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Arieanna Crowson - CC Baca’s Antler Collection Fair -
Antler Fair Poker Run Archery Arieanna Crowson - CC
GRANTS, NM - The eighth annual Baca’s Antler Collection Fair was held on Sunday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the event there were vendors, two cornhole tournaments, an archery poker run, an elk calling contest, and shed antlers brought in were judged and sold.
Josh Baca the organizer of the event stated, “I believe the antler fair is important to the community because it provides affordable activities for all ages plus it acts as a fundraising hub for local organizations.” The antler collection fair is held every year on the first week of June at the Grants rodeo grounds. Baca stated, “There is a good possibility it will be at two day event next year Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2… The Antler fair is designed to reward local shed hunters for selling antler locally and paying them more than they would get anywhere else with a prize-winning opportunity!”
The admission fee was $1, and with this money participants were also entered into a raffle for door prizes. Some of the door prizes included two Baca’s antler bullet thermoses, two custom caps from Game On, large duffel bag and shirt from Code Red Hunting, a custom knife from Old World Forge, and many others.
During the fair, many events that took place, including an archery poker run, two cornhole tournaments, and an elk calling contest. The profits for the archery poker run went towards the 4-H archery team, to fund their trip to nationals which is taking place in Nebraska.
The winner of the elk calling contest was Christian Miles, who is a local here in Cibola County.
There were many winners for the antler contest. Winners include Matt Neha with the largest Hard white elk set sold: Pierce Turley with the most-pink antlers sold; and Jaggar Valdez for the prettiest fresh set sold. The antlers are judged by using a specific scoring system, which the most commonly used is the Boone and Crockett scoring system. At the fair the antlers were measured in inches to the nearest one-eighth. Every antler that was sold was logged per person selling, and Baca keeps track of every antler each person sells. Baca stated, “So I know how many antlers each person has brought in and what type of antlers they brought in… Contests I run are kept secret so people don't cheat by bringing and selling specific antlers only.”
The following were contributors to the fair: Log Creations, Loyola's Family Restaurant, Andy and Charlene Mirabal, Grijalva's Custom Wood Shop, State Farm Insurance - Tom Fitzsimmons, State Farm Insurance - Chris Wench, Knights of Columbus, Anthony Chavez Plumbing & Gas, Mag Electric, JB Excavation & Septic, Bright Green, Red Bolt, Uranium City Winery, and Jenny’s Pet Groomer.
If anyone is interested in setting up fundraising opportunities at Baca’s Antler Collection Fair, selling antlers, of for any questions can call 406-670-6986.