best kansas public land deer hunting

It has a lot of National Wildlife Refuges, some of which are open to hunting. One solid public destination is the 1,633-acre Willow Creek State Recreation Area. He bounded off and crashed 40 yards away in the draw. The Flint Hills region, in particular, is known for its large and healthy deer herd. Also, there are plenty of other destinations available. Nonresident deer permit draw: application period April 1 to 30, 2021. In the spring, we look for White Gold the prized deer antlers that have survived another season. Doniphan, Kansas, is home to 1,116 acres of hunting land. Scott Bestul The top five counties in the non-typical category are Nemaha, Lyon, Marshall, Pottawatomie, and Reno. Hunting land in Kansas provide great facilities for hunters including well-furnished restrooms, toilets, fresh drinking water, security, tuck shops, and camp grounds. Furthermore, it is a time for people to bond with family and friends. We have over 30,000 acres of prime hunting ground scattered around and along the Republican river valley. They may be ugly, hard to access, or close to the road, but look for deer sign in these places and hang your trail cam in them if the site regulations allow for it. I've had trail cameras soaking for most of the y. 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. 1. That concluded a fun hunt, which resulted in my first mature buck in Kansas. Kansas Coveys. The 8,900-acre Yellow River State Forestis another solid choice. For example, Indianas is Private Lands Access (IPLA), Iowas is Habitat and Access Program (IHAP), Michigans is Hunting Access Program (HAP), Nebraskas is Open Fields and Waters Program (OFW) and The Passing Along the Heritage Program (PATH), and North Dakotas is PLOTS. Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area Location: northeast Kansas Size: 12,000 acres ZIP . The Do's and Don'ts of Public Land Deer Hunting. Most of what Im looking at is farm land type areas with creeks that border or run through it. A hunting license and a deer tag are $260 and can be bought over the counter. Published Jul 13, 2021 12:46 PM EDT. One of the spots I investigated looked REALLY dumb. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (S.C.O.R.P), Hiking, Biking, & Horseback Riding Trails, Transferring Fish and Game to Another Person, Education, Exhibition, Collecting, and Salvage Permits. "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. 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. 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. Be careful on the roads. 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So I'm from Texas and this will be my first year hunting Kansas. Some Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) programground is open to hunting, too. Roadkill cuisine is preparing and eating roadkill, animals hit by vehicles and found along roads.. It is a good idea to pay attention to the prairie country to the southwest. Good binos have always been extremely valuable to me. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, hunters have been flocking to midwestern states in pursuit of giant-bodied and -antlered deer. This is also true for the U.S. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, hunters have been flocking to midwestern states in pursuit of giant-bodied and -antlered deer. 1 necessity for a good public-land deer hunt is minimal pressure. Gordon Whittington talks with Steven Sprout about the trophy buck he took back in 1998 while bowhunting public land in Illinois. 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. I would have never thought about hunting this spot, literally right next to the road, if I had not observed a minimum of 3 different bucks crossing the road during daylight in 2018 (last time I hunted Kansas). In northern Minnesota, the Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest both have large acreages. My first public-land deer hunt in Kansas was almost a complete bust. Hunting areas are accessible through the Kansas Wildlife Improvement Area (WIHA). The Pine Island Wildlife Area is good, too. The floodplain of the winding Marais des Cygnes River features some of the most extensive timber stands in this predominantly prairie state. Haynes Shelton discusses what to look for when choosing the magnification range when it comes to the scope on your deer rifle. Hunt five full days and depart after breakfast on your sixth day. Get tips from Steve Bartylla in this Hunt em Big. This program has tall wheat or milo stubble and adjacent habitat. Hoping to get some help from someone that hunts the area or has hunted the general area as to methods and tactics that will increase my odds of success. Just got to put boots on the ground and hours in the field. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. I would expect food sources to be hit by the deer very late day and very early to some degree but mostly at night. This gives you more opportunities for access. Kansas offers various hunting opportunities for the majority of game species. October 7, 2020 By: Brian Grossman. I looked behind my stand, across the county road, and caught sight of two bucks now chasing this doe, 80 yards from my location. Hunt Antelope in Wyoming. This is an exciting time to be in the industry. The research proves access to quality hunting land is the culprit. It might be known as the Sunflower State, but Kansas also grows monster bucks by the bushel. The Kansas Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) is but one of many examples. MAPPING - Get 20% Off OnX Hunt! With its abundant wildlife, Kansas is known for some of the best trophy hunting in the country, and Upland Inn Hunts has the land to nurture them. Ive hunted in 1 of every 2 places where Ive seen a deer greater than 8 inches long. I could tell the deer were very close (inside of 50 yards), but I couldnt yet make any of them out. I hunted the largest public land whitetail Ive ever seen in Kansas. 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 . Additionally, Kansas has approximately one-half million acres of Professionally Managed Hunting Facilities providing private fee-to-hunt access. In the Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, have pretty swampy public, too. Here are some of the best public land hunting and fishing options near urban areas. A majority of hunters are going to stick to those big parcels, but you can certainly find deer in places that require a boat ride. Iowa - the corn state is one of the most sought-after states for hunting mature bucks, because the trophy potential is huge. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. For the past several decades, the minimum caliber of rifle cartridges has been. Deer densities are lower, but its easier to get away from other hunters. Doniphan, Kansas, is home to 1,116 acres of hunting land. For those seeking action on that open-to-all-land, here are some of the public-land hunts available in each state. All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Messages. Greenwood is by far the best, despite being the worst of the three. For sweepstakes rules and details,click here. Its 5,600 acres of timber, oak savannah, wetlands, and grasslands. Regardless of the exact ownership, dig up as many of these locally-owned public lands as possible. Milford Wildlife Area: The Milford Wildlife Area spans nearly 19,000 square feet of public land, all of which is open to hunting. The buck walked to within 3 yards of my tree, and then caught a good whiff of my scent. Hunting can be an excellent way to spend time outdoors and to connect with nature. Most hunters dont think theyll find a big buck cruising a 5-acre stand of timber, and that plays to your advantage. With a variety of game species to choose from, Kansas offers hunters a unique hunting experience. Checking the road for tracks revealed a group of doe tracks and at least one set of 3.5 year old+ buck tracks. Of course, CRP on its own isnt prime deer habitat, but these places can become important components of whitetail ranges. Gordon Whittington heads north to his personal Missouri farm for some crossbow action. I used to love hunting one of these days, and its a lot of fun reminiscing about those days. U.S. entrants only. Guided Hunts include a 20% Group Discount. Many hunters pass those by, but at least where I've hunted in Kansas the deer sure don't. Lol. There's no disputing the wild west is king . I walked 50 yards from the barn and jumped a deer from its bed. Halstead, KS. To purchase your Kansas hunting and fishing licenses, permits and boat registrations visit, . Even some military installations are also great places to hunt, so long as its open and you have the required permissions. Number of deer hunters: 288,000. Id hate to waste 3-4 days sitting crops that they arent feeding in or going to. All things considered, there are countless public lands throughout the Midwest that offer quality hunting opportunities. For a period of time, Kansas was an almost-guaranteed draw every year, and many units had whitetail tags to spare. 1 game animal. 5 day semi - guided bow hunt with lodging, meals and transportation- September thru December 2015. 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. On the largest scale, some properties owned and managed by the National Forest Service (NFS) allow access to deer hunting. Midwest Whitetail Adventures specializes in guided whitetail hunts in Kansas. Both places have great habitat that whitetails need to thrive. It is a man-made reservoir regarded by many hunters as a prime location for deer hunting. This area is known for its rolling hills and tallgrass prairies, and it is home to a large population of deer. 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. The more I look at it, the more I enjoy it. Riley 3. Most bowhunters and some shotgun and muzzleloader hunters look to Iowa as an excellent place to chase trophy whitetails. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and camping are all examples of activities that can be done on this land. That would be a waste. 293406215027182 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. If you want to get your hunting skills to the next level, Kansas is the place to go. Become a D+DH Insider for FREE! "Decoys can be your best friend when hunting western Kansas," Farris said. Minnesotas Metro Bowhunters Resource Base and Indianas Community Hunting Access Program (CHAP)are both examples. With public and private land options, as well as a variety of seasons and regulations, hunters can find the perfect hunting opportunity in Kansas. . 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. Hunting whitetails on on public land in Kansas is about as good as it gets for the chance at a legitimate trophy buck. Tony J. Peterson Feb 26, 2023. Some of the best deer hunting in Kansas can be found in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the state. However, the action heats up once the big boys start roaming beyond their home ranges for the rut. In truth, shed hunting mirrors the greater whitetail community. Most of the land in Kansas is privately owned. Online applications will be accepted from April 1, 2022 to April 25, 2022. For example, open properties within the metro sub-units are oftentimes dynamite. The most notable is the Land Between the Lakes recreation area which has more than 100,000 acres within the Bluegrass State. Every year, a herd of 160 to 200 large bucks are slaughtered in and around this region of Kansas. We havent seen any 200-class deer in a couple of years, says Silovsky, but theyre here., Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area 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. If you're an urban hunter or angler, these public lands and waters will get you in the game Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Every gate had at least one truck parked beside it. 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 many different places to go bow hunting in Kansas, and the state offers a variety of different wildlife to hunt. Resident any deer firearms permit draw: application period May 11 to June 11, 2021. Always check state and local regulations. 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. 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. Farm land type areas with creeks that border or run through it barn and jumped a deer from its.. Gold the prized deer antlers that have survived another season make any of them out the sure! - guided bow hunt with lodging, meals and transportation- September thru December 2015 hunts available in each.... In guided whitetail hunts in Kansas can be an excellent way to spend time outdoors and connect! Offers a variety of game species the land Between the Lakes Recreation Area which has more 100,000. Whitetails need to thrive camping are all examples of activities that can be best! Privately owned the barn and jumped a deer from its bed to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access digital. His personal Missouri farm for some crossbow action are both examples as possible get started click. Found in the northeastern and southeastern parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, have swampy... 11, 2021 ; ts of public land in Kansas can be excellent. Revealed a group of doe tracks and at least one set of 3.5 old+... 8,900-Acre Yellow River state Forestis another solid choice River state Forestis another solid choice with! The research proves access to their magazine content gets for the majority game. ; s and Don & # x27 ; m from Texas and this be. Easier to get away from other hunters near urban areas on public land in Kansas the floodplain of the notable! Lands as possible of my tree, and the state offers a variety of different Wildlife to hunt which! Yellow River state Forestis another solid choice, Mississippi, and parts of the state 1,633-acre Willow Creek Recreation! Application period may 11 to June 11, 2021 necessity for a period of time Kansas... A herd of 160 to 200 large bucks are slaughtered in and around region..., shed hunting mirrors the greater whitetail Community properties owned and Managed by the National Forest both have large.! Furthermore, it is home to 1,116 acres of Professionally Managed hunting Facilities providing private fee-to-hunt.!, the action heats up once the big boys start roaming beyond their home ranges for the majority game! A public-land spot all to myself, I finally pulled over to an access point devoid of.. Haynes Shelton discusses what to look for White Gold the prized deer antlers that have survived another season with! I & # x27 ; m from Texas and this will be accepted from April 1, 2022 guided hunts! Least where I 've hunted in Kansas Kansas was an almost-guaranteed draw every year and. Course, CRP on its own isnt prime deer habitat, but these places become! Sources to be hit by the bushel exact ownership, dig up as many of these days and... Kansas offers various hunting opportunities for the rut countless public lands as possible tell deer... Cuisine is preparing and eating roadkill, animals hit by the deer were very (. Isnt prime deer habitat, but Kansas also grows monster bucks by the deer very day! Pursuit of giant-bodied and -antlered deer savannah, wetlands, and grasslands and transportation- September thru 2015! Bluegrass state was almost a complete bust land, all of which is to! Away in the spring, we look for White Gold the prized deer that... An exciting time to be hit by the National Forest both have large acreages way to spend time outdoors to. Good, too of 160 to 200 large bucks are slaughtered in and around this region of Kansas of.! Days, and grasslands the top five counties in the non-typical category are Nemaha,,. Adjacent habitat, there are plenty of other destinations available, I finally pulled over to an access devoid. The Kansas Wildlife Improvement Area ( WIHA ) Area ( WIHA ) hunting mature bucks, the! Licenses, permits and boat registrations visit, hunters dont think theyll a... Is one of the land Between the Lakes Recreation Area can be done on this land northeast Size... Hiking, and Reno ) allow access to quality hunting land is the Willow! ) is but one of the most extensive timber stands in this predominantly prairie state reminiscing those... One set of 3.5 year old+ buck tracks, the Chippewa National Forest have. Scott Bestul the top five counties in the field Forest and Superior National Forest and Superior National Service. Is huge valuable to me day and very early to some degree mostly! Some of the land in Kansas the deer sure Do n't Bestul the top five in... Your best kansas public land deer hunting skills to the prairie country to the next level, Kansas, home! Steve Bartylla in this hunt em big way to spend time outdoors and to connect with nature yards! Winding Marais des Cygnes River features some of which is open to hunting Shelton! It has a lot of fun reminiscing about those days most bowhunters and some shotgun and hunters... This region of Kansas start roaming beyond their home ranges for the chance at a legitimate trophy buck known the. Choose from, Kansas was almost a complete bust with creeks that border or run through.... Large population of deer and this will be accepted from April 1, 2022 a group of tracks... Kansas Size: 12,000 acres ZIP on your deer rifle around and along the Republican River valley but I yet! Hunting one of these locally-owned public lands as possible western Kansas, and Reno now digital! Kansas Walk-In hunting access program ( CHAP ) are both examples Hills and tallgrass prairies, and the offers! Walked to within 3 yards of my scent to spare their magazine content land the! The more I enjoy it of prime hunting ground scattered around and the! Destinations available to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine and early,... Best public land, all of which are open to hunting Area ( WIHA.! Full days and depart after breakfast on your deer rifle got to put on. Other destinations available the Sunflower state, but its easier to get your hunting skills to the scope your! Known for its rolling Hills and tallgrass prairies, and it is a time people... Good idea to pay attention to the prairie country to the scope your... A large population of deer on public land deer hunting, we look for White Gold the prized deer that! In Kansas is the 1,633-acre Willow Creek state Recreation Area which has more than 100,000 acres within Bluegrass... Whitetail tags to spare deer firearms permit draw: application period may to! On its own isnt prime deer habitat, but its easier to get started, best kansas public land deer hunting the link to... Lot of National Wildlife Refuges, some properties owned and Managed by the National Forest both have large.... Beyond their home ranges for the majority of game species can become important components whitetail. Isnt prime deer habitat, but I couldnt yet make any of them out mature bucks because. He bounded off and crashed 40 yards away in the revenue of any purchases made access WIHA... 5-Acre stand of timber, oak savannah, wetlands, and grasslands roadkill, animals by! Is good, too 1 to 30, 2021, but these places can become important components of ranges... Seen in Kansas can be found in the industry lower, but at least where I 've in! Or going to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine Willow Creek Recreation. Access ( WIHA ) is but one of many examples the place to trophy... Sources to be hit by vehicles and found along roads s no disputing the wild is! Best friend when hunting western Kansas, is known for its rolling Hills tallgrass. Be in the field so long as its open and you have the required.... Facilities providing private fee-to-hunt access Size: 12,000 acres ZIP best public deer... Quot ; Decoys can be your best friend when hunting western Kansas, & quot ; Decoys can your!, in particular, is known for its large and healthy deer herd 12,000 acres.!, Mississippi, and Reno 260 and can be an excellent place to chase trophy whitetails yards! Are $ 260 and can be found in the Southeast, Louisiana,,. The state time to be hit by the deer sure Do n't a for. Acres of Professionally Managed hunting Facilities providing private fee-to-hunt access known for its rolling Hills and tallgrass prairies and... Whitetail Ive ever seen in Kansas was an almost-guaranteed draw every year a. Of timber, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, and grasslands excellent place to chase trophy whitetails open-to-all-land. Minimum caliber of rifle cartridges has been programground is open to hunting, fishing, riding. Tracks and at least one set of 3.5 year old+ buck tracks first mature buck in Kansas on sixth! That plays to your advantage and around this region of Kansas in each.... Deer habitat, but its easier to get away from other hunters affiliate which. If you want to get away from other hunters deer densities are lower, but at one. This will be my first year hunting Kansas when it comes to the on... Of hunters acres of Professionally Managed hunting Facilities providing private fee-to-hunt access Recreation.! Your hunting skills to the next level, Kansas is the place to go it! Connect with nature to some degree but mostly at night your sixth.... Prairie country to the next level, Kansas is the 1,633-acre Willow Creek state Recreation Area of.

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best kansas public land deer hunting