I certify that the trophy entered was not taken in UNFAIR CHASE as defined below in the Contest Rules. I further certify that my entry was taken in full compliance with all local game laws or regulations of the state of Virginia and I will not hold the Virginia Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association, Inc. (V.P.S.A.), The Eastern Regional Contest, Western Regional Contest, State Contest, or The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources responsible for my entry. I have read and agree to abide by the contest rules and that all information submitted is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
CONTEST RULES
1. The Virginia State Big Game Contest is a state sponsored event. Any attempt to enter an illegally taken or altered trophy will constitute fraud and result in the disqualification of your entry and loss of all awards associated with this contest. Further, you will be subject to having criminal charges brought against you.
2. Entry must have been harvested during the last Virginia Hunting Season except in the Historical class.
3. Entry must have been harvested in the State of Virginia. For determining Regions, the East-West dividing line will follow in the East-West Deer Season line in effect the year the entry was harvested.
4. Entries must be registered by 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2nd 2025 of the contest. Any exceptions must be submitted to the VPSA Committee for authorization.
5. Each type of trophy must include the following:
- Deer - a mounted head or a rack of antlers attached to the skull.
- Bear - the complete skull.
- Turkey - the beard, both feet with spurs attached and the Virginia Weight Certificate must be presented.
6. An entry is eligible to compete in one class only.
7. An entry must be accompanied with the confirmation number used to register that trophy with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
8. Scoring will be in compliance with the Virginia Scoring System and all decisions of the judges will be final.
9. All entries must remain on display for the duration of the contest. Failure to comply will disqualify your entry regardless of the reason.
10. Trophy animals taken on crop damage permits other than D.M.A.P. or D.C.A.P. permits are ineligible to compete.
11. Trophy animals obtained only by FAIR CHASE may be entered in the contest. A trophy obtained by the following methods shall be deemed UNFAIR CHASE and unsportsmanlike and is disqualified from entry:
- A. Spotlighting, jacklighting or baiting.
- B. Herding or pursuing game with motor-powered vehicles;
- C. Spotting or herding game from the air, followed by landing in its vicinity for pursuit, or
- D. Use of electronic communications for attracting, locating or observing game, or guiding the hunter to such game.
