Minnesota Deer Classic

Virtually midway between one deer hunting season and another falls the Minnesota Deer Classic, a time for reflection on past seasons — and a look ahead to November and still more whitetail hunting opportunities.

The Classic has a new home this year: the National Sports Center in Blaine.

Host also to Tom Helgeson's Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo, the Minnesota Anglers Expo and the Hard Water Ice Fishing Expo, the sports center is fast making a name for itself as headquarters for midsize outdoors shows.

This year at the Deer Classic — which concludes its three-day run Sunday — antlers are measured and scored, trophies displayed and a bevy of new hunting gear exhibited.

As usual, experts are on hand to offer seminars on everything from shot selection and ballistics to field dressing and outdoor filming.

Hours Sunday are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost for adults is $10. Youths ages 11 to 17 are admitted for $7 and kids under 11, free. More information is online at nscsports.org.

DENNIS ANDERSON