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. Ive hunted in 1 of every 2 places where Ive seen a deer greater than 8 inches long. Please contact us if you want a recommendation from someone who knows how to hunt. Other properties require a little more time and creativity. Checking the road for tracks revealed a group of doe tracks and at least one set of 3.5 year old+ buck tracks. Still, it doesnt see the hunting pressure many midwestern states do. He wont score for anything, but was definitely a mature deer. I could tell the deer were very close (inside of 50 yards), but I couldnt yet make any of them out. Getty: twildlife. Kisiwa Hunt Club. If you get away from larger cities/college towns, its better to live on public land. Just $1 per month , Buy a boat and focus on small properties if you want to have more success deer hunting public land, By At 10 a.m., I planned to move to a different location on the same piece of property that looked better for all day cruising activity. Jake and Grant are on to them in Kansas! [citation needed] It was around 6:05 a.m. when I completed the hang part of my hang and hunt. Look for WIHA with tree lines near crops. One great destination is the Mark Twain National Forest, which comprises more than 1.5 million acres. It just takes a serious amount of sweat and effort to get in and out of there. He bounded off and crashed 40 yards away in the draw. This episode of the Whitetail Slam I'm returning to the Kansas public land that I shot my buck in last year. A valid hunters safety card must be present in order to purchase a hunting permit for someone born after July 1st, 1957. There will be some winter wheat coming up in spots, especially south central KS. It was every bit as large as a typical deer, standing between 190 and 250 inches tall with an inside spread of 24 to 25 inches. This area of land is suitable for hunting deer, turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, Canadian geese, and rabbits. Beyond that, dont overlook large lands owned by coal, electric, power, paper, and timber companies. There are also a lot of WMAs. At 264 1/8 inches, Dale Larson's non-typical has occupied the top of the Kansas records since 1998. I didnt get a great look at first, so I decided to come to full draw in case he looked better as he got closer. Three years after that buck fell, Brad Henry of Topeka bagged a typical state record scoring 193 7/8 inches. 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. Getting a nonresident hunting license will set you back $97,50 for the adult and for 15 and younger $42,50. I didnt have much hope of that doe attracting any bucks, since she still had her fawns. Estimated deer population: 1.75 million. Ive found some of my favorite public land honey-holes on 5- to 50-acre tracts. The hunter beast. I have a small amount of private land to hunt but like to explore the WIHA (walk in hunt areas). There are a lot of public venues that are a mix of lakes and islands and large tracts of land. Big, attractive pieces of public land are easy to find. Lol. Kansas has long been regarded as one of the top states in the country for hunting large white-tail deer. Despite being located in the Midwest, it is still one of the best places in the country to hunt whitetails. You must log in or register to reply here. At this point, I was just looking for a tree to hang my stand in. The law does not require a hunting license for people over the age of 75. However, the action heats up once the big boys start roaming beyond their home ranges for the rut. Your Hunting Stories, Photographs, and Questions/Answers should be posted here. Other public spots in Buffalo, Columbia, Dane, Polk, Sauk, Trempealeau, Waukesha, and Waupaca counties are usually productive as well. In this edition of "From The Stand," Pat Hogan explains the importance of being aware of proper clearance when using your bow or crossbow out in the field. Gordon Whittington heads north to his personal Missouri farm for some crossbow action. In these regions, there are a variety of habitats that support a healthy deer population. Kansas is a state that has grown accustomed to being near the top of any "best whitetail destinations" list, and for good reason. That will likely change due to a massive uptick in people hunting Kansas and the still-growing interest on public land hunting. Another solid bet is the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. This area of land is suitable for hunting deer, turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, Canadian geese, and . You will find an abundance of hunting options in Kansas from September through May and . 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. It was around 6:05 a.m. when I completed the , Around 6:35 a.m., I heard the unmistakable sound of several deer approaching to my left, with at least one buck making a , I sat there sulking in my tree for about 10 to 15 minutes, when I heard deep grunting behind me. Riley 3 is Riley 3. North central Kansas. The famous Rokslider Buck is looking for does. But there figures to be some tweaking. I hunt via ambush 95% of the time so calls/rattles are not part of my plan.. By that time of year they have transitioned off of beans/alfalfa fields into the milo, corn, and winter wheat fields (they will still hit the beans/alfalfa, but not like corn/milo). I have no clue what crops deer prefer over others up there. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Relentless Pursuit The Deer Hunter's Video! The floodplain of the winding Marais des Cygnes River features some of the most extensive timber stands in this predominantly prairie state. If you are an archery hunter, you will feel at home at KFO. Check out video and photos of five different Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. These are technically private lands, but they serve as public access. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Anyone seeking large tracts of land, or many smaller ones in hopes of finding a secluded spot, should consider the Mississippi River Pool areas. Roadside Hotspots. K.C.'s Dramatic Biggest BUCK EVER! In northeastern Kansas, Tuttle Creek's 12,000 acres of walk-in hunting provide plenty of room to find mature whitetails. Bottomland and upland woods mix with wetlands and cropfields. During these 12 days, hunters who have a Firearms or Any-Season Deer Permit may pursue deer with any legal firearm, including any centerfire rifle and handgun, a gauge shotgun with slugs, muzzleloading rifles, or pistols. On the largest scale, some properties owned and managed by the National Forest Service (NFS) allow access to deer hunting. Thick, early successional habitat is important, too. Its full of quality habitat. Gordon Whittington talks with 13-year-old Troy Metzger about the 2016 hunt that landed the young man a monster non-typical buck on this edition of Big Buck Profile. Location: northeast Kansas - Tuesday October 26, 2021 - Josh Honeycutt. Both places have great habitat that whitetails need to thrive. that may not have trees. Kansas has long had a reputation for growing monster bucks - and for good reason. In one survey conducted by Southwick Associates, researchers found 38 percent of respondents counted on family or friends to allow them to hunt, while 28 percent turned to public land. Of course, many of these hunts are limited draw only, and likely require getting drawn to access. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Thats why you typically find a parking lot full of pickup trucks when you show up at such locations. Generalities aside, here are some lands to consider in each state. That 1400 acre area was saturated with hunters during the rut last year. B&C: Typical: 48, nontypical: 47. Tony J. Peterson Feb 26, 2023. In the eastern half of Kansas, the number of Booners is constant. Archery, muzzleloading shotguns, shotguns, and rifles are all permitted during hunting. 5 day semi - guided bow hunt with lodging, meals and transportation- September thru December 2015. A better strategy is to plan out what you want to look at while keeping an open mind to what the woods might show you. Around 7 a.m. a doe and two fawns came right down the two-track, crossed the county road and jumped the fence. Only show this user. Kansas is home to some of the best hunting in the country. One Rifle to do it all Or a rifle for each occasion? 8 non-typicals in Pope & Young both came from here. For example, open properties within the metro sub-units are oftentimes dynamite. The Kansas Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) is but one of many examples. 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. Use promo code: THP http://bit.ly/2D6aB44THP shirts, hats, and decals - http://bit.l. Applicants began failing to draw and leftover tags dwindled. Camping is allowed in designated areas only. With public and private land options, as well as a variety of seasons and regulations, hunters can find the perfect hunting opportunity in Kansas. Bethel Prairie Conservation Areais only 260 acres, but its archery and muzzleloader only. The more I look at it, the more I enjoy it. Read E263: The Texas Public Land Double! Still, some good deer live here. Size: 7,600 acres If there was only one thing I could pick, it would be the top three. Deer: Balancing Expectations for Small Properties, Get to Know Your Neighbors for Better Deer Herd Management, Big Buck Profile: Reid Crawford Kansas Buck, Choosing Correct Magnification for Rifle Scope, Big Buck Profile: Troy Metzger's East Illinois Giant. To purchase your Kansas hunting and fishing licenses, permits and boat registrations visit, . As for specifics, the Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area is approximately 7,600 acres of prime ground. I decided what the heck, Im going to arrow this freak!, so I drew back and touched off a shot at 23 yds. Looking for someone that wouldn't mind giving a guy advice that's new to hunting the Midwest as I've always hunted Texas for deer. Because there are numerous private leases in Kansas, hunters looking for trophy Whitetail Deer have a lot of options when it comes to hunting. YouTube Dan Infalt farm country. I don't know those units but don't overlook brushy draws, overgrown fields, etc. "There are fertile soils and a good mix of natural vegetation and croplands that provide deer with ample nutrition," explains Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism deer biologist Lloyd Fox. Kansas Coveys. For example, some states offer third-party land trusts that are open to hunting. Public land: 2 million acres, between state WMAs and federal areas. Good binos have always been extremely valuable to me. 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. Some of these are open to public hunting. Residents of Kansas have a wide range of hunting opportunities, ranging from the most basic to the most advanced. | Bow Hunting From The Ground | South Dakota 22 It just doesn't get any better than these two hunts: Tyler's KANSAS Giant 18 pt! Hunt five full days and depart after breakfast on your sixth day. Focus on thick, early successional habitat. When you look at a pressured public property, you have to wonder how mature bucks survive there. Finally, I could make out a deer in the small draw to my left. Important dates and information. Sick in Kansas..Again (Using OnX To Find Permission . Those whove been to the Cornhusker State realize how good it is. After years of public hunting under my belt, I should have known better. The permit itself is $442,50 for the adult and $117,50. The locals had the deer were surrounded. Not only is Wyoming a beautiful place to visit, but more than 55-percent of the state's land offers public hunting, and there are plenty of game species to pursue, making it a hunter's paradise. Private Lands. 27-Jul-12. 3. As if. Hunting whitetails on on public land in Kansas is about as good as it gets for the chance at a legitimate trophy buck. . Deer Hunting; Elk Hunting; Hunting Dogs; Predator Hunting; Small Game Hunting; . Despite a slight increase in harvested land from the late 1990s, the harvest has declined since 2010. The 4,300-acre Red Willow State Recreation Areaoffers good habitat and hunting opportunities, too. Gordon Whittington talks with Steven Sprout about the trophy buck he took back in 1998 while bowhunting public land in Illinois. For me, the better option is small, overlooked ground that will house deer in a spot that flies under the radar of other hunters. "The deer can see a decoy for a long, long way in . JavaScript is disabled. FORLOH AllClima Softshell and AllClima Stretch Woven Pant Review. Scout and hunt some of the many smaller acreages throughout the area. Find the doe on the fields and where they are coming from, then hunt that corridor like others have stated. Rural areas with prairie grounds have grasslands with public access. Awesome advice so far! Hunting ducks is a great way to enjoy this land. The Problem: Hunter Access. Messages. I sat there sulking in my tree for about 10 to 15 minutes, when I heard deep grunting behind me. This is almost 0.8% of the total area of this state. Those who havent are missing out. The Land of Lincoln isnt quite as good as it once was, but its still Illinois. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). To my surprise, the big 10-point ran the doe back onto my side of the road, but I hadnt had time to range anything in all of the excitement and despair of the early morning. As a Ks resident I am able to get an either species tag about every other year so I will hunt Whitetail in SE Kansas one year and then Mule deer in NW Kansas the next. If you're on the outside looking in, shed hunting appears to be a simple endeavor. 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. Check out this Big Buck Profile segment from NAW TV: For updated deer-hunting rules and regulations, including information on seasons, bag limits and quotas, visit the KDWP website. Bucks used this area in daylight two years ago, and spot checking the road for tracks showed at least one decent buck had crossed the road there in the last 24 hours. 100 Best Public-Land Hunts: Kansas. Northeast Kansas hunting management units 9 and 10. Nor do I know how or where they like to bed. I hunt those units and will be this year. This hunting land in Mitchell County totals 13,200 acres. Im scouting walk in areas now via google maps as well as some of the WMA areas. Kansas has long been regarded as one of the top states in the country for hunting large white-tail deer. However, there are a few factors that can be considered when making a decision. Deer. If youre looking to add a little excitement to your next Kansas whitetail deer hunting trip, consider booking a guided hunt. 6 and No. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, hunters have been flocking to midwestern states in pursuit of giant-bodied and -antlered deer. Thats why we now have trail cameras, intuitive apps, and much more. One guy sitting in the right place can disrupt the deer travel for everybody in the ravine above it. ZIP: 66411, Think of nearby Tuttle Creek as Milfords tougher little brother. Walking past others while theyre hunting, Using someone elses treestand (even when legal), NEW insulated fabric on the roof, walls and windows, Heavy-duty 300D quilted fabric with dimensional, quilted exterior for ultimate warmth, Black ShadowGuard coating eliminates shadows and silhouettes, NEW full-size walk-through door for easy entry and exit, 12 large windows (8 triangular, 4 vertical) 33% more than standard blinds, NEW Silent Slide windows and mesh for quick, easy adjustments, Unique pentagon footprint creates a unique silhouette with extra floor space, Premium carabiner and cam buckle rope ties for quick, secure tie-down, Reflective top hub pull strap improves blind visibility at night, Carry bag, ground stakes, high wind tie-down cords included. Pheasant hunting is better suited to this area than bowhunting. A moment later, the buck and doe disappeared forever into a cedar thicket. With a variety of game species to choose from, Kansas offers hunters a unique hunting experience. Hunters and trappers must get permission before hunting or trapping on private land that is not part of a public access program, whether it is posted or not. It can cost as much as $2,600 to hunt during the peak season. Stay warm this winter and extend your hunts in a new thermal blind fromAmeristep! They have a special early season. Many have produced dozens. I got a second arrow knocked as quickly as possible and sent the second arrow through the lungs. And certainly, dont forget about controlled, draw and other limited-entry hunts on a variety of public land types. 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. In Southeast KS there is a lot of reclaimed strip pit mined land. If a deer head is submitted to KSVDL, there is a $16 fee for KSVDL to sample the head and a head dis-posal fee of $15.50. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Whitetail hunters should note that while there are whitetail deer in just about all of the Lower 48 and parts of Canada, for the purposes of this post we are . Some Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) programground is open to hunting, too. That concluded a fun hunt, which resulted in my first mature buck in Kansas. I hunted those units last year, I was there in early nov, most all the crops were gone and usually will be that time of year, doesnt make much sense to sit them as deer aren't focused on them much that time of year, sitting creeks that run to bigger blocks of woods is a good strategy as there is not alot of big chunks of woods in those units or most of kansas for that matter lol, one thing I can tell you is have a multitude of options if your hunting walk in land only, I ran into alot of people on walk ins and was hard to find one without somebody on it, most of the time they aren't big enough for two people to hunt either anyway, look for the overlooked or somewhere you can get back in aways will help as well, good luck. However, about 1/2 hour later, a real weird 2-year old buck came sniffing down the trail. The 4,500-acre Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge (843-784-2468) has been hosting a unique bow-only deer hunt since 1947. Milford Wildlife Area: The Milford Wildlife Area spans nearly 19,000 square feet of public land, all of which is open to hunting. Most hunters are going to look at the map, see that they cant access the property, and not even try to get permission. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The deer can be spotted here, but it will be difficult to harvest them. Pheasant, quail, prairie chickens, whitetail deer, turkey, and waterfowl are among the many species of game that hunters will be able to catch. "I green score for a lot of guys who have no intention of entering their buck into the record books, so there are a lot more trophies taken than hunters realize.". Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area Location: northeast Kansas Size: 12,000 acres ZIP . At this point, I still cant make out the headgear, and I was trying to will the hands of the clock towards legal shooting light. Although this year may see changes, things appear to be stable. Deer densities are lower, but its easier to get away from other hunters. . To make campsite reservations and purchase state park permits visit, https://www.campitks.com/. 000 95th Road , Piqua, KS, 66761, Woodson County. While those are more rural based, others are more urban and suburban. Tuttle Creek WMA. One of the reasons often cited for this loss is lack of access . Enjoy this land, muzzleloading shotguns, and likely require getting drawn best kansas public land deer hunting access of these are. A slight increase in harvested land from the most basic to the Cornhusker realize! 'S non-typical has occupied the top three my favorite public land are easy to find of there and... Steven Sprout about the trophy buck from September through may and consider each... A second arrow through the lungs find the doe on the outside looking in shed! Difficult to harvest them non-typicals in Pope & Young both came from here $ 442,50 for the and. 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