Dixie Deer Classic coming in March

QDMA Youth Day will feature free 12-under admission

CRAIG HOLT

The Dixie Deer Classic's N.C. Big Buck Contest annually draws tens of thousands of sportsmen to view the Tar Heel state's top deer.

The 28th Dixie Deer Classic will feature a Quality Deer Management Youth Day Friday, March 6, and youths 12 and under will be admitted free with 13-18 youths paying half-price admission ($5).

A standard feature of the Dixie Deer Classic (March 6-8 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds complex) is the N.C. Big Buck Contest. Hunters may have their deer antlers scored by Boone-and-Crockett-certified scorers.

Top deer racks from 2008, taken in North Carolina and elsewhere, will compete for category championships, including typical and non-typical for archery, muzzleloader and gun hunters, female hunters and deer taken by youths.

The Classic features more than 100 exhibitor booths with outdoor products such as guns, bows, muzzleloaders, gun safes, wildlife art, tree stands, wild-game cooking, clothing, caps, ATVs, game calls, fishing equipment, dozens of outdoor organizations including a N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission booth, boats, taxidermy displays, retrieving dog demonstrations,and outfitter/guide trips for trophy deer, bear and elk.

For the first time, the Classic also will have the N.C. Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation call-makers competition and an NWTF youth wildlife art contest.

Archery activities have moved to the Kerr Scott Building near the east entrance to the Fairgrounds off Blue Ridge Road.

QDMA Youth Day on Friday offers calling contests, a Kids Korner, and shooting range. Adult chaperones accompanying groups of 20 or more youngsters will be offered free admission by Dixie Deer Classic organizers if they register in advance at www.ncqdma.com. Once inside, attendance at Youth Day educational events is free.

Special Youth Day group rates are available by reserving seats in advance at www.ncqdma.com or by calling 919/552-9449.

Dixie Deer Classic hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Adult admission is $10 for all three days and includes the price of scoring one deer rack.