Even before The Selma Times-Journal and Rountree Outdoors announced the return of the Big Buck Contest, they already knew one person was ready to sign-up.

“I’m gonna sign up again,” inaugural contest winner Bruce Gates said just moments after receiving his $1,000 grand prize. “I’ll get right back in it.”

Gates, and anyone else who wants to take part in Big Buck Contest, can begin signing up as early as Monday. Last year, a total of 126 hunters signed up and went after the big buck and … big bucks.

There are few days on the calendar that draw more attention and bring about more anticipation than the start of deer season. Whether it is those who take to the woods and fields with a bow, or those who wait a few more weeks to hunt with rifles, deer season is a time of year avid hunters can hardly wait for.

The addition of a $1,000 grand prize through the Big Buck Contest makes the season even that more enticing.

“This is the Super Bowl of all big buck contests,” said Chet Chappelle, owner of Rountree Outdoors.

With a $1,000 grand prize, a tree stand from Rountree Outdoors and a mount from Mim’s Taxidermy going to the winner, Chappelle said interest should be very high.

“Any deer hunter in the Central Alabama area ought to jump on this,” Chappelle said. “This contest will just go to make your deer hunt that much more exciting, especially having a chance to win the money, the tree stand and the mount.”

Those interested in taking part in the contest can register at Rountree Outdoors beginning Monday, Sept. 10.

According to the Alabama Department of Conservation, bow season begins Monday, Oct. 15, which is when the contest begins. Those wanting to participate must pre-register and pay a $20 entry fee at Rountree Outdoors prior to their hunt. Entry forms and a full copy of the rules are available at Rountree Outdoors.

“Hunting, and especially deer hunting, in Dallas County is big business and helps put food on the table of lots of folks while giving parents and their children a great way to spend time together,” Times-Journal publisher Dennis Palmer said. “We are pleased to have Rountree Outdoors as the lead sponsor, working with us on this project and for all our other sponsors who are helping support the contest while advertising their business.”

When registering, contestants will be given a tag that must accompany their deer when having it scored at Mim’s Taxidermy, which is located at 3691 Hwy. 22 W. If the contestant does not have a tag, the deer cannot be entered into the contest.

Only deer scored by Mark Mims at Mim’s Taxidermy qualify for this contest.

“The hunters would be smart if they went ahead and placed the tag in their wallet when they leave the store,” Chappelle said.

In addition to the Big Buck Contest, the Times-Journal and Rountree Outdoors are also sponsoring a Junior Big Buck contest for hunters 15 years old and under. The winner of this contest will receive a $500 cash prize.

Gage King was last year’s winner, claiming the title with a buck that scored an even 140 points. In comparison, Gates’ deer that claimed the overall title was an 8-point buck that scored 151.

Those wanting to participate in the Junior Big Buck contest must clearly mark that division when filling out the registration form. The same $20 registration fee applies to this contest.

In addition to Rountree Outdoors, other sponsors include: Pepsi Bottling Company of Selma, WDXX Fusion 100.1 FM and Mim’s Taxidermy.