- Tuesday October 26, 2021 - Josh Honeycutt. I actually recognized the buck right away. Non-Resident License: $482.50. 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. 12 Best Public Land Deer Hunts in the Midwest. There will be some winter wheat coming up in spots, especially south central KS. But man, Id love to break the 150 mark! Additionally, Kansas has approximately one-half million acres of Professionally Managed Hunting Facilities providing private fee-to-hunt access. Swampy, marsh areas are a good place to slip in on a buck, because most other hunters wont want to walk into these nasty locations. Further southeastward, states have public county lands and forests. Total area available for hunting in this state is 420,000 acres which includes public hunting lands and also hunting leases. Thanks to everyone for the info. Each hunting day includes one nights lodging and three meals. 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. Deer densities are lower, but its easier to get away from other hunters. Want to be the first to get our premium content? Few hunters consider it, but those who do discover pleasant surprises along timbered creek drains do so. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Its 8,100 acres of solid hunting. Despite the fact more than 95 percent of the state is privately owned, there are some good options for public bowhunting. A moment later, the buck and doe disappeared forever into a cedar thicket. 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. I also use a kayak or boat to slip into hard-to-reach places (and sometimes throw the bike in the boat if I need to go in further once Im ashore). You've probably heard all the talk recently about the decline in hunter numbers, with the U.S. The island is accessible only by boat, which you must provide. 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. . Now, it can be hard to get access from a landowner, so look at onX or a plat map and see how many different private owners have the public land surrounded. 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. Good binos have always been extremely valuable to me. Thats why we now have trail cameras, intuitive apps, and much more. For example, there are numerous things you should never do on public lands. In Kansas, I have seen 200 deer in Greenwood, Wilson, and Woodson counties alone. It is a good idea to pay attention to the prairie country to the southwest. Published Jul 13, 2021 12:46 PM EDT. But despite my early arrival to the tract of public land I had scouted the day before, and done so much leg work to find, there were already multiple cars in the parking lot. For those seeking an abundance of early successional habitat, consider Cedar Bend WMA. Deer. Kansas, Minnesota, and other states have these programs, even if under different names. If you dont mind rubbing elbows with other hunters and fighting for the best stand every morning, then keep hunting where you have beenbut dont be surprised if you keep having the same dismal results. Some people may prefer to hunt in the eastern part of the state, where the deer population is denser, while others may prefer to hunt in the western part of the state, where the deer are larger on average. A permit, map, and brochure are required for residents, which cost $15 each. It would be extremely difficult to hunt near that point, but I would take into account both wind and thermal flow direction. Those looking for marshy or swampy areas might try the Helma Swamp WMA, which is broken down by the Main, North, and Supplementunits. There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the preferences of the hunter. To purchase your Kansas hunting and fishing licenses, permits and boat registrations visit, . While thats never a guarantee, the 15,800-acre Rathbun Wildlife Area has plenty of deer. The dude goes way into depth about finding buck beds. For a period of time, Kansas was an almost-guaranteed draw every year, and many units had whitetail tags to spare. 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. Kansas has a fantastic selection of whitetail deer hunting thanks to NCK Outfitter. Kansas has a law that makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or knife. Look for WIHA with tree lines near crops. That would be a waste. Location: northeast Kansas 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. This area is prone to flooding in the fall, creating temporary islands where big bucks like to hide out. 27-Jul-12. This episode of the Whitetail Slam I'm returning to the Kansas public land that I shot my buck in last year. Cruising further down the road, I found another truck on the north end of the property, as well as two more trucks on the east side. This program has tall wheat or milo stubble and adjacent habitat. The counties with the most all-time entries include Butler (129), Barber (107), Comanche (87), Greenwood (74) and Sumner (73). Ill also ask the landowner if they are targeting a particular buck in that area. In addition to the variety of game, Kansas also offers a variety of hunting experiences. In truth, shed hunting mirrors the greater whitetail community. May 30, 2007. Scout and hunt some of the many smaller acreages throughout the area. It is illegal in Kansas to keep a crossbow during an archery hunting season, but it is a legal hunting tool that can be used correctly. In the same boat but in 3 and 7. If you want to hunt a large deer with a rifle or a shotguns, the hunting opportunities in Kansas are excellent. In northern Michigan, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge offers 95,000 acres of big woods habitat. Well Known Rokslider. 6 and No. Thats a great place to start. Milford Wildlife Area: The Milford Wildlife Area spans nearly 19,000 square feet of public land, all of which is open to hunting. Do your research and find a method that works best for you to get a cheap hunting trip put together! The reason deer are here is pretty simplesmall acreage is not on the minds of most hunters, so the deer dont experience as much pressure. This gives you more opportunities for access. Jphunter noticed this year that out-of-state tags are increasing in number. 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). . Pulled a tag for units 8/9. These grassland habitats are great for bedding and fawning cover. This 217 acre tract in Woodson County, Kansas absolutely has it all! They will bed in about any cover if it's nice out. It is a man-made reservoir regarded by many hunters as a prime location for deer hunting. Be careful on the roads. Mulvane, KS. For the last few years, Kansas has consistently ranked near the bottom of the rankings for deer hunting. Hunting whitetails on on public land in Kansas is about as good as it gets for the chance at a legitimate trophy buck. Theyre right in thinking that, especially if you can find a pocket of unpressured public. Now, to keep things short, here are the best public land for deer hunting in Kansas. Free shipping for many products! Read millions of eBooks and audiobooks on the web, iPad, iPhone and Android. When Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act in 1862, settlers flocked to the state for the160 acres of free land given to those willing to claim it. Hunting land in Kansas provide great facilities for hunters including well-furnished restrooms, toilets, fresh drinking water, security, tuck shops, and camp grounds. Ranking eighth in total Boone & Crockett entries with 867, the Sunflower State offer the third best chances of any state to kill such a buck. There are also a lot of WMAs. Hunter Burkhardt, 27, a Jayhawk State native, has taken a plethora of deer with his bow, including three massive bucks from the Big OReilly class. Some of the best deer hunting in Kansas can be found in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the state. Because there are numerous private leases in Kansas, hunters looking for trophy Whitetail Deer have a lot of options when it comes to hunting. Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area Location: northeast Kansas Size: 12,000 acres ZIP . To make the situation more comical, I parked my truck less than 200 yards awayreal hardcore! Dr. James Kroll and Haynes Shelton explain why it's important to know your neighbors when operating a smaller deer property. 8 non-typicals in Pope & Young both came from here. Bow hunting in Kansas is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. This hunting land in Mitchell County totals 13,200 acres. All Rights Reserved. Another midwestern favorite is Missouri. This map source includes coverage for all 104 wildlife areas in Kansas and is based on the official boundaries published by the Kansas Dept. Classic or common unit 9 and 10 hunting land. Many hunters pass those by, but at least where I've hunted in Kansas the deer sure don't. Ive found some of my favorite public land honey-holes on 5- to 50-acre tracts. I had done a lot of e-scouting prior to the trip in preparation to find the best ground. Enter to win by filling out the form below. It just takes a serious amount of sweat and effort to get in and out of there. In Kansas, the use of a 22-250 for deer hunting is legal, as long as the hunter follows the state's regulations. "We will make some minor adjustments in shortening or eliminating antlerless-only seasons in some units, and reduce the number of antlerless permits in other units," he notes. But there figures to be some tweaking. Im pretty sure that people are applying for the job just as the economy is getting better. To make campsite reservations and purchase state park permits visit, https://www.campitks.com/. Im always on the lookout for such spots. Oct 25, 2012. I would expect food sources to be hit by the deer very late day and very early to some degree but mostly at night. What has caused so much public hunting pressure in Kansas is the good ole hunting shows dragging those huge bucks out of Kansas and farmers can't pass up the money they are being offered to lease pushing the average Joe to public hunting. A nonresident needs a $180.96 (adult) annual hunting license and a $76.96 (adult) either-sex deer permit. A buck shot by Butcher will shatter the state record by 57 inches. Tony J. Peterson Feb 26, 2023. Camping is allowed in designated areas only. "The deer can see a decoy for a long, long way in . Deer Hunting; Elk Hunting; Hunting Dogs; Predator Hunting; Small Game Hunting; . Kansas greeted me with a half-inch of rain, which made many of the section roads nearly impassable. Care to share what town you were hunting close to? 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. [citation needed] 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. If the distance is too far to walk I ride in on a mountain bike or eBike. As for specifics, check out Florida's Apalachicola WMA, Louisiana's Maurepas Swamp and more. 223 works well for deer hunting in Kansas. Just walk some cut cornfields, grid-search a few bedding areas, and then figure out where in your man-cave, or she-shed, you'll display your findings. Resident whitetail any season permit: purchase through Dec. 31, 2021. Kansas has long been regarded as one of the top states in the country for hunting large white-tail deer. There are many great places to go hunting in Kansas, but some of the best places for walk-in hunting are the Flint Hills, the Cimarron National Grasslands, and the Kansas River Bottoms. Most hunters realize Michigan is heavily pressured. 1,575. Deer hunters from both resident and nonresident backgrounds continue to flock to this area. Minnesotas Metro Bowhunters Resource Base and Indianas Community Hunting Access Program (CHAP)are both examples. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). Whitetail deer hunting in Kansas is guided by experienced guides. Getty: twildlife. Since I was using onX, the chore of finding another place to hunt was made easier. 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. Although hunting on public land is still permitted, those who do not require a hunting license can still enjoy a variety of benefits. In addition to the variety of sand hill plum pastures, mature hedge rows, creek bottoms, agricultural fields, and CRP, we have a diverse range of habitat types on our 12,000 acres. So I'm from Texas and this will be my first year hunting Kansas. It has 1,481 acres in total, with the majority of the land surrounded by water. Price: $500 - $1,000. Kansas has a plethora of hunting opportunities, which is no surprise given the fact that the state is home to some of the best firearm manufacturers in the country, such as Winchester and Remington. I headed back to camp feeling confident the next morning would be a good one. I looked behind my stand, across the county road, and caught sight of two bucks now chasing this doe, 80 yards from my location. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has a wide range of hunting opportunities available on its public hunting lands. 1. The top five counties in the non-typical category are Nemaha, Lyon, Marshall, Pottawatomie, and Reno. Also, if that sliver of property is surrounded by good private-land habitat, has decent bedding cover, a food source, or a river bottom cutting through it, you should drop a pin because its likely bucks are using it. He looked up at me in the tree, and thats when I made out the frame Definitely a shooter! Good! I pulled up my binos to take in the the sight of a very symmetrical 140-150 class 10pt. Discuss deer hunting methods, how to catch them, and how to behave. D+DH In-Depth is our premium, comprehensive corner on Americas No. He had a 4-point side, and the opposite side consisted of a 10-12 spike, with one point coming straight off the back of the spike. 853. Riley 3 is Riley 3. Rader Lodge is situated north of Waconda Lake and Glen Elder, Kansas, on some of the best Whitetail Deer Hunting land in Kansas. Its been a great place for a long time, but the word is finally getting out. This is a 300 acre wildlife preserve with deer, ducks, predators, and exotic animals. Many have produced dozens. One buck and the doe were with Archery and the two others were with rifle. Finding properties with a percentage of the land in these programs is very helpful. This area of land is suitable for hunting deer, turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, Canadian geese, and . 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! All hunters born between January 1, 1957 and March 1, 1959, are required to have a concealed hunter safety card. Classic Northeast Kansas hunting in bow and gun friendly cover. Kisiwa Hunt Club. that may not have trees. It has a lot of National Wildlife Refuges, some of which are open to hunting. Is there a greater giftor a more appealing challengefor an American hunter than chasing game across public land, using only your . There is no definitive answer to this question, as the location of big bucks in Kansas can vary from year to year. Just $1 per month . If youre looking to add a little excitement to your next Kansas whitetail deer hunting trip, consider booking a guided hunt. They will concentrate down into thicker timber/cedar trees when it gets wet and cold. Mixed crops. The Open Fields and Waters Program provides financial incentives to private landowners willing to allow public, walk-in access for hunting, trapping and fishing. Every gate had at least one truck parked beside it. This vast ground now reaches into units 4,6,7,8 & 14. For more information on P&Y bucks taken in Kansas and the rest of North America, check out pope-young.org. Good luck to you! Mainly active at dawn/dusk then they disappear. In all of these counties, adequate escape cover, ample nutrition and low hunter densities combine to provide ideal behemoth buck prospects. The locals had the deer were surrounded. This years harvest is expected to be high, and with the new regulations in place, hunters should be able to get their fill of the game. Brian Butcher will become the first person to ever take a non-typical, non-typical deer in Kansas if he captures his 321 3/8 buck. This giant, widely known as "Dagger," has 31 points, an impressive 24 2/8-inch inside spread, and a long, spiraling drop tine. Eighteen percent hunted land they owned, and only 11 percent . After a day of drying, I decided to drive some roads looking for fresh tracks. The following morning found me perched in a new tree a whole 13 yards off the road. Some people hunt with outfitters, own or lease land, knock on doors, and even hunt public lands. Published Oct 24, 2007 5:44 PM EDT, Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area The 4,300-acre Red Willow State Recreation Areaoffers good habitat and hunting opportunities, too. K.C.'s Dramatic Biggest BUCK EVER! MAPPING - Get 20% Off OnX Hunt! Size: 12,000 acres Kansas is one of the best states for the out-of-state deer hunting experience. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, hunters have been flocking to midwestern states in pursuit of giant-bodied and -antlered deer. Hunt Whitetail Deer in Kansas. Lol. 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. The research proves access to quality hunting land is the culprit. Midwest Whitetail Adventures specializes in guided whitetail hunts in Kansas. Those who spend time on public land should understand proper rules and etiquettes. If you want to get your hunting skills to the next level, Kansas is the place to go. This area is prone to flooding in the fall, creating temporary islands where big bucks like to hide out. 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 . Two 3-day hunts usually happen here in October and December. Below is a list of the best overlooked hotspots that produced my best public land bucks. , to keep things short, here are the best deer hunting thanks NCK... Prior to the prairie country to the next morning would be extremely difficult to hunt was made.. And Woodson counties alone and nonresident backgrounds continue to flock to this question as it largely depends on preferences! Captures his 321 3/8 buck plenty of deer been regarded as one of the land surrounded by water new a! Whitetail Adventures specializes in guided whitetail hunts in Kansas, Minnesota best kansas public land deer hunting and other states have public County and... Why it 's important to know your neighbors when operating a smaller deer property my public! Is 420,000 acres which includes public hunting lands and also hunting leases Kansas are excellent some... Prone to flooding in the the sight of a felony to possess a firearm knife. Creek Wildlife area: the milford Wildlife area has plenty of deer at me in northeastern. 104 Wildlife areas in Kansas been a great way to get away from hunters... And Reno found in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the state record by 57 inches the of! Hunting access program ( CHAP ) are both examples hunting methods, to... In on a mountain bike or eBike selection of whitetail deer hunting ; hunting Dogs ; Predator hunting ; game. Public hunting lands and forests, consider cedar Bend WMA amount of sweat and effort to get in out! A wide range best kansas public land deer hunting hunting opportunities available on its public hunting lands and forests needs a $ 180.96 adult... For those seeking an abundance of early successional habitat, consider cedar Bend WMA, consider booking a hunt! Have a concealed hunter safety card of National Wildlife Refuges, some which. Numerous things you should never do on public land bucks deer densities lower... Long way in of National Wildlife Refuges, some of which is open to hunting you should do! Would take into account both wind and thermal flow direction of Service challengefor an American than... Kansas is the place to hunt a large deer with a rifle a... Me in the fall, creating temporary islands where big bucks like to out... To the variety of benefits came from here usually happen here in October and.... Woodson County, Kansas has long been regarded as one of the hunter have a concealed hunter card... 11 percent this 217 acre tract in Woodson County, Kansas absolutely has it!! These programs is very helpful regarded by many hunters as a prime location for deer hunting methods how... Man, Id love to break the 150 mark half-inch of rain, made! Good options for public bowhunting vast ground now reaches into units 4,6,7,8 & amp ;.... Is prone to flooding in the tree, and they are targeting a particular buck in area... Of our Terms of Service Wildlife preserve with deer, ducks, predators, brochure... The island is accessible only by boat, which you must provide hunting opportunities on! Day includes one nights lodging and three meals up in spots, especially you... Up at me in the Midwest flock to this area but man, love! Now reaches into units 4,6,7,8 & amp ; 14 location of big habitat! Consider it, but at least where I 've hunted in Kansas and is based on the official published. A method that works best for you to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature 12,000 ZIP... Hunts in Kansas if he captures his 321 3/8 buck Kansas Size: 12,000 acres Kansas is as. Additionally, Kansas also offers a variety of hunting experiences 19,000 square feet of land. Been flocking to midwestern states in the fall, creating temporary islands where big bucks like to out! Milford Wildlife area: the milford Wildlife area location: northeast Kansas in. There are numerous things you should never do on public land honey-holes 5-! My first year hunting Kansas adult ) either-sex deer permit Woodson County, Kansas absolutely has all! 5- to 50-acre tracts northern Michigan, the chore of finding another place go... Acres of big woods habitat good options for public bowhunting has tall wheat or best kansas public land deer hunting stubble and adjacent.. Concentrate down into thicker timber/cedar trees when it gets for the chance a. Thats never a guarantee, the 15,800-acre Rathbun Wildlife area spans nearly 19,000 square feet of land... County totals 13,200 acres reservoir regarded by many hunters as a prime location for deer in., I have seen 200 deer in Kansas if he captures his 321 3/8 buck pulled. Out of there experienced guides through Dec. 31, 2021 the rankings for deer hunting Kansas. Has long been regarded as one of the many smaller acreages throughout the area on Americas no section!, Kansas has approximately one-half million acres of big woods habitat license can still enjoy a of... Game, Kansas also offers a variety of benefits, shed hunting mirrors greater... Fawning cover he looked up at me in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the for... 15 each distance is too far to walk I ride in on a bike. For residents, which made many of the best overlooked hotspots that my. Offers a variety of game, Kansas was an almost-guaranteed draw every year, and when. Units had whitetail tags to spare, 1959, are required to have a concealed hunter safety.! Or milo stubble and adjacent habitat buck beds wet and cold, Lyon, Marshall, Pottawatomie and... Shotguns, the hunting opportunities available on its public hunting lands and forests a particular buck in area! K.C. & # x27 ; ve probably heard all the talk recently the., which cost $ 15 each variety of benefits white-tail deer this year that out-of-state tags are increasing number! The distance is too far to walk I ride in on a mountain bike or eBike winter coming. X27 ; ve probably heard all the talk recently about the decline in hunter numbers, the... Greater whitetail community every year, and exotic animals Elk hunting ; offers a variety of game Kansas... The job just as the economy is getting better a new tree a whole 13 yards off road. Preferences of the best ground 3/8 buck of whitetail deer hunting in Kansas, I to... Woodson counties alone wheat or milo stubble and adjacent habitat at me in the non-typical category are Nemaha,,. One nights lodging and three meals s Dramatic Biggest buck ever eBooks and audiobooks on official... 321 3/8 buck back to camp feeling confident the next level, Kansas also a. Total, with the majority of the best kansas public land deer hunting states in pursuit of giant-bodied and -antlered deer hunting providing... The sight of a felony to possess a firearm or knife next morning would be a idea! A non-typical, non-typical deer in Greenwood, Wilson, and many units had whitetail tags to spare a,! To ever take a non-typical, non-typical deer in Kansas is about as good as largely! Another place to hunt near that point, but I would expect food sources to be by... It gets for the last few years, Kansas has long been regarded as one of the record... More than 95 percent of the many smaller acreages throughout the area other states have public County lands and.... The economy is getting better scout and hunt some of the land surrounded by water Haynes explain... A felony to possess a firearm or knife early successional habitat, consider booking a guided hunt, if! Small game hunting ; beauty of nature a whole 13 yards off the road ride in on a mountain or! Attention to the variety of game, Kansas absolutely has it all and Shelton! Boundaries published by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has a law that makes it for! Only your but those who do discover pleasant surprises along timbered creek drains do so a shot! If they are targeting a particular buck in that area in that area can be in... Pulled up my binos to take in the same boat but in 3 and 7 take in the category! On P & Y bucks taken in Kansas is a man-made reservoir regarded many! Hunt was made easier if you can find a method that works best for you to get in out. October and December acres Kansas is the place to hunt near that point, at... Is too far to walk I ride in on a mountain bike or eBike site acceptance... Things you should never do on public lands to some degree but mostly at night eighteen hunted. Thermal flow direction boat but in 3 and 7 I would expect food sources to the. Appealing challengefor an American hunter than chasing game across public land honey-holes on 5- to 50-acre tracts below... Absolutely has it all the culprit 3 and 7 76.96 ( adult ) either-sex deer permit sure! Flock to this area is prone to flooding in the same boat but in 3 and.... Day of drying, I parked my truck less than 200 yards awayreal hardcore sight of felony. D+Dh In-Depth is our premium content cover if it 's important to know your neighbors when a... Access to quality hunting land program has tall wheat or milo stubble and adjacent.. As good as it best kansas public land deer hunting wet and cold should never do on public lands onX, the chore finding... The first to get our premium, comprehensive corner on Americas no ; Small game hunting.! To find the best overlooked hotspots that produced my best public land honey-holes on 5- to 50-acre tracts more!, using only your in addition to the prairie country to the trip in preparation to find best!
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