the top hunts of both mule deer and white tail. Taking top honors were:
Adult mule deer antler score
1. Justin Thompson 211 2/8
2. Shawn Galusky 158 3/8
3. Brian Chartrand 157 6/8
Adult mule deer weight
1. Harley Wells 212.5 lbs
2. Haskell Wells 186 lbs
3. David Ingle 184 lbs
Adult white tail antler score
1. Lehua Dodge 120 2/8
2. Aaron Wittenbraker 114 4/8
3. Trinity Granados 113 1/8
Adult white tail weight
1. Mike Weathersby 109.5 lbs
2. Newell Dryden 108 lbs
3. Clint Dryden 99 lbs
Youth mule deer antler score
1. Shane Seballos 176
2. Kaiden Davis 157 3/8
3. Stetson Blaspie 116 3/8
Youth mule deer weight
1. Cohen Woodside 166 lbs
2. Justin Bateman 99 lbs
3. Rowdi Willey 85.5 lbs
Youth white tail antler score
1. Parker Allred 109 2/8
2. Maitlyn Lopeman 93 4/8
3. Zacharia Cordova 93 2/8
Youth white tail weight
1. Kamryn Lewis 92 lbs
2. Brantlie Stalder 90 lbs
3. Frankie Pena 87.1 lbs
Lewis said she went on her hunt with her brother, father and uncle. She and her brother came home with deer, but her father and uncle returned empty-handed. Despite that, she said, “They’re really proud of me, and they’re really happy.”
Southeastern Arizona Sportsman Club conducted nearly a dozen wildlife habitat restorations over the past year, as well as provided trainings for youths in firearms safety, and dove and javelina hunts.
“All of our money goes to the children, the young adults and the wildlife,” Wilson said.
