About

Purpose of the Organization

The purpose of this organization shall be to recognize and honor exceptional whitetail deer antlers that have been taken by bow and arrow; provide assistance to individuals in registering trophy heads with the Pope and Young Club; encourage the use of the bow in hunting all legal game; cooperate with all recognized archery associations in securing local and statewide hunting privileges and conditions for bowhunters; and cooperate with all conservation organizations in the conservation of wildlife and the observance of game laws.

History of the Organization 1981-2009

In July of 1981 Ken Perry, Lawrence Redel, Dwayne Allen, Ed Davidson, Paul Hilgedick and Ron West formed the club we know as Archery Big Bucks of Missouri. Since then it has been the record-keeping organization for antlered-whitetail bowkills in Missouri. It was determined, that the purpose of the club is to recognize and honor exceptional whitetail deer antlers that have been taken by bow and arrow; provide assistance to individuals in registering trophy heads with the Pope and Young Club; encourage the use of the bow in hunting all legal game; cooperate with all recognized archery associations in securing local and statewide hunting privileges and conditions for bowhunters; and cooperate with all conservation organizations in the conservation of wildlife and the observance of game laws. Since that time Archery Big Bucks of Missouri not only succeeded in accomplishing these goals, but far surpassed them. As a sponsor of the Missouri Deer Classic, ABBM has had the opportunity to promote bowhunting to a wide variety of Missourians and their families. It has allowed them to fund multiple bowhunting projects, such as the National Archery in Schools Program, Share the Harvest, Urban Bowhunting to the benefit of the bowhunters and residents of this state. In 2005 ABBM, along with Missouri Bow Hunters and United Bowhunters of Missouri formed the Missouri Bowhunting Council to protect the rights of bowhunters by presenting a united front when addressing bowhunting concerns. ABBM also represents the bowhunters of Missouri as members of the North American Bowhunting Coalition. In recent years the average score of trophies submitted for entry has risen consistently. This is attributed to better management and new regulations, such as limited buck harvest and the 4-point rule instituted in 29 counties. As a result of these and other pending changes, ABBM reviewed their original requirements to determine how best to respond to the changes the state is experiencing. As a result of this review the entry requirements were changed to 115 0/8 typical and 135 0/8 non-typical. Another change prompted by this review was the elimination of point categories. As a result of this change, there will be no point category awards, however awards will continue to be given for the #1 and #2 typical and #1 and #2 non-typical in the recording period. Other noteworthy changes are recently redesigned trophy certificates, a 2-year recording period and a new recording period closing date – December 31. Entry fees are $15 per entry.

Officers & Directors

PRESIDENT Brad Harriman 15150 Hwy. 135 Pilot Grove, Mo. 65276 660-815-2920 bharriman@yahoo.com

VICE PRESIDENT Dan Hollingsworth 3730 County Road 4026 Holts Summit, MO 65043 573.295.6708

TREASURER Jeff Smith 4501 N. Old Barclay Ridge Road Columbia, MO 65202 573.445.2030

RECORDING SECRETARY Jeff Smith 4501 N. Old Barclay Ridge Road Columbia, MO 65202 573.445.2030