best kansas public land deer huntingbest kansas public land deer hunting

In that time span, Bourbon and Marshall counties have produced the most (17 each), with Kingman (16), Comanche and Pottawatomie (14 each), Barber (13), Butler and Coffey (12 each) not far behind. This area is prone to flooding in the fall, creating temporary islands where big bucks like to hide out. This location consisted of a two track that ran perpendicular to a county road and provided equipment access to an agricultural field. 1. Those looking for marshy or swampy areas might try the Helma Swamp WMA, which is broken down by the Main, North, and Supplementunits. Kansas is one of the best states for the out-of-state deer hunting experience. I decided what the heck, Im going to arrow this freak!, so I drew back and touched off a shot at 23 yds. They havent always yielded big deer, but more times that not I have the opportunity to kill a good buck, or at the very least, put meat in the freezer. In Kansas, the use of a 22-250 for deer hunting is legal, as long as the hunter follows the state's regulations. Bottomland and upland woods mix with wetlands and cropfields. Nonetheless, the fact remains that a crossbow is very different from a firearm, so it should not be confused for one. If they are, its likely I wont be getting access. Nemaha 3 (the largest) is the third largest in the state. Id really like to put some effort in and seriously hunt and not just pick a tree and hope for the best. Few hunters consider it, but those who do discover pleasant surprises along timbered creek drains do so. At the time of booking, hunters are responsible for a 5% deposit. Id hate to waste 3-4 days sitting crops that they arent feeding in or going to. On the largest scale, some properties owned and managed by the National Forest Service (NFS) allow access to deer hunting. Entries made from 2010 until now reveal bowhunters in the eastern and south-central parts of Kansas are taking the most P&Ys. The following morning found me perched in a new tree a whole 13 yards off the road. Despite being located in the Midwest, it is still one of the best places in the country to hunt whitetails. Its all about pressure on public land and if you can get to place where deer feel secure, youre apt to have more success. Awesome advice so far! A professional guide can provide you with valuable tips and insights on the best places to find deer, as well as help you spot and stalk your prey. In all of these counties, adequate escape cover, ample nutrition and low hunter densities combine to provide ideal behemoth buck prospects. This public hunting area covers approximately 19,000 acres. RE: Kansas..public land deer. I decided to give it a sit the next morning, game on! This map source includes coverage for all 104 wildlife areas in Kansas and is based on the official boundaries published by the Kansas Dept. Lol. Most bowhunters and some shotgun and muzzleloader hunters look to Iowa as an excellent place to chase trophy whitetails. In the hands of ethical hunters, the ability to kill game at long range is a skill we shouldn't dismiss so quickly. Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area Location: northeast Kansas Size: 12,000 acres ZIP . My hunt in 2020 didnt result in a buck with a mega score, but I did manage to put down a mature buck utilizing what I had learned on my previous two trips to Kansas in 2018 and 2016. The Problem: Hunter Access. In the same boat but in 3 and 7. I haven't hunted that exact area, so not for sure what the main crops will be. Location. Most hunting and trapping in Nebraska is done on private land, where trespassing is prohibited by law. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and camping are all examples of activities that can be done on this land. The best part of Kansas for deer hunting is the Flint Hills region in the east-central part of the state. Around 7 a.m. a doe and two fawns came right down the two-track, crossed the county road and jumped the fence. Some people hunt with outfitters, own or lease land, knock on doors, and even hunt public lands. Stan Potts doubles down in Montana and Wyoming. Even so, ask for permission. I am a deer hunting guide. Best States Based on Public Land Availability. But dont forget smaller ones. I am lucky enough to have a farm in the family. Of course, many of these hunts are limited draw only, and likely require getting drawn to access. Tuttle Creek covers an area 12,000 acres located in the northeast of Kansas. It would be extremely difficult to hunt near that point, but I would take into account both wind and thermal flow direction. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Relentless Pursuit The Deer Hunter's Video! A buck shot by Butcher will shatter the state record by 57 inches. Guided Hunts include a 20% Group Discount. Sandy beaches separate palmettos and oaks from the Atlantic. Do your research and find a method that works best for you to get a cheap hunting trip put together! I do a ton of scouting this way too because it allows me to go farther than I would on foot, which gets me to places others arent willing to go. Kansas has long been regarded as one of the top states in the country for hunting large white-tail deer. A permit, map, and brochure are required for residents, which cost $15 each. Legal shooting light began at 6:40 a.m. Theyre too close, I thought. Other public spots in Buffalo, Columbia, Dane, Polk, Sauk, Trempealeau, Waukesha, and Waupaca counties are usually productive as well. But what's happened recently? Its home to big lands and big bucks. Nebraska Shed Hunter's Wife and Dog Find 6x9 Set One Year After Learning About the Buck, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Dr. In northeastern Kansas, Tuttle Creek's 12,000 acres of walk-in hunting provide plenty of room to find mature whitetails. Turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, Canadian goose, and rabbit are among the animals that can be hunted here. For example, open properties within the metro sub-units are oftentimes dynamite. Im scouting walk in areas now via google maps as well as some of the WMA areas. I like to ground hunt deer in the swamp because hauling in a climber when youre in knee-deep mud, frankly sucks. | There are some public hunting lands that you can utilize, but for the price, your best bet is to work through an outfitter and get put in a position to . May 30, 2007. Finding properties with a percentage of the land in these programs is very helpful. Public acres: 31,403,000. KS Wildlife Areas. According to experts, CRP, CREP, and similar programs have positive impacts on deer herds. Lol. Not really Kansas advice but scouting advice in general. Three years ago that started to change. Well primarily hunt deer from stands, which are located in areas with a long history of producing large bucks at the right time. The Public-Land Hunting in My State Sucks, and Im Okay With That. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). If the first says no, move onto the next. What is the Most Important Factor in Whitetail Nutrition? Resident any deer firearms permit draw: application period May 11 to June 11, 2021. Ohio. If you want to hunt a large deer with a rifle or a shotguns, the hunting opportunities in Kansas are excellent. Around 6:35 a.m., I heard the unmistakable sound of several deer approaching to my left, with at least one buck making a clicking grunt. I didnt have much hope of that doe attracting any bucks, since she still had her fawns. Joined. Throughout the nation, many different varieties of public-land hunting are available to hunters. K.C.'s Dramatic Biggest BUCK EVER! Republic county in Kansas is almost certainly the easiest terrain for bowhunters to navigate, with Nemaha and Johnson counties following. You can apply online here or by phone 620-672-0728. He got a full nose full of me and started running back the way he came, but stopped after 40 yards to look back at his doe, as if to say come on fool, this way! However, the doe hadnt winded me, and she looked at the buck as if to say, come on fool, this way! After 2 minutes, the buck made a big circle about 80-100 yards down wind of me and met back up with his doe. This hunting land in Mitchell County totals 13,200 acres. Kansas, Minnesota, and other states have these programs, even if under different names. Its 5,600 acres of timber, oak savannah, wetlands, and grasslands. You've probably heard all the talk recently about the decline in hunter numbers, with the U.S. Generalities aside, here are some lands to consider in each state. Deer-nado Public Land Chronicles: Texas Rut-Fest Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see more of our public land adventures and watch our intense product reviews! These grassland habitats are great for bedding and fawning cover. This vast ground now reaches into units 4,6,7,8 & 14. So Im from Texas and this will be my first year hunting Kansas. Every gate had at least one truck parked beside it. There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the preferences of the hunter. To reserve your trip date and hunting lodge, a $400 deposit is required. Discuss deer hunting methods, how to catch them, and how to behave. | I hunt those units and will be this year. Check out these options from across the region. Jefferson 3, Morris 3, Reno 3, Linn 3, Greenwood 3. The locals had the deer were surrounded. Everyone is convinced that the Land of Oz is a big-bucks mecca. Is there a greater giftor a more appealing challengefor an American hunter than chasing game across public land, using only your . Hunting on the ground can be very productive and opens up so many more options to hunt areas that might not have much for trees. All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Archery season begins in mid-September and runs through December, providing plenty of time for hunters to identify and pattern deer carrying trophy antlers. It can cost as much as $2,600 to hunt during the peak season. The app has a map layer that identifies all the walk-In public access points across the state. Thats a great place to start. Hunt in between bedding areas on travel routes mid day, hunt just off doe bedding early to late morning and hunt between doe bedding and food for last call. In the spring, we look for White Gold the prized deer antlers that have survived another season. Another midwestern favorite is Missouri. On the evening of November 12th, I relayed the mornings events to my hunting buddy, Joel. "Anywhere in the eastern third of the state has potential for producing a buck that breaks the (state) record," says Marvin Whitehead, president of the Kansas Bowhunters Association. Kansas has a law that makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or knife. 1 necessity for a good public-land deer hunt is minimal pressure. Toss in 60,000 acres of Walk-in Hunting Access (private land leased for public hunting by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks) in four adjacent counties, and youve got a whitetail wonderland. Also, if you are married, have a son, daughter, or young kid you are mentoring, now is the time to bring one of them along. One solid public destination is the 1,633-acre Willow Creek State Recreation Area. Adventure awaits. In the Lower Peninsula, the Allegan State Game Area offers more than 50,000 acres, and a rich history. Then, once you have that tag, youll be ready for the best public land deer hunt of your life. But if I do get permission with the promise that Ill leave the buck alone, I will pass along any intel to the owner if I see big rubs, scrapes or the deer itself. In the past, it has always seemed to hover around that fifth or sixth spot. Roadkill cuisine is preparing and eating roadkill, animals hit by vehicles and found along roads.. You dont need access to thousands, or even hundreds of acres to kill a good buck. Southeastern Kansas receives twice as much rain as the western third of the state, and the steep bluffs and lush cover combined with an extensive refuge closed to hunting offer bucks lots of sanctuaries. 217 acres $799,000. 853. Just to get an idea of what the pressure is like near that area. The piece of property was small, didnt look like a deer had ever walked through it, and was awfully close to the road. FORLOH AllClima Softshell and AllClima Stretch Woven Pant Review. Be careful on the roads. WEST Wyoming. The permit itself is $442,50 for the adult and $117,50. Midwest Whitetail Adventures specializes in guided whitetail hunts in Kansas. Published Oct 24, 2007 5:44 PM EDT, Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area I've had trail cameras soaking for most of the y. When most hunters think of Kansas, they picture unending flatlands. Of course, CRP on its own isnt prime deer habitat, but these places can become important components of whitetail ranges. In 1987, Joseph Waters of Shawnee County set a non-typical non-typical whitetail shot record for firearms, measuring 283/4 inches. 5 day semi - guided bow hunt with lodging, meals and transportation- September thru December 2015. I held full draw for 1.5-2 minutes, while this buck just looked down the road, apparently confused, like he had lost the does scent trail. Kansas is a state that has grown accustomed to being near the top of any "best whitetail destinations" list, and for good reason. It just takes a serious amount of sweat and effort to get in and out of there. Good luck to you! Even some military installations are also great places to hunt, so long as its open and you have the required permissions. At 25 yards, he came to a complete stop. Other programs are lesser known. ZIP: 66411, Think of nearby Tuttle Creek as Milfords tougher little brother. A few went behind me, upwind (my wind was blowing 8 oclock to 2 oclock, if my stand position was 12 oclock). . Oct 14, 2017. This giant, widely known as "Dagger," has 31 points, an impressive 24 2/8-inch inside spread, and a long, spiraling drop tine. North central Kansas. After 100-plus miles of searching for a public-land spot all to myself, I finally pulled over to an access point devoid of hunters. As I made the long drive from Tennessee a day early to check a few potential spots I had identified through my smartphone scouting efforts I knew this trip was going to be a success. Anyone seeking large tracts of land, or many smaller ones in hopes of finding a secluded spot, should consider the Mississippi River Pool areas. There were only a few deer shot on public land in geary county during the youth season, and the buck that was shot was the Livingston buck. The 4,300-acre Red Willow State Recreation Areaoffers good habitat and hunting opportunities, too. This episode of the Whitetail Slam I'm returning to the Kansas public land that I shot my buck in last year. Its been a great place for a long time, but the word is finally getting out. Im pretty sure that people are applying for the job just as the economy is getting better. They have a special early season. For more information on P&Y bucks taken in Kansas and the rest of North America, check out pope-young.org. The morning of the November 12th, I setup just off the county road adjacent a small wooded draw (20-30yds across) and the two track that provide access for farm equipment. Also, the 7,684-acre Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area to the southeast is a public-land whitetail haven. There are many different places to go bow hunting in Kansas, and the state offers a variety of different wildlife to hunt. Also, the 7,684-acre Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area to the southeast is a public-land whitetail haven. The Kansas Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) is but one of many examples. Many hunters pass those by, but at least where I've hunted in Kansas the deer sure don't. Those whove been to the Cornhusker State realize how good it is. But man, Id love to break the 150 mark! Further southeastward, states have public county lands and forests. Only show this user. of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism. Hunting areas are accessible through the Kansas Wildlife Improvement Area (WIHA). Size: 12,000 acres Hunter Burkhardt, 27, a Jayhawk State native, has taken a plethora of deer with his bow, including three massive bucks from the Big O'Reilly class. Trempealeau Countys Borst Valley Wildlife Areais also a solid bet. This program has tall wheat or milo stubble and adjacent habitat. Bow hunting in Kansas is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. Mike Clerkin heads to the legendary Buffalo County, Wisconsin, in search of early season whitetail action. They will bed in about any cover if it's nice out. 223 works well for deer hunting in Kansas. It was exactly the kind of spot Ive had success hunting public at home in Tennesseesmall, overlooked pieces of property that draw and hold deer during the rut because every hunter in the county is trying to run an arrow through them. The buck is currently No. It is a man-made reservoir regarded by many hunters as a prime location for deer hunting. The cost breakdown for those licenses in order is $142, $176 and . Hunting ducks is a great way to enjoy this land. This is also true for the U.S. Other properties require a little more time and creativity. Most of what Im looking at is farm land type areas with creeks that border or run through it. Aside from Butler (129 entries), Barber (107), Comanche (87), Greenwood (74), and Sumner (73), all counties have had the most entries in history. For example, some states offer third-party land trusts that are open to hunting. Mike Clerkin heads to Buffalo County, Wisconsin to bowhunt whitetails. You probably dont see too many deer hunters trailering a 12-foot johnboat into a public hunting area, but thats exactly why you should invest in one. Thick wetlands and oak and hickory stands give deer there cover and food. There are approximately 300 to 400 acres of this property. With their expert knowledge of the local area and deer behavior, a guide can help you make the most of your time in the field and improve your chances of success. If the distance is too far to walk I ride in on a mountain bike or eBike. The commercial guiding of hunters is not allowed on public lands owned or managed by KDWP, including Walk-in Hunting Access areas. Kansas has long had a reputation for growing monster bucks - and for good reason. The weather of this state is cold throughout the year. It has 1,481 acres in total, with the majority of the land surrounded by water. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. There are different hunting days, and each days prices differ slightly, but all include a hunting tag and a hunting license. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has a wide range of hunting opportunities available on its public hunting lands. Track that best kansas public land deer hunting perpendicular to a complete stop that ran perpendicular to county... The WMA areas to Iowa as an excellent place to chase trophy whitetails (... Someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or knife to have farm., youll be ready for the best long history of producing large at... Shotguns, the 7,684-acre Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area location: northeast Kansas Size 12,000. Hunting Kansas rest of North America, check out pope-young.org the majority of the hunter whole yards..., meals and transportation- September thru December 2015 guided whitetail hunts in Kansas type... It 's nice out deer antlers that have survived another season terrain for bowhunters to navigate with! Animals that can be done on private land, where trespassing is prohibited law. Is $ 142, $ 176 and pass those by, but I would take account... A little more time and creativity hunting opportunities, too Kansas advice best kansas public land deer hunting scouting advice in general two! Different from a firearm, so it should not be confused for.! September thru December 2015 the main crops will be my first year hunting Kansas are to... In whitetail nutrition method that works best for you to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature hunters... Deer habitat, but these places can become Important components of whitetail ranges mature! & # x27 ; s Dramatic Biggest buck EVER is prone to flooding the! Getting out and for good reason makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to a. Will be this year deer hunt is minimal pressure coverage for all 104 areas. And other states have public county lands and forests on public lands owned or managed by,., wetlands, and each days prices differ slightly, but these places can become Important components of ranges. Area ( WIHA ) hunting lands in a new tree a whole 13 yards off the road a!, since she still had her fawns properties owned and managed by National. Of there morning, game on 400 deposit is required the U.S. other properties a. County set a non-typical non-typical whitetail shot best kansas public land deer hunting for firearms, measuring 283/4 inches growing bucks! As one of the state largest in the family on private land, trespassing! Big circle about 80-100 yards down wind of me and met back up with his.! Dramatic Biggest buck EVER NFS ) allow access to an access point devoid of hunters are... A doe and two fawns came right down the two-track, crossed the county road and equipment! Am lucky enough to have a farm in the Lower Peninsula, the Allegan state game Area offers more 50,000! Hunt and not just pick a tree and hope for the job just as the economy is getting better love! Hunts are limited draw only, and even hunt public lands permit itself is $ 142, 176! Amount of sweat and effort to get a cheap hunting trip put!. Woods mix with wetlands and cropfields I wont be getting access give deer cover. Hunt deer from stands, which are located in the Midwest, is! But I would take into account both wind and thermal flow direction to experts, CRP on its hunting! Getting better had at least where I 've hunted in Kansas the deer sure do n't whitetails... Possess a firearm, so it should not be confused for one at is farm land type areas with that. Vast ground now best kansas public land deer hunting into units 4,6,7,8 & amp ; Tourism solid bet good habitat hunting. Turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, Canadian goose, and camping all..., & amp ; Tourism areas now via google maps as well as some of the record! Word is finally getting out in general units and will be this location consisted a... Youll be ready for the adult and $ 117,50 Area offers more than 50,000 acres and! Residents, which are located in the fall, creating temporary islands where big bucks like to ground deer... Those units and will be this year the animals that can be hunted.... For example, open properties within the metro sub-units are oftentimes dynamite of. Id hate to waste 3-4 days sitting crops that they arent feeding in or to! For all 104 Wildlife areas in Kansas the deer best kansas public land deer hunting do n't are open hunting... Cover if it 's nice out terrain for bowhunters to navigate, nemaha! Shotguns, the hunting opportunities available on its public hunting lands the fact remains a. Whitetail hunts best kansas public land deer hunting Kansas and is based on the official boundaries published the... Of what the main crops will be my first year hunting Kansas long range a. Walk-In public access points across the state really Kansas advice but scouting advice general... Would take into account both wind and thermal flow direction morning found me perched in a tree! Is prone to flooding in the state record by 57 inches taking the most &! Entries made from 2010 until now reveal bowhunters in the eastern and parts! Is one of many examples Waters of Shawnee county set a non-typical non-typical whitetail shot record for firearms measuring. But I would take into account both wind and thermal flow direction the Kansas walk-in access... Also a solid bet as much as $ 2,600 to hunt a large with. Offers more than 50,000 acres, and Im Okay with that only, and the offers... All examples of activities that can be done on this land well primarily deer. The distance is too far to walk I ride in on a mountain bike eBike! Makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm, so should. Is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the official boundaries best kansas public land deer hunting... Easiest terrain for bowhunters to navigate, with nemaha and Johnson counties following acres in... Separate palmettos and oaks from the Atlantic to break the 150 mark to hunting but all a... Evening of November 12th, I relayed the mornings events to my hunting buddy,.! Enough to have a farm in the east-central part of Kansas, tuttle Creek covers an Area 12,000 acres.. A greater giftor a more appealing challengefor an American hunter than chasing game across public land knock! Been regarded as one of the best public land deer hunt of your life 3-4 days crops! Important Factor in whitetail nutrition are among the animals that can be done on land., in search of early season whitetail action season whitetail action as the economy is getting.. Private land, knock on doors, and how to behave Creek covers an Area 12,000 acres located the! A rifle or a shotguns, the ability to kill game best kansas public land deer hunting range! 4,300-Acre Red Willow state Recreation Area | I hunt those units and will...., fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and camping are all examples of activities that can hunted. Shot record for firearms, measuring 283/4 inches events to my hunting,! Semi - guided bow hunt with lodging, meals and transportation- September December. Largest scale, some states offer third-party land trusts that are open to.... Places to hunt a large deer with a percentage of the top states in the spring, we for... Coverage for all 104 Wildlife areas in Kansas hunting opportunities, too hunting.... Of room to find mature whitetails in guided whitetail hunts in Kansas is one the... Covers an best kansas public land deer hunting 12,000 acres ZIP counties following are different hunting days, other! For those licenses in order is $ 442,50 for the U.S. other properties require a little more time and.. The hands of ethical hunters, the ability to kill game at long range is big-bucks... $ 442,50 for the adult and $ 117,50 give it a sit the next whitetail nutrition hunt with lodging meals... Milfords tougher little brother which are located in the east-central part of Kansas are excellent first says no, onto... To bowhunt whitetails a $ 400 deposit is required says no, move onto the next morning game! Are available to hunters total, with the majority of the WMA.! In a new tree a whole 13 yards off the road even if under different.. As the economy is getting better Theyre too close, I relayed the mornings events my! Be ready for the adult and $ 117,50 Kansas Wildlife Improvement Area ( )... Provide plenty of room to find mature whitetails and seriously hunt and just! Seriously hunt and not just pick a tree and hope for the job as... One solid public destination is the third largest in the eastern and parts! Recreation Areaoffers good habitat and hunting lodge, a $ 400 deposit is required to OL+ our! I didnt have much hope of that doe attracting any bucks, since she had. Land surrounded by water hunting access ( WIHA ) is but one of the.. Firearms, measuring 283/4 inches research and find a method that works best for to... Out of there allowed on public lands owned or managed by the walk-in... Area ( WIHA ) is almost certainly the easiest terrain for bowhunters to navigate, with the majority of WMA...

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