The Eaton County Branch of the National Deer Association (NDA) has demonstrated exceptional resilience, creativity, and unity throughout the past year. Under the leadership of long‑time NDA volunteer and Eaton County NDA Branch President, Dave Yeomans, the branch pushed through internal shifts, a natural disaster, and tight timelines — and still managed to host one of the most attended buck pole in its history.

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A Tornado, a Lost Venue… and a New Beginning at The Quarry

As the buck pole crowd grew larger each year, they scouted new venues. They found a great partner and location where they had their banquet and were planning on having the buck pole. That’s when disaster struck:
A tornado hit and destroyed the venue where the event was scheduled to be held.

Just when cancellation seemed inevitable, a friend of the owner who’s venue was destroyed reached out. He owns a nearby quarry property, newly slated to become an event venue. Though unfinished, he offered the location for the buck pole and the Eaton County NDA team began making last‑minute adjustments.

With only a pole barn completed, a new buck pole built, parking unmarked, and little time to promote the change, expectations were modest.

And then the community showed up in force.

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Record Attendance at The Quarry

Despite low advertising and a new location, it was estimated more than 250 people gathered for the event.
The venue owner later estimated 450+ attendees came through the grounds throughout the day, after talking with staff who helped direct traffic.

Even with fewer deer entered — likely due to the opening‑day timing — the energy, camaraderie, and community support made it a standout celebration.

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A Festival‑Like Atmosphere

The event included:

• Fire pits for gathering
• Gun raffles
• Catered pasties & venison chili from Cork and Ladel, as well hot chocolate from a Kona Truck
• Grand Prize
• First and Second place prices for: youth, women’s, men’s, and archery
• General Raffle Giveaways

Eaton County embraced the spirit of the buck pole, proving once again how hunting traditions strengthen community.

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🏆 Buck Pole Winners & Sponsors

Below are the full results from this year’s competition, along with our deep appreciation for the sponsors who made these prizes possible.

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🎉 Grand Prize

Winner: Lexi B.
Prize: Ruger .400 Legend + two Moultrie Edge 3 trail cameras
Sponsor: Timber Ridge Post LLC

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🔥 Men’s Gun Buck Division

🥇 First Place – Luke T.

Prize: Ruger .450 Bushmaster + Moultrie Edge 2 trail cam
Sponsor: Lea’s Auto Body

🥈 Second Place – Alex A.

Prize: Vortex binocular + rangefinder package

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🏹 Archery Buck Division

🥇 First Place – Jonas Y.

Prize: Family Traditions ladder stand + Moultrie Edge 2 trail cam
Sponsor: Family Traditions Treestands

🥈 Second Place – Sam A.

Prize: Family Traditions Lock‑On stand + ladder

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🎀 Women’s Gun Buck Division

🥇 First Place – Rylie F.

Prize: Savage .350 Legend + Moultrie Edge 2 trail cam
Sponsor: Family Roots Taxidermy

🥈 Second Place – Allison T.

Prize: Vortex binocular + rangefinder package

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🧒 Youth Buck Division

🥇 First Place – Deklan P.

Prize: Ruger .350 Legend + Moultrie Edge 2 trail cam
Sponsor: Not Just Guns

🥈 Second Place – Liam P.

Prize: Ground blind, chairs, and a Bog Deathgrip shooting rest

Prize: Vortex binocular + rangefinder package

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Thank You to Our Sponsors & Community

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended this year’s annual Buck Pole event.
Thanks to your enthusiasm, support, and participation, a total of 62 bucks were checked in, making this one of our most successful events yet.

To our generous sponsors and donors — THANK YOU.
Your commitment makes this event possible each year and ensures the continuation of our conservation‑focused mission in Eaton County.

And to the Eaton County community…
Thank you for showing up, supporting the branch, and helping make this year’s buck pole memorable, meaningful, and overwhelmingly successful.

If you would like to join the team and celebrate deer in Eaton County, please reach out to David Yeomans at 517.281.4054 or david.yeomans@sbcglobal.net