Garden State Deer Classic

Winners of the 2010 Deer Classic The Garden State Deer Classic is presented each year to feature the outstanding white-tailed deer harvested during the previous year's hunting seasons and recognize the hunters who took them.

In recent years it has been held at the Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen's Show at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison. The 2010 show and Deer Classic was held Thursday, January 14 through Sunday, January 17 - an event ideal both for sportsmen and women and for exhibitors, drawing 40,000 sporting enthusiasts. The Deer Classic is jointly sponsored by the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, United Bowhunters of New Jersey, the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation and the Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen's Show. A highlight of the Classic each year is a stunning display featuring some of New Jersey's largest bucks. The event culminates in an awards ceremony on Sunday. As part of the Deer Classic, division biologists are present the entire time to answer questions and discuss management strategies, goals and issues. Hunting equipment manufacturers' pro-staffers and division biologists also conduct seminars on various topics.

Display of record deer is a Deer Classic highlight.

2010 Garden State Deer Classic Seminar Schedule

Friday, January 15
3:00 - Bass Fishing in New Jersey - Principal fisheries biologist Chris Smith of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife will talk about the excellent bass fishing opportunities in New Jersey, and present information and updates regarding black bass management activities. He will also provide seasonal tips and techniques, which will make you a more successful angler.

Sunday, January 17
10:30 - Deer Hunting in New Jersey - Division of Fish and Wildlife Bureau Chief Jim Sciascia will provide an overview of deer hunting opportunities in the Garden State. Topics covered will include New Jersey's deer harvest, the state distribution of Outstanding Deer entries, deer hunting opportunities and information about deer hunting on public land.

Sunday, January 17
2:30 - Deer Classic Awards Ceremony for category winners of the 2008 – 2009 Outstanding Deer Program entries