Dixie Deer Classic is coming

Turner Pruett killed this buck in Rutherford County, NC.

2025 dates are Feb. 28-March 2

The 44th Annual Dixie Deer Classic takes place Feb. 28 – March 2 at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC.

This show gets bigger and better every year, and we’re sure 2025 will follow that trend.

The Dixie Deer Classic is one of the biggest whitetail deer expos in the world. Hundreds of vendors will be set up with all the lastest gear to help you in your outdoor adventures.

Guides and outfitters will also be present, helping you book your trip of a lifetime.

And of course, the folks from the Wake County Wildlife Club will be there to score your deer, with numerous categories of awards available. And these awards aren’t just for North Carolina bucks. The show has categories for Virginia hunters and South Carolina hunters, and for deer from outside the area.

Bear scoring is one of the newest activities at the Dixie Deer Classic. They started doing this a few years ago, so bring those black bear skulls to get yours scored and entered in the bear contest.

Officials at the Dixie Deer Classic will score the skulls of black bears like this one killed by Seth Smith in Pender County.

And even if you’re not having a deer or bear scored, you can check out all those that have been scored on the “Bragging Boards” which are updated throughout the show. You’ll see some of the biggest deer killed in North Carolina and beyond.

Seminars are also a big part of the Dixie Deer Classic, along with outdoor celebrities Jim Shockey, Pat and Nicole Reeve, Michael Waddell, and Matt Hughes. The Carolina DockDogs jumping competition is always a big hit, so bring your dog or just watch the competition.

The Trail Cam Contest, Youth Scavenger Hunt, and educational courses for new and seasoned hunters are always big hits. And the Venison Chili Championship is another part of the show you don’t want to miss.

Everyone who buys a ticket gets put in a drawing for great raffle prizes, and this year you have the chance to win a brand new 2025 Polaris Sportsman, as well as other items.

Tickets are $15 per person, and that price includes entry for all three days. Kids 12 and under are free, and discount pricing is available for military, first responders, women, youth 13-18, and those 65-years-old and up.

Get your tickets early, and find out more about the show by visiting www.dixiedeerclassic.org.

About Brian Cope 3053 Articles
Brian Cope is the editor of Carolina Sportsman. He has won numerous awards for his writing, photography, and videography. He is a retired Air Force combat communications technician, and has a B.A. in English Literature from the University of South Carolina. You can reach him at brianc@carolinasportsman.com.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply