About the WNCQDM PROGRAM

For some time now, many hunters have recognized the potential of WNC to produce quality bucks. The deer management practiced on Biltmore Estate in recent years has proven the ability of the area to produce trophy class bucks. The primary missing ingredient has been quality deer management. The management practices of the state have been for maximum hunter opportunity. This equates to producing the maximum number of deer possible. In the past, this is what most hunters wanted.

Today, many hunters and landowners have a desire to produce not more deer, but bigger, healthier deer, with larger antlers. It was to that end that the project founder, Bennie Riddle of Yancey County N.C. began the project. Mr. Riddle began making phone calls to area hunters in 2002 to see if there was any local interest in such a project. Needless to say, the support has been fantastic. There are already several thousand acres signed up for voluntary cooperation with the program, and more are on the way.