ATOKA, Oklahoma (KXII) – Sunday was the last day of the statewide Youth Big Buck competition.

“I thought it would be a good accomplishment for me and my dad, he was really excited that I was shooting too,” said participant Kelton Weil.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife sponsored the annual Youth Big Money Contest, and this year around 100 children participated in the Atoka area, more than the year before.

“It is by positive request that I have received calls from children all year round, hey brian, do you do the big money contest again next year and I say yes yes sir, for sure, it’s just a lot of positive reinforcements from the kids in our local community, ”said Brian Mixon, owner of Mixon Wild Game Processing.

Mixon Wild Game Processing is running the event for the Atoka area and said he started it last year to help give kids another activity to do.

“Due to Covid and the fact that all the kids missed out on a lot of events at school and we just wanted to give them another event to attend,” Mixon said.

People 18 and under are allowed to participate in the 3-day competition.

Each participant is allowed to collect a buck and a doe.

Others came out this weekend with a bang, while others not so much.

“You don’t get everything you want,” said participant Braydan Shirey.

Braydan Shirey and his brother walked away from this weekend with memories, something they say is better than getting shot.

This annual competition is something they look forward to doing with their grandfather.

“It’s a great opportunity, it’s a family tradition, my dad and grandfather took me hunting when I was little and I’m just trying to pass it on to them,” said Mixon.

Local game warden Jay Harvey scores the competition, the winner is based on who brings the highest score.

Weil said this weekend was a big deal for him.

“I don’t shoot just to shoot, I’m trying to get the bigger one,” Weil said.

The winners will be announced in a few weeks on the Mixon Wild Game Processing Facebook page.

Copyright 2021 KXII. All rights reserved.