The Minnesota deer firearms season began Saturday and area hunters were out in search of one to tag. In Baxter, 19 hunters registered their deer for the Big Buck Challenge at Mills Fleet Farm on the first day.
The adult leader after the first day came from Mark Harrington of Grand Marais. He weighed a 243.25-pound buck.
The largest youth deer leading the pack was a 164.24-pound 8-point buck taken by Camryn Sullivan, Pillager. Sullivan also registered a 142-pound buck last year.
Entries for the contest continue through the firearms season. Challenge weigh stations will be open from 3-7 p.m. Nov. 9-15.
