By Myra Bean

The Panolian and Batesville Gun and Pawn Shop have teamed up for another year in the annual Big Buck Contest.

The contest started last week with the opening of the youth hunt and will continue through the second youth hunt ending January 31.

Though the rules remain the same, there are differences in how the prizes will be awarded this year. Many hunters realize they are not the big winner and do not register their kill. This year instead of the second biggest buck winning, a drawing will be held which includes all entries, except the overall winner with the biggest buck.

Also, youth 15 and under will be entered in their own drawing for a third prize to be given away. All anyone has to do is register your buck at Batesville Gun and Pawn.

Entries will only be accepted at Batesville Pawn and Gun, 135 Highway 51 South from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Entrants of any age from Panola and counties touching Panola are eligible to enter. Other counties include Tallahatchie, Lafayette, Tate, Tunica, Quitman and Yalobusha.

All deer must be killed in Mississippi.