The Big Buck Challenge is a whitetail deer hunting contest celebrating responsible hunting, community spirit, and Nova Scotia’s outdoor heritage. Open to all licensed hunters in Nova Scotia, the contest is organized and sponsored by Locke’s Sporting and runs from September 9th to December 15th, 2025.
Participants must register before season openers to be eligible.
This is the first annual contest of its kind on the South Shore and will bring together hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and local businesses. Prizes will be awarded based on antler size, following the Boone and Crockett gross score method (no deductions applied).
Registration Fee: $40
Hunting Dates:
• Special Archery: September 8 – 20
• Archery/Muzzleloader: September 22 – October 31
• General Rifle: October 31 – December 6
• Youth, All Categories (16-18 years old): September 8 – December 6
Participants choosing to register for any or all of these categories must do so before the season opening date.
You may enter as many categories as you want but each are $40 entry fee.
Weigh-In Location:
Bring your deer to Locke’s Sporting in Shelburne during store hours to be weighed and scored. After hours call or message Andrew at (902) 874-0712.
Rules & Regulations:
• Any animal registered for the contest must be tagged with your legal tag.
• All participants must follow provincial hunting laws and safety protocols.
• Deer must be weighed in and measured in person at Locke’s Sporting.
If you have any questions about the Buck Challenge, please call or text Andrew Locke at (902) 874-0712.
Or stop by the store to register in person.
Special Archery Season –– September 8 - 20
Province Wide
• 1st Prize - Excalibur Mag 340 Dead Zone Scope Crossbow Package valued at $940
• 2nd Prize - Caldwell Lead Sled 3 Shooting Rest & Bog Death Grip Precision Tripod valued at $550
Archery & Muzzle Loader Season –– September 22 – October 31
Province Wide
• 1st Prize - CVA Wolf V2 .50 Cal Muzzleloading Package valued at $540
• 2nd Prize - Tactacam Package including Reveal Pro 3.0 Celluar Trail Cam, Reveal External Solar Panel, Reveal Lithium Rechargeable Battery valued at $400
Youth, All Categories (16-18 years old) –– September 8 – December 6
Province Wide
• 1st Prize - CVA Cascade SB Veil Sniper .308 Win Rifle valued at $880
• 2nd Prize - Two Stealth Trail Cam Revolver Pro 360 Cellular Cameras valued at $620
General Rifle Season –– October 31 – December 6
Shelburne County
• 1st Prize - Five Day Moose hunt for two people (one tag) at Caribou Cove Outfitters Fall 2026*
• 2nd Prize - Hawk Sasquatch Two Man Tree Stand valued at $920
Province Wide
• 1st Prize - Five Day Moose hunt for two people (one tag) at Caribou Cove Outfitters Fall 2026*
• 2nd Prize - First Lite Core Jacket, Bib & Hat designed for mid to late season valued at $2150
* Hunt packages includes license fees, guiding service, lodging & meals. Package does not include travel fees to and from Newfoundland and meat processing costs.
