The 5th Annual Paris Police Officers’ Association Varmint Hunt is happening this weekend, and organizers are hoping for another great turnout.
“This is the first of two annual hunts we hold each year to raise funds for scholarships and to help officers in need as well as people within the community that may need some help,” Paris Police K-9 Officer and organizer Jeff Padier said.
The hunt features teams hunting sanctioned and non-sanctioned game animals to help take care of an area in a controlled manner.
Each varmint that is hunted, not trapped, receives a predetermined number of points, which will be tallied Feb. 23 during the weigh-in that will take place at American Towing, 1840 NW Loop 286.
Animals, from highest to lowest points, include mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, fox, raccoon, possum, armadillo, and hogs. Baby animals will not score.
There also will be the big dog/big cat pot, which will cost $40 per team to participate.
As always, this is a team event, and teams will be made of two people with a $100 entry fee as a team.
The event will begin Saturday, Feb. 22 at noon sharp and conclude at the weigh-in on Feb. 23 at noon.
People wanting to enter must register with the event and also have a valid hunting license, and have completed the hunter safety course. Regulations and rules are to adhere to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
“We want everyone to have fun at the event as we grow each year,” said Padier. “This is all for a good cause, and we always make sure we have some great prizes up for grabs for the winners.”
Check-in and registration will need to be completed by 11 a.m. on Feb. 22 at American Towing, and for weigh-in, you must be checked back in by 1:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the same location to be officially scored for the competition.
For more details on this weekend’s big event, you can contact Jeff on 903-905-3594 or Matthew on 903-815-8247.
For up to date information you can also visit their official Facebook page @ppoavarminthunt
