Ask the team who won the Times-Journal’s annual game ‘The Hunt’ what the biggest key to victory this year was, and they will quickly tell you it was a little bit of knowing the area and lot of having a good team.

The winning team of Vicky Wilkerson, Samantha Wilkerson, Caitlyn Wilkerson, Wendy Pierson, Heather Denmark and Heath Denmark, spent the early — and we mean real early — hours of Sunday morning hunting and finding the treasure chest and certificate needed to win the annual $1,000 giveaway.

“If it had been $5 we still would have been out there hunting it,” Pierson said. “It’s just that much fun.”

For Vicky, the thrill of the hunt has lead her and her friends to participate in the challenge each year.

“We have been out there — all together — having a great time,” Vicky said. “We came so close the past few years. It was really exciting to be the first one there this year.”

The contest, which began with the first clue on July 6, leading contestants on a winding route throughout the area.

“Not a single one,” Pierson responded to if she had any tips for those looking to partipate in next year’s ‘Hunt.’ “We’re going to play against next year.”