After a month of scouting, and waiting for the perfect shot, this year’s hunting season has once again come to a close. Nov. 30 signaled the wrap up of deer hunting season, and the first Saturday in December meant it was time for the 38th annual Ashmont Buck of the Season.
The first half of November was described as “the worst in 30 years,” according to the weather network, but the season really turned around in the second half. Over 500 people attended this year’s even at the Ashmont Agriplex, and 72 entries came through three doors making one of the best attended years in the event’s long-running history.
The Ashmont Buck of the Season has seen growth in recent years, with racks coming from as far afield as St. Albert in the west, Fort McMurray in the north, Prince Albert (SK) in the east, and Mannville in the south.
Steven and Scott Jeffery, organizers for the past six years, are the grandsons of the event’s founder Cliff Jeffery.
“We took over the event six years ago and have tried to make it bigger and better each season. Steven and I are really looking forward to a blowout 40th in 2019,” said Scott.
The categories included in the event are: Typical Whitetail, Non-Typical Whitetail, Typical Mule, Non-Typical Mule, Moose, ladies Whitetail and Mule, as well as youth Whitetail and Mule.
“We had a few elk this year, and might put in a special elk category next year.”
Thirteen-year-old Brooke Balash paid her $20 and entered the event for the second year.
“I really like hunting. I get to spend time with my dad and shoot things,” she says, with a wide grin. The St. Paul girl and her father, Tyson Balash, shot her white tail south of town.
Results from the event include:
Typ. Whitetail: Peter Dziwenka from Mundare - 195 7/8” (Sponsored by Sandstar)
Non Typ. Whitetail: Josh Mattern from Fort Saskatchewan - 188 3/8” (Sponsored by Sloan Cattle)
Typ. Mule Deer: Alex Kitz from Two Hills - 194 1/8” (sponsored by Flashpoint)
Non Typ. Mule: Ryan Ockerman from Elk Point - 216 7/8” (sponsored by Hedrick Auto)
Moose: Reagan Hryhirchuk from Mannville - 184 4/8” (Sponsored by Warehouse Sports)
Ladies Whitetail: Regan Debusschere from Glendon - 183” (Sponsored by Speedee Lube & Elbow Industries)
Ladies Mule: Kim Mytz from Mannville - 171 7/8” (Sponsored by RH Earthworks)
Youth Whitetail: Dylan Jean from St. Paul - 185 2/8” (Sponsored by Muchka Trucking & Cutline Construction)
Youth Mule: Kirk Mulkay from Spedden - 141 3/8” (Sponsored by Jail Trucking & Amyotte and Sons)
Steven Jeffery, the emcee for Ashmont Buck of the Year handed out over 50 door and rack entry prizes. The Ashmont Agricultural Society puts on the event.
“We spent over a month of evenings and weekends just setting up all the sponsors and arranging for the prizes. I really have to thank our main sponsor Warehouse Sports and our 25 volunteers. Without them, we wouldn't be able to put on this first class event. We are going even bigger and better for 2018,” said Steven.
With the 2017 deer, moose, and elk seasons drawing to a close, hunters across the Lakeland will just have to hope, plan and dream for the 2018 Buck of the Season.
