best whitetail state

[blb078]

If you're talking public land then you're best states are going to be MO & WI. Both have a lot of public land, both have otc bow and rifle tags, and both routinely have people take 150" + deer on public land every year. Here in MO about 20 mins from were I live a 260" was found dead earlier this year on public land, they didn't state if the cause was natural or ehd related.

Here's a couple MO public landers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zivx-F8TPls
same deer
http://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?t=244554

deer found dead
http://www.fieldandstream.com/artic...ass-37-point-missouri-buck-headed-record-book

 

[drthornton]

I've done some Anylysis based on the Pope and Young 2011 record book. Here is the list of top 5 states for 170"+ bucks for the years 2000-2010.

1. IL-365
2. WI-223
3. IA-222
4. KS-183
5. OH-127

 

[1_pointer]

I've done some Anylysis based on the Pope and Young 2011 record book. Here is the list of top 5 states for 170"+ bucks for the years 2000-2010.

1. IL-365
2. WI-223
3. IA-222
4. KS-183
5. OH-127

For the most part that's the 'Corn Belt', which isn't a huge surprise to me. Also note, that 3 of those states limit the use of firearms to slugs, muzzleloaders and pistols...

 

[hunt1up]

Most of IA and IL aren't good for public land. Though, there's some big sections of public in southern IL. The Shawnee National Forest is like 200K+ acres. 170" would be a stretch anywhere in the country without some luck or some serious stand time on good property. I've been hunting IL for 15 years and have only seen two deer over 160" while in the woods, one of which I killed.

If I had to pick midwestern states for public, I'd look at WI, KS, or MO. For great access but not quite as big of deer then look at WT or WY.

As for Texas whitetail hunting, I don't think I'd hunt whitetails there if it were free. Ok, MAYBE if it were free.

 

[drthornton]

Here are the top 20 P&Y Counties for 150"+ entries 2000-2009

Area St/Pro 10 years
Buffalo County WI 137
Pike County IL 61
Trempealeau County WI 50
Fulton County IL 50
Schuyler County IL 37
Adams County IL 35
Will County IL 33
Dane County WI 32
La Salle County IL 32
Dunn County WI 31
Warren County IA 31
Waupaca County WI 31
Clark County IL 31
Allamakee County IA 30
Vernon County WI 27
Sauk County WI 27
Marathon County WI 27
Shawano County WI 26
Columbia County WI 26
Waukesha County WI 26

 

[birddog32]

If I could get my work computer to let me download pics. . .I would sway alot of votes to Indiana I'm betting. . . I have pics of most of my deer heads on my phone and computer. I have to agree with all of the others as far as public/private lands here in the midwest though. . .its tough to find private ground. My Dad and I have been lucky enough to kill a couple of 170 class whitetails and a few of 120 -140 inch bucks. . .it takes time and tons of effort throughout the year. . .and alot of years of not killing a buck at all! Lots of luck to everyone in the upcoming seasons.

and if anyone has any ideas on how to get my da*% pics to download . . .I'm all ears!! LOL

I had trouble also but when I went to pic library, right click on pic, hit edit, hit resize, click on pixels, change whatever number that shows up for horizontal to 800. Save changes and you should be good to go.

 

[Dave N]

Here are the top 20 P&Y Counties for 150"+ entries 2000-2009

Area St/Pro 10 years
Buffalo County WI 137
Pike County IL 61
Trempealeau County WI 50
Fulton County IL 50
Schuyler County IL 37
Adams County IL 35
Will County IL 33
Dane County WI 32
La Salle County IL 32
Dunn County WI 31
Warren County IA 31
Waupaca County WI 31
Clark County IL 31
Allamakee County IA 30
Vernon County WI 27
Sauk County WI 27
Marathon County WI 27
Shawano County WI 26
Columbia County WI 26
Waukesha County WI 26

Hmmm, LaSalle County is where my mailbox is planted...

 

[pointingdogsrule]

I've done some Anylysis based on the Pope and Young 2011 record book. Here is the list of top 5 states for 170"+ bucks for the years 2000-2010.

1. IL-365
2. WI-223
3. IA-222
4. KS-183
5. OH-127

I always find these stats interesting. In the area that I live in, northeast Iowa very few people (that I know of) enter deer into Pope & Young or Boone & Crockett. Farmers hunt the deer season and end up hanging the rack in a shed somewhere. It's amazing what you see hanging around. It's not about the record book with these rural people. I've only measured one of my deer and never entered any in the books.

Wonder what the numbers would really be if all entered the kills.

good luck to all
the dog

 

[naturebob]

Last post is so true. Same in all states with a lot of species. The Books are for good as it give You an idea where big animals are harvested , but a lot like the SCI is just a bunch of rich Guys buying Animals.. I knew of 1 guy in Az that paid 120k for gov. elk tag and didn't even go hunting. ( said He was having back problems) But it gave him Status in the Sci club as far as showing off his $. Its like Golfers at the expensive country clubs........BOB!

 

[RUT JUNKEY]

I always find these stats interesting. In the area that I live in, northeast Iowa very few people (that I know of) enter deer into Pope & Young or Boone & Crockett. Farmers hunt the deer season and end up hanging the rack in a shed somewhere. It's amazing what you see hanging around. It's not about the record book with these rural people. I've only measured one of my deer and never entered any in the books.

Wonder what the numbers would really be if all entered the kills.

good luck to all
the dog

Very True here also. I have seen huge antlers just sitting around at farms where they could care less about a score. I actually have 2-3 that are hanging in my garage that I'm sure are book deer but just never measured . . .lazy I guess.. and actually one of my biggest was measured for Pope and Young, but not for the Indiana book. . .

 

[RUT JUNKEY]

I had trouble also but when I went to pic library, right click on pic, hit edit, hit resize, click on pixels, change whatever number that shows up for horizontal to 800. Save changes and you should be good to go.

thanks birdog, I was able to update my pics on my home page!!! Added a couple new albums. . .check them out. (as soon as I download from my phone I'll have my mounts posted for all) thanks again. RJ

 

[Triple BB]

Not sure why anyone would say Wyoming is a great state for whitetails. If you're into public land hunting, its probably near the bottom. Other than the Black Hills, there's almost no quality public land hunting. The north central part of the state has excellent hunting. Just make sure you wallet is fat. All the river and large stream corridors have decent whitetail opportunities. Again, bring yer wallet. I know a couple guys who hunt the Black Hills and do ok. The vast majority of the quality bucks in the Hills are on deeded ground.

 

[putm2sleep]

This is a public land, do-it-yourself, place for asskickers and name-takers HUNT TALK forum. (sorry for the language BigFin) Not private land gimmes???

I will say there are big whitetails in WYO, and it is a great state.

 

[hunt1up]

Hmmm, LaSalle County is where my mailbox is planted...

I do most of my hunting there too.

 

[RUT JUNKEY]

finished my add on room for "all my hunting stuff" as she put it. lol. In the process of moving anything camo, has horns, hair, etc. will go in there. ( except for the one over the firplace. . .it stays. I think I have a few more pics on my home page. I thought these might sway the votes for Indiana corn fed deer. lol. enjoy and thanks.

 

[noharleyyet]

You got my vote Rut Junkey...very nice.

I can only add that critters 'everywhere' have, or are, became/becoming cash crops. Yes Texas is among the worst.

 

[RUT JUNKEY]

You got my vote Rut Junkey...very nice.

I can only add that critters 'everywhere' have, or are, became/becoming cash crops. Yes Texas is among the worst.

I agree, its sad its coming to that. I have been extremely lucky to have a few farms that I hunt and the guys don't charge me a dime, having said that, I do keep an eye on their property and cut up trees from the fields/fencerows, do a little bushhogging, etc. I am willing to donate my time and strong back for just the chance to kill another giant. Some years I go without killing anything. . .mostly because I'm too hard headed and have one buck picked out. I do shoot a doe or two for each farm and have them processed and then I deliver them personally. I also give some to the neighboring property too even though I don't hunt there. I also send Christmas cards every year with a hand written thank you. The private property, free hunting, is going away fast though and I really can't blame the farmers. . .the way of the new world. Good luck in the up coming season. I have one picked out. . .lets just hope he shows!!

 

[skimerhorn]

Those are some nice deer!

 

[RUT JUNKEY]

. . .for my Western friends. . .my one and only Mule deer.
also my 2013 archery hit list # 1. Found his left side this spring and measured around 70". . .should be a great buck this year! ( crossing fingers).

 

[SFC B]

RJ, why are you lying and showing all of these "replica" deer to these fines folks? We all know that Indiana holds only small, thin deer that taste horrible!! Further, I have on good authority that there are probably only about 2-300 deer left in the WHOLE state....everyone should hunt somewhere else for best results. May I suggest Illinois!!