Alpena celebrates hunting culture with 8th annual buck pole
ALPENA, Mich. — For the eighth year the annual buck pole was up in Alpena. Local hunters are bringing their deer to corner of Chisholm and 14th St. for a chance at winning prizes. Winner of the best buck was given a free head and shoulder mounting from Horizons Taxidermy, along with cash.
Organizer of the contest, Dr. David Dargis, said that he is having a great time hanging with fellow hunters and seeing what they bring to the buck pole. “The only thing that would be better is if I was sitting in a blind and shooting a buck, but you know what, I’ve had my hands on about nine big bucks already and it’s only early afternoon,” he said. “We’ll probably have a couple dozen in here when it’s all said and done.”
Dr. Dargis added that the buck pole is something that resonates with the people of Alpena, and surrounding communities. “This is an expression of our community. This is our tradition and this is our culture. This is our home, this is our community and this is what we do. We hunt. We’re hunters.”
Troop 92 with the Boy Scouts of America was there to help out. Senior Patrol Leader, Deven Ulch, explained how they are helping raise the deer to the top of the pole. “The main process is by using a pulley and lifting them up with having the other scouts help pull the rope to lift the deer while somebody else is on top of the ladder tying the deer up.”
There was $1,500 waiting to be given away, and the top 15 bucks took home the money.
