Founders


It all started back in November 1978 at a local hangout by the name of Middendorf's Tavern where the contest resided for over 3 decades. A group of 5 locals from Jacob gathered for an evening of a few cold ones to tell stories of previous years deer which were harvested, and how they would attempt this time around to bring in the big one.

One thing lead to another and of course a friendly little wager came out of the discussion. A $5.00 bet on who would bring in the big one ended up with 12 people taking part in the fun. Little did anyone know what the bet would lead to down the road.

Some faces may have changed over the years, but the fun has always taken place within one community. Originally it was held at a bar known as Middendorf's Tavern (which was owned by "The Cat"), what turned into Greg's Place, then onto the Old Tin Barn, and followed by The Bullpen. Now the contest takes place less than 2 miles down the road at Bottom's Up Bar & Grill. Their full address is 3683 Neunert Rd, Jacob IL 62950.

Lloyd Kranawetter, Gary Korando, Willie Morber, Herb Rathjen, and Dale Biesner were those 5 individual we have to thank that started the contest years ago. Willie and Herb have since passed, but there isn't a year that goes by without hearing about one of their great stories.

The contest has evolved over the years and grown to something that those original 5 guys would have never imagined. However, the base ideas and standards still stand today.