18th Annual Buck Bash well attended on Opening Day
by Mary Jo David
On Nov. 15, Crossroads Community Church in Stockbridge hosted the 18th annual Big Buck Bash. As hunters unloaded their deer on this opening day of firearm hunting season in Michigan, others milled around admiring the hunters’ harvest. Still others lined up for dinner fare that church volunteers were dishing up under a huge white tent. (Church volunteers also served breakfast and lunch earlier in the day.)
Hunters of all ages participated in the 2024 Big Buck Bash, and a total of 29 deer were collected and displayed. The following hunters won prizes for biggest bucks, based on scores awarded primarily for points and spread.
- 1st Place: Ryan Owen
- 2nd Place: Weston Jerome
- 3rd Place: Larry Cobb
- 4th Place: Garret Howard
- 5th Place: Bronson Clayton
- Youth Prize: Jace Corts
Prizes included mounts from various local taxidermists, equipment rental certificates, and certificates to a gun shop and area sporting good shops that specialize in hunting.
All photos by Mary Jo David
All were welcome to the 18th annual Big Buck Bash hosted by Crossroads Community Church in Stockbridge.
Eight-year-old Connor Lowe and his dad, Eric, from Webberville, plan to head out again the next day with Connor’s little sister Josie.
Bill Shope (far right) was joined by his family after a day of hunting on Shope’s property. The youngest in the group, Lincoln Shope, bagged an 8-pointer, and Will Popma (behind Lincoln) got a half-rack on this first day out.
Hunter Pidd (left) and Meadow Loftis (right) came away empty-handed, but plan to continue the hunt over the weekend. Meadow has fond memories of bear hunting when she was quite young.
Samantha and Daryl Lowery wait patiently in the dinner line thinking about the venison they’ll have from the doe they got on this opening day.
Left to right: Beau Kunzelman and Jonathan Crow (along with their buddy who was too shy to be in the photo) wander the food tent after a long day. Crow bagged an 8-point buck.
Karl Kurkowski (left) and Fred Cowser (right) patiently wait their turn in the dinner line. They came up empty-handed on opening day, but will be heading back out again.
Jesse Tokarski is surrounded by his kids (left to right) Lexie, Gracie, and Jayden. Jayden bagged an 8 point buck already.
Meanwhile, others patiently waited in the food line.
Behind the scenes, the kitchen help were still smiling!
A display of racks, antlers, and awards from previous years.
Crossroads Community Church provided a silent auction and collected prayer requests at the event.
Crossroads Community Church was ready with hot food for the hunters and their families.
