45th Annual Dixie Deer Classic45th Annual Dixie Deer Classic
Greetings White-tailed Deer Hunting and Outdoors Enthusiasts
Welcome to the 45th Annual Dixie Deer Classic!
It is an honor and a privilege to welcome you to this year’s show, as I serve as the first-ever female President of the Wake County Wildlife Club. The Dixie Deer Classic has a long and respected tradition rooted in North Carolina’s hunting heritage, conservation values, and commitment to education, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead such a meaningful event.
Once again, the Dixie Deer Classic proudly showcases the largest white-tailed deer harvested annually in North Carolina. Appropriately nicknamed the “Granddaddy of All Deer Shows,” this year’s event features a strong lineup of exhibitors, outdoor celebrities, educational seminars, and hands-on activities designed to engage hunters, families, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
This event would not be possible without the dedication of our Club Members and Volunteers. Their countless hours of planning, setup, coordination, and service are the backbone of the Dixie Deer Classic, and I extend my sincere thanks for their commitment and passion.
I would also like to recognize our sponsors whose generosity is vital to the success of this event. This year’s Dixie Deer Classic is proudly supported by Capital Auto Group, Performance East, National Land Realty, ICON Coolers and Chilly Water. Their commitment to conservation and the outdoor community plays a vital role in the success of this show.
On behalf of the Wake County Wildlife Club, which organizes the Dixie Deer Classic, thank you for attending. Your ticket purchase directly supports conservation education, youth outreach, and wildlife programs across North Carolina. Since 1981, proceeds from the Dixie Deer Classic have:
- Educated tens of thousands of students through Hunter Education,
- Provided hundreds of 4-H camp scholarships for youth,
- Provided the protein for more than 150,000 meals per year through NC Hunters for the Hungry, and
- Supported thousands of wildlife and conservation education programs, including Hunter Safety, Academics Afield, Women’s Outdoor Sports Academy, Tree Stand Safety, Introductions to Trapping, Archery Safety, and National Hunting & Fishing Day.
Thanks to the continued support of our attendees and sponsors, what began as a simple deer show has grown into a comprehensive outdoor event. Today, the DDC is home to the NC National Wild Turkey Federation Call Making and Calling State Championships, a sanctioned Dock Dogs competition, and the largest sanctioned Venison Chili Competition in partnership with the International Chili Society and World Food Championships.
I truly love this show and am proud to serve as this year’s Club President. I encourage you to take full advantage of everything the Classic has to offer—meet this year’s celebrities, enjoy the venison chili, watch the dock dogs compete, visit the birds of prey and decoy carvers, and sharpen your skills at one of our educational seminars. Bring the whole family—there’s plenty for young outdoorsmen and women too. From the scavenger hunt and stocked fishing pond, to face painting, archery stations, BB gun ranges, and turkey call building, the Dixie Deer Classic is designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
And, of course, be sure to view the impressive deer mounts and scores on display. You may also have your own deer scored using the Boone & Crockett or Pope and Young methods, with one scoring included with your ticket. Bear skull scoring is also available.
This year’s program and the Dixie Deer Classic app contain everything you need to navigate the show and plan your weekend. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with future events and next year’s show announcements.
Thank you for being part of the 45th Annual Dixie Deer Classic. Your presence here celebrates more than a tradition—it supports conservation, education, and the future of North Carolina’s outdoor heritage.
Enjoy the show!
Heather Oakley Hill, President