The legendary Virginia Big Game Contest made a triumphant return for its 87th consecutive year from July 31 to August 2, packing the Richmond International Raceway Complex with high-energy crowds, awe-inspiring trophies, and unforgettable milestone moments!
Co-hosted by the Virginia Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association (VPSA), the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), and the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show, this historic event is officially recognized as the oldest consecutively held deer contest in the United States.
This year’s showcase featured a phenomenal 387 entries representing the finest white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey harvested across the Commonwealth during the recent hunting season—continuing a massive upward growth trend from previous years.
A massive audience of over 8,000 outdoor enthusiasts walked the exhibition floor, while a packed crowd of 600+ spectators filled the main stage area for an electric awards ceremony.
Nickolaus Smith shattered the state wild turkey record with a mind-boggling score of 86 0/16!
Mark Edwards crowned his season with the #7 all-time largest buck harvested in Virginia history since record-keeping began in 1940.
The sporting community rallied together to raise significant money for Hunters for the Hungry, continuing a 26-year tradition that has provided over 10,000 pounds of fresh venison to families in need.
“This was the smoothest running show I have ever had the privilege to lead. We are incredibly blessed to have an organization of volunteers so deeply committed to highlighting the extraordinary achievements of Virginia’s hunting community,” noted Mike Jones, VPSA President.
The competition was as alway fierce, culminating in the crowning of state champions across 14 regular classes, alongside highly competitive Youth, Female Youth, and Female divisions.
The following are the State Champions and Division Winners:
Overall State Champion & Black Powder, Mark Edwards, Amelia County, 27-Point Buck (Score: 265 10/16)
New State Record Wild Turkey
Nickolaus Smith, Appomattox County, Score: 86 0/16 (Beating previous record of 82 0/16)
State Black Bear Champion
Timmy Harris, Louisa County, Score: 30 0/16
Overall Female Deer Champion (Gun) Abbey Hamel, Hanover County, 14-Point Buck (Score: 219 15/16)
State Youth & Female Division
Highlights
The Ken Pickin Youth Championship went to Colton Tweedy who claimed the coveted youth trophy (named in honor of VPSA’s 22-year president) with a magnificent 14-point buck from Appomattox County, scoring 190 7/16.
Ryan Neal secured the Youth Turkey title with a massive 76 12/16 bird, and Easton Falk dominated the Youth Bear category with a 28 4/16 harvest.
Six-year-old sensation Autumn Savage stole the hearts of the crowd, sweepingly winning both the Female Youth State Turkey Championship and the Overall Female Turkey State Championship with her beautiful 67 14/16 bird from Isle of Wight County!
Shelby Dixon defended her title from last year, taking home the Overall Female Bear Championship once again with a harvest from Smyth County scoring 21 10/16.
Youth hunter Arden Morton achieved the rare Virginia Grand Slam by harvesting a buck, bear, and turkey in a single season, earning the Female Youth Bear Championship in the process.
VPSA and the Virginia Deer Hunter’s Association (VDHA) proudly recognized the next generation of outdoor stewards by presenting academic scholarships during the Sunday ceremony:
VDHA Scholarships were presented by President Denny Quaiff, Bob Duncan, and Lee Walker to highly deserving Virginia students.
VPSA Scholarships were awarded by President Mike Jones to Grayson Shield (attending the University of Richmond) and Natalie Johnson (attending the Maine Maritime Academy) for the Fall 2026 semester. Winners also received custom gear packages and five-year VPSA memberships.
Want to support our youth? Direct donations to the VPSA Scholarship Fund can be made by contacting President Mike Jones at 757-371-3335.
Powered by volunteers, dedicated to sportsmen,
An event of this magnitude is only possible through the passion of the community. Sixty dedicated VPSA volunteers spent a full year planning this spectacular event, working exhausting 12-hour days on-site to ensure its success.
Founded in 1940, VPSA is the proud caretaker of the Virginia Record Book and the creator of the Virginia Scoring System for Deer and Bear. Membership is open to all Virginia residents!
Become a member today at Virginia Peninsula Sportsmen to help keep this grand tradition alive.
Explore the full 2026 leaderboard and scoring guides at www.vpsa.org or connect via Facebook.
