QDMA Lends Hand In Dixie Deer Classic

Raleigh, NC - In just a few days, the North Carolina State Fairground will be teeming with wildlife enthusiasts during the 30th Annual Dixie Deer Classic sponsored by the Wake County Wildlife Club. QDMA's North Carolina State Chapter is playing a major role in the development and delivery of hands-on education and entertainment at the event.

The ever-popular show will take place March 5 - 7. This year, the event will be bigger and better than ever. As in years past, highlights include the display of North Carolina's trophy deer, Youth Day, a 3-D archery tournament, over 300 vendors, and numerous seminars and classes for all ages and skill levels.

Kids ages 11 - 18 will enjoy Friday's "Take a Walk on the Wild Side" opening at 9:00 a.m. in the Kerr Scott Building. The attraction, which was developed by QDMA's North Carolina State Chapter, incorporates a number of hands-on, interactive workshops that offer students the opportunity to earn academic credit for attending. Twenty-five different conservation organizations will join forces to deliver the program under the leadership of the QDMA Chapter. A few of the topics include wildlife management, habitat management, and careers in the wildlife industry, along with archery, GPS, and field first-aid skill-building.

The Cape Fear River Branch of QDMA will host "Managing Public and Private Lands for the Benefit of Wildlife," a discussion with a world-class panel of experts on Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. In addition to earning four CAT 1-CF CFE credits, attendees will learn how North Carolina currently manages land, how effective the current methods are, and the role they can play in improving the management practices and educating the public.

Attendees can look forward to the addition of "Outdoor Lore," featuring Joe Hamilton, the founder of QDMA, as well as youngster Zac Cooper. Also new, the 2010 show boasts a stellar celebrity line-up, including Michael Waddell of Bone Collector; Lee and Tiffany Lakosky of The Crush; Dave Butz, NFL Superbowl champion; special guests from NWTF and QDMA; and a NASCAR from Richard Childress Racing; among others.

The Wildlife Scavenger Hunt is back and set to entertain and educate students of all ages Friday through Sunday as they follow a map that leads to a better understanding of wildlife management, safety, and responsibility in the outdoors. This year's hunt is developed by NCSU Leopold Wildlife Club students and sponsored by NRA Youth Programs.

2010 will mark the second year that QDMA's North Carolina State Chapter has participated in the planning and execution of the conservation education at the Dixie Deer Classic. Because of the chapter's involvement in the development of the youth programs, youth participation increased by 500% in 2009. In 2010, the North Carolina State Chapter of QDMA organized these events by recruiting volunteers from government, NGO, education, and youth advisory groups to form the "Wildlife Conservation through Education Committee." Because of the collaboration of the committee, the 2010 event promises to attract even more attendees, especially the youngsters.

Dixie Deer Classic tickets are available for purchase at the North Carolina State Fairground gate during the event. Tickets are $10 for a three-day pass. Friday, March 5th is Youth Day, offering half price admission to youth age 13 - 18. Kids 12 and under are always free. For more information, contact QDMA North Carolina State Chapter presidents, Guy and Judy Gardner by email at ncqdma@yahoo.com.

About QDMA

Founded in 1988, QDMA is a national nonprofit wildlife conservation organization with more than 50,000 members in all 50 states and Canada, and several foreign countries. Membership in QDMA is open to anyone interested in better deer and better deer hunting, and committed to ethical hunting, sound deer management and the preservation of the deer-hunting heritage. To learn more about QDMA and why it is the future of deer hunting, call (800) 209-3337 or visit www.QDMA.com

QDMA ... The Future of Deer Hunting

Contact:
Randy Bowden (800) 209-3337 or rbowden@qdma.com