Minnesota Deer Classic 3/8-3/10 - National Sports center - Blaine, MN

[Rick]

The folks from the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN would like to invite you to the Minnesota Deer Classic at the National Sports Center, March 8-10, 2013.

• Hunting seminars and classes. View full schedule here.

• Official antler and trophy measuring.

• 3D archery shoot.

• Shed dog competition.

• Latest 2013 products and equipment

• Guide services

• Hunting trips, lodges and product sales

• Kids activities, including a kid's fishing pond.

• FREE parking!

[schmoe147]

I was very disappointed in this years MN deer classic. Waiting in line for 45 minutes outside only to get inside where it is so packed that you can hardly stop at any booths because of the flow of people. Appeared to have very few vendors also, let's get it back to where I belong in a building the size of the Coliseum at the state fair or bigger. This might have been my last year going unless it improves !!

[MNHunter65]

I went on Sunday around noon. It was very crowded and there weren't many vendors I had any interest in. Normally when I go I take in a seminar or two, but those were lacking as well. Overall, I was pretty disappointed.

[mrklean]

agree was disapointed, it seems every year there are fewer and fewer deer on display there

[DonBo]

The "classic" has changed hands this year, that's why they are in the new venue. The old owner, IMO, really ran down the show the last few years. I would think many vendors wanted to wait and see how the new venue and owners worked out before agreeing to attend.

I wasn't there, but many friends were, and they liked the new place and thought it was a pretty good show. I'd like to hear what the rest of you think...???

[mnhunter79]

3 of us went on saturday, 1st time for us, prob the last!

reasons: waiting in line too long to get in. once inside, it was PACKED! not enough room. and from what i seen, there aint much there for the average guy, unless u are lookin for outfitter / guide service.

[MJ1657]

I went on Sunday and was disappointed. The two building concept was not very good.

Mounts:

Where were they? There were maybe 20 at most on display when we were there.

Vendors:

Like others have said unless you wanted to go west or in Canada there wasn't much there. I came with some cash wanting to possibly buy a portable deer stand. Only thing there was the enclosed stands and I believe one place with some portables.

Trout Pond:

I brought a couple kids with and they were looking forward to the it. Never would have guessed it would be outside. Stood by the table a long time before someone came over from the patio fire pit deal to take our money.

I'll give them a pass because its their first year. I'll go back next year and hope its much improved.

[mrklean]

I guess i would say its more of a sportsmans show, the first time i went to the class maybe 12 years ago i remember seeing all the deer heads and a handful of vendors, now its just vendors, which isnt a bad thing but im finding it hard to spend $10 to just look at vendor booths and a handful of deer.

[nonteepical]

Next year it will be under one roof, their big building was already booked when they purchased the deer classic and it's going to take a couple years to work out bugs. I was looking foreward to this year with it being new owners and was dissapointed. I also have connections and can give input,I posted last summer when it was sold what kind of things people would like to see and do and nobody responded so lets hear it, what would you do? here's a couple of mine:

People to bring their heads and display them for all to see, the're the main attraction. there were had 211 registered.

seminars done by people you have heard of. you need big names to draw people.

major manufacturers there showcasing their products instead of a internet order company sponsoring the show. something like a deer hunting trade show like the Iowa deer classic.

[MJ1657]

Great post nonteepical.

I would like to see more vendors that have items to purchase. Kind of like the ice fishing show. (I realize there are not as many gadgets to buy for deer hunting) Don't have to be any spectacular deals its just nice to have everything in one place to compare.

More mounts.

[slimngrizzly]

I was very disappointed in this years MN deer classic. Waiting in line for 45 minutes outside only to get inside where it is so packed that you can hardly stop at any booths because of the flow of people. Appeared to have very few vendors also, let's get it back to where I belong in a building the size of the Coliseum at the state fair or bigger. This might have been my last year going unless it improves !!

I pretty much agree with this. I want to go there and see heads and antlers.... not vendors like Anderson windows???? It was WAY to crowded and 3 gals selling tickets... CMON... extremely understaffed!

I must say that Klaus and Nola at Classic Antlers had an incredible, entertaining display, and so did the MN DNR. That poached 8 pointer from Canon Falls was UNREAL!!! Those are the kind of booths I want more of... the kind that make you stand and stare and go WOW!!

I'm sure i'll go again. What else you gonna do on a crummy wet day?

[Hoyt4]

Give them a pass for this year since new owner. But does need to be under one roof and need more room to roam. Took a couple of friends for the first time so they did not know better. Still ended up buying a lot of stuff at the show.

[muskiemanAD]

I got there at about 12 on Sunday. I understand its near the end of the show but there were maybe a 15 heads on display and 4 or 5 sheds. I like going but there but it needs changes (all under one roof would be a start as nontepycial stated). I want to see deer heads not people peddling their stuff at every booth.....

[lichen fox]

I didn't attend, but from what the majority here is saying, I didn't miss much, if anything. If I were to consider going in the future, I would look forward to a display of antlers as well...I would also like to see all the current year qualifying entries displayed in one area at the show with the score, area of the state where taken, etc...Speaking of that, do they release pictures and scores of all the entries and winners at some point? Or, is that information only going to be available in the MN, P & Y, or B & C record books at some point in time?

[B. Amish]

i had a mount displayed there once. it's not really convienent by any means. first, i paid to have it entered in the books. then, i drove the 3.5 hours to get to the show. then i spent the night in the cities so i could bring my mount home after the show. it's not really worth it.

[Basseyes]

Went with my dad, two kids 10 and 16 and my brother in law who had never been. Went on Saturday solely to see the big woods deer hunting seminar at 4. He had a family member go into the hospital. So no seminar. Bummer. The wolf guy was only there friday night? Would have been nice to have seen him there Saturday or Sunday. Sunday a friend from up north had his family come down for it and went with them. Not much for three board kids to do. Best thing about the show was seeing a deer gutted Sunday afternoon. That guy was educational. The land clearing couple was fun to talk to. The land management guy was good to talk with. The show over all was a -c tops and that's being kind. Next year I'd love to see and talk to more companies that deal with seed and land management. As well as equipment. Joined the Mn deer hunters association. Talked to people there both days and very happy with their help. The Moultrie camera guy was very helpful, he was out of brochures Saturday evening. Thought you'd have seen more tcam companies and food plot information and equipment? More seminars next year, that aren't just one and done would be nice. Going outside was kinda hokey. But that's more a logistical area that's fixable. Having the tree farm there was cool. Would be nice to see the dnr or county extension seedling stuff there.