Newly Updated Illinois Deer Classic Comes to Peoria

Illinois hunters will want to be in Peoria, Illinois from March 27-29, 2020 for the Illinois Deer Classic in the Peoria Civic Center. Answering the demand for an exciting, large-scale Illinois-based hunting event, producers of the wildly popular Iowa Deer Classic, a perennial Midwest favorite, are updating the Illinois Deer Classic with exciting new hunting exhibits, antler scoring and displays, seminars, archery competitions, and more!

Exhibitors will fill the Civic Center with bow manufacturers and dealers, hunting blinds, outfitters, camo, calls, hunting land specialists, food plots, utility vehicles and equipment, accessories and gear, and much more.

In addition to vendors, the packed activity line-up will keep attendees thrilled with their options. A designated bow-tryout area will allow hunters to get their hands-on new bows and test them. New World Record holder, Luke Brewster, will be featured with his massive Illinois whitetail deer so attendees can get an up-close and personal look at the 327 7/8 net score giant.

There are multiple ways hunters can get in on the action of impressive deer! A Big Buck Contest featuring qualified measurers, Pope & Young Club as well as Boone and Crockett Club, will take place on-site for the show’s three-day duration. Hunters are encouraged to bring their deer for official scoring and awards. This will make an impressive display of Illinois trophies.

An Illinois Whitetail Hall of Fame showcasing past Illinois deer that met the Boone and Crockett Club all-time minimums of 170 typical and 195 non-typical will be on exhibition. Official scores are needed to be featured in this display and hunters should contact [email protected] for more details.

The North American Shed Hunters Club is planning to host a Monster Shed Contest. The club will also feature an extraordinary display of shed antlers including many of Illinois’ giant sheds.

Two information-packed seminar stages will run all three days and the lineup of prominent outdoor personalities adds even more energy and excitement! The current list includes Tom Miranda, Melissa Bachman, Tim Wells, Mike Carney and Don Higgins.

Archers are encouraged to bring their bows for a variety of opportunities. Friday and Saturday will feature an ASA 3D event with no pre-registration required. An Illinois 360 Championship will take place on Sunday with qualifiers competing in events throughout the state this fall and winter. Walk-up participation is welcome for this as well. The Scholastic 3D Archery Association will hold a S3DA 3D Regional qualifier on Saturday at the show. Opportunities for kids to put their shooting skills to use will also be available!

Booth space is open and hunting vendors should contact Steve Finegan at [email protected] or 319-232-0218.

Show updates will be added throughout the year at www.illinoisdeerclassic.com. Join Illinois Deer Classic on Facebook and Instagram.