Big Jig Ice Fishing Contest 2017

It could be because Big Jig has been part of Winterfest and the corporate sponsor was Red Rock Radio -- which was bought out by Midwest Communications in August. Perhaps the new corporate masters weren't interested?

Is that why there's no medallion hunt this year?

I do not think the Big Jig is related to Winterfest; it was put on by UMD and last year the 16th annual Big Jig was sponsored by Subway.

Winterfest had a different fishing event -- the United Northern Sportsman Ice Fishing Contest.

Winterfest announced in January: "We will not be doing the Winterfest Medallion Hunt this year, we hope to bring it back in 2018."

So the future of everything mentioned here remains murky.

Link to past Winterfest

"Cut a hole in the ice and wet a line in the United Sportsmen and Big Jig Ice Fishing Tournaments"

Ah, I see. So they are different events, but both are affiliated with Winterfest.