iDoHunting.com: 2008 Whitetail Deer Team Contest Sign Up

It is time once again boys and girls to sign up for the 2008 Whitetail Deer Team Contest!!!

Here are the rules.

We are only accepting digital pics.

Just like last year IDA will only accept pics taken in the field before the deer is field dressed, if that is not possible see the photo tips in this post.

We are NOT requiring pics of the deer tags this year as this contest is an on your honor system.

1) One buck and two does or three does may be entered into this contest by each team member.

2) All entries must be submitted with a photograph of the deer

3)All weapons may be used during their set season depending upon states hunted.

4) Your FIRST buck harvested by YOURSELF is the only buck allowed to be entered into the contest. Each team member may only submit one buck.

5) Adult does may only be entered into the contest, except for youth AGE 15 AND UNDER.

6) Points will be awarded as follows:
-Each doe up to three entered by each team member are 5 points each.

-Bucks are an automatic 10 points plus 1 additional point for each tine 1 inch or larger

7) This contest is for white-tail and Mule deer.

8) Team members are not allowed to shoot Deer for each other.

A GUIDE TO QUALITY HUNTING PHOTOS

The excitement of finally tagging a trophy big game animal takes longer to wear off than a roll of film will last in the camera. There are seven very simple steps you need to follow while you are still excited that will insure quality photos.

1. TAKE THE PHOTOS OUTDOORS

If the buck was brought home before you found someone with a camera, take the deer outside for the photos. Nothing looks worse than a buck on the garage floor with cans, pails, lawn mowers and tires in the background.

2. TAKE THE DEER OFF THE CAR, OUT OF THE TRUNK OR OUT OF THE PICKUP TRUCK.

Unless you are showing off a deer you hit with your truck do not include a vehicle in the photo.

3. TAKE THE ANIMAL DOWN FROM THE TREE AND REMOVE THE ROPE.

Numerous deer and bear photos are rejected from being used in the record book because the photos show the animal suspended above the ground.

4. SELECT A NEUTRAL BACKGROUND

In the excitement of taking trophy photos no one ever look beyond the animal or hunter. Houses, barns, tractors and powers lines all ruin the quality of the photo. Use an evergreen tree, a screen of brush or hills and woods for the background. Find a color that will highlight the antlers - not hide them. Don’t let them blend into the background.

5. GET CLOSE - NOW GET CLOSER!

All you need in the photo is the animal and the hunter. Make sure the subject fills the frame. Fill the viewfinder with the subject. Most photos used in the record book have at least 50% of the photo cropped off to remove empty background.

6. TURN THE CAMERA SO THE PHOTO IS VERTICAL

The hunter and the trophy will fill the frame and eliminate most of the empty background. It is also the format used for magazine covers and most framed pictures.

7. USE A FLASH IF THE SUN IS GONE

Dramatic results often occur when subjects are highlighted and the background is totally black. All that you see is the desired subject. Be sure to stay far enough away from reflective objects so ghosts don’t start to appear in the background.

Have a successful and SAFE Deer Hunting Season this year. We look forward to hearing about your hunts and seeing the pics.