best kansas public land deer hunting

There are approximately 300 to 400 acres of this property. There are a lot of public venues that are a mix of lakes and islands and large tracts of land. | 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. Discuss deer hunting methods, how to catch them, and how to behave. Also, the 7,684-acre Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area to the southeast is a public-land whitetail haven. Just $1 per month , Buy a boat and focus on small properties if you want to have more success deer hunting public land, By Big lesson learned hereput prior years intel into play, no matter how dumb it might feel! However, there are a few factors that can be considered when making a decision. The clinton lake area is in what is called Deer Management Unit 19, (somewhat suburban) asare a lotpublic lake areas from the east state line to Topeka area. 449 S 12th St.Tampa, Florida 33602United States, Equipping Police Cars With Binoculars For Hazardous Materials Incidents, Bringing Binoculars To A Meadowlands Concert: See The Performers And Venue Like Never Before, How To Put Your Name On Binoculars Without Damaging Them, Understanding The 6 Degrees Measurement: A Guide To Field Of View In Binoculars, Understanding Air Travel Rules For Carrying Binoculars: A Guide To Packing Binoculars For Your Flight, How To Properly Tighten Your Bushnell Binoculars: An Easy Guide, How To Repair Sticky Coating On Binoculars: A Guide To DIY Binocular Repair, Unlock The Wonders Of The World With Binoculars: A Guide For Kids, Get The Lowdown On Binoculars: An Exploration Of The Numbers On Binoculars, Choosing The Right Binoculars For Birding: Finding The Balance Between Magnification And Field Of View, Exploring The Strength And Durability Of WW2 Binoculars: An In-Depth Look At A Vital Piece Of Battlefield Equipment, Find The Best Deals On Binoculars: Key Times To Check For Sales, Spotting Potential Connections: The Power Of Jackds Binoculars. For a period of time, Kansas was an almost-guaranteed draw every year, and many units had whitetail tags to spare. Find the doe on the fields and where they are coming from, then hunt that corridor like others have stated. Although this year may see changes, things appear to be stable. 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). Augusta, KS. The famous Rokslider Buck is looking for does. Rader Lodge is situated north of Waconda Lake and Glen Elder, Kansas, on some of the best Whitetail Deer Hunting land in Kansas. By some miracle, he didnt bolt after the arrow hit him. Deer densities are lower, but its easier to get away from other hunters. He bounded off and crashed 40 yards away in the draw. CRACK!Oh crap! I hit him square in the shoulder and maybe got 8 of arrow penetration. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). There is a non-refundable application fee of $27 when getting a whitetail deer permit. This is a 300 acre wildlife preserve with deer, ducks, predators, and exotic animals. Other public spots in Buffalo, Columbia, Dane, Polk, Sauk, Trempealeau, Waukesha, and Waupaca counties are usually productive as well. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. That 1400 acre area was saturated with hunters during the rut last year. In the Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, have pretty swampy public, too. I simply had to pick one out, and head that direction, though I had no real clue how good or bad the properties were because I had never physically been on them. I hunted the largest public land whitetail Ive ever seen in Kansas. Posts: 93. Whitetail honey-holes on public land are rarely clearly defined. The Fall River area used to be an awesome area to deer hunt. Main thing is be mobile, Ive sat an area on one side of a creek on public and not seen more than a few doe pairs in a few days and decided to cross the creek at noon and had 3 bucks dogging a hot doe. 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. . Size: 12,000 acres Anyone seeking large tracts of land, or many smaller ones in hopes of finding a secluded spot, should consider the Mississippi River Pool areas. On the largest scale, some properties owned and managed by the National Forest Service (NFS) allow access to deer hunting. I have no clue what crops deer prefer over others up there. In this graduate-level course, well teach you about deer biology, behavior, and ultimately, how to become a better hunter. Hunt Antelope in Wyoming. But the state actually has a surprisingly diverse topography, ranging from the Great Plains in the West to the Smoky Hills in the center, to the Flint Hills and Arkansas River Lowlands in the southern and eastern reaches. Doniphan, Kansas, is home to 1,116 acres of hunting land. You must also have an annual hunting license at a cost of $25. He has alot of content out there, and if you feel like sifting through it, I'm sure you'll find some info to help kill a nice Kansas buck. Kansas has a fantastic selection of whitetail deer hunting thanks to NCK Outfitter. Even so, ask for permission. Pulled a tag for units 8/9. One Rifle to do it all Or a rifle for each occasion? Whitetail deer hunting in Kansas is guided by experienced guides. The outfitter on the south border of it has 5 stands within spitting distance of the fence. 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. A lot of the east/west roads in that area are dirt and any rain or snow melt will turn them into a slick mess. of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism. Deer hunters are all about making things easier. Entries made from 2010 until now reveal bowhunters in the eastern and south-central parts of Kansas are taking the most P&Ys. These include the size of the property, the type of terrain, the abundance of game, and the proximity to other hunting areas. But dont forget smaller ones. Ive killed quite a few over 130-140. K.C.'s Dramatic Biggest BUCK EVER! A steeper watershed makes Tuttle Creek prone to flooding during fall rains, producing isolated islands among cattail sloughs where big bucks hide. Published Oct 24, 2007 5:44 PM EDT, Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area However, some areas that have been known to hold good populations of big bucks include the Flint Hills, the Smoky Hills, and the Tallgrass Prairie. Some tracts are legitimately land-locked by private but you can knock on a landowners door to find out if he or she will let you walk across their property to access the public. 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. Most hunters realize Michigan is heavily pressured. Mike Clerkin heads to Buffalo County, Wisconsin to bowhunt whitetails. It has a lot of National Wildlife Refuges, some of which are open to hunting. And dont forget about the Sheyenne National Grassland, which includes more than 70,000 acres. If you want to hunt a large deer with a rifle or a shotguns, the hunting opportunities in Kansas are excellent. Checking the road for tracks revealed a group of doe tracks and at least one set of 3.5 year old+ buck tracks. Its been a great place for a long time, but the word is finally getting out. A nonresident needs a $180.96 (adult) annual hunting license and a $76.96 (adult) either-sex deer permit. 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. Thanks to everyone for the info. Zangerle and his two cameramen, Keith Robinson and Aaron Warbritton, arrived a few days prior to opening day to scout and find find areas to focus on for their five-day hunt. North central Kansas. 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. At the time of booking, hunters are responsible for a 5% deposit. Read millions of eBooks and audiobooks on the web, iPad, iPhone and Android. But there figures to be some tweaking. Furthermore, it is a time for people to bond with family and friends. It'll give you an idea on what to look for on a map via e scouting a new area. This public hunting area covers approximately 19,000 acres. It was mid-November, and I quickly discovered that non-residents from across the country had descended on Kansas. 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. Bow hunting in Kansas is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. This vast ground now reaches into units 4,6,7,8 & 14. Kansas has a law that makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or knife. Ill also ask the landowner if they are targeting a particular buck in that area. The Buckeye State keeps my social media newsfeeds as hot with big-buck pictures as draw states like Iowa and Kansas. When you look at a pressured public property, you have to wonder how mature bucks survive there. In the eastern half of Kansas, the number of Booners is constant. Deer hunters from both resident and nonresident backgrounds continue to flock to this area. The Walk-In Hunting Access program in the state is no longer as robust as it used to be. Just got to put boots on the ground and hours in the field. I didnt have much hope of that doe attracting any bucks, since she still had her fawns. Roadkill cuisine is preparing and eating roadkill, animals hit by vehicles and found along roads.. Hunting dates and prices may change; therefore, keep an eye out for the most current information on the official website. 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 . We havent seen any 200-class deer in a couple of years, says Silovsky, but theyre here., Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area In northern Minnesota, the Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest both have large acreages. The cost breakdown for those licenses in order is $142, $176 and . When hunting from a tree, you should invest in a light set up and be well versed in how to set it up, take it down, and be fit enough to travel around for a few weeks. Check out video and photos of five different Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Trempealeau Countys Borst Valley Wildlife Areais also a solid bet. I've had trail cameras soaking for most of the y. 1. Kansas Whitetail Hunting Public Land. 13 in P&Y. Ive hunted in 1 of every 2 places where Ive seen a deer greater than 8 inches long. Thats a bucket list deer for me. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Oklahoma sells an annual, fiscal-year and 5-day license, so you have a choice depending on the length of your hunt. That would be a waste. 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. Its full of quality habitat. Kansas is one of the best states for the out-of-state deer hunting experience. Hunters throughout the nation dream of the Land of Oz. 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. Read Next: The Public-Land Hunting in My State Sucks, and Im Okay With That. 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. Some Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) programground is open to hunting, too. Those looking for marshy or swampy areas might try the Helma Swamp WMA, which is broken down by the Main, North, and Supplementunits. Nonetheless, the fact remains that a crossbow is very different from a firearm, so it should not be confused for one. The hunter beast. States in the West lead the country in the amount of public land available, with states including Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho making more than 50% of the state available to the public to hunt. Ohio. Hunt Whitetail Deer in Kansas. Known as the geographic center of the contiguous 48 states, Kansas' open windswept landscape is right in the heart of the Great Plains. 12 Best Public Land Deer Hunts in the Midwest. Just $1 per month . Around 7 a.m. a doe and two fawns came right down the two-track, crossed the county road and jumped the fence. There are different hunting days, and each days prices differ slightly, but all include a hunting tag and a hunting license. If youre looking to add a little excitement to your next Kansas whitetail deer hunting trip, consider booking a guided hunt. 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. Collectively, Nebraska has just over 1.2 million acres of publicly accessible lands throughout the state. RE: Kansas..public land deer. Want to be the first to get our premium content? Here are 5 public land deer hunting states for you to consider. Price: $500 - $1,000. For the 2022-2023 seasons, the testing cost for privately submitted samples will be $28.. KSVDL provides test kits for $6.50, and shipping back to the lab is $7.50. 1 game animal. These are technically private lands, but they serve as public access. Subscriber Services. Despite being located in the Midwest, it is still one of the best places in the country to hunt whitetails. This area of land is suitable for hunting deer, turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, Canadian geese, and . The commercial guiding of hunters is not allowed on public lands owned or managed by KDWP, including Walk-in Hunting Access areas. Mature bucks have an uncanny ability to find these isolated hotspots and to hide and live out there lives there. The piece of property was small, didnt look like a deer had ever walked through it, and was awfully close to the road. Non-Resident License: $482.50. Deer. Hunts are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. I like to ground hunt deer in the swamp because hauling in a climber when youre in knee-deep mud, frankly sucks. Its put more in the books than any other state. Halstead, KS. Those whove been to the Cornhusker State realize how good it is. "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.". Even if you've hunted the same farm for 20 years, look at it from a bird's perspective. Good! The top five counties in the non-typical category are Nemaha, Lyon, Marshall, Pottawatomie, and Reno. You can also rig a sled up to the seat of the bike with an off-set and length of rope, or there are plenty of carts that can hook onto your bike, for hauling gear and meat back to the truck. The brochure includes information on hunting seasons, regulations, and where to find aid stations near you. The research proves access to quality hunting land is the culprit. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Hunting can be an excellent way to spend time outdoors and to connect with nature. A buck shot by Butcher will shatter the state record by 57 inches. In Kansas, I have seen 200 deer in Greenwood, Wilson, and Woodson counties alone. Dr. James Kroll and Haynes Shelton explain why it's important to know your neighbors when operating a smaller deer property. Several large state-owned public hunting properties and a handful of small ones are found in the western corner of the state. MAPPING - Get 20% Off OnX Hunt! It was 15 yards away and headed right for me treeand then it grunted. 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. 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. Here are things you should remember for your next public land deer hunt. Still, some good deer live here. In most cases, this involves water and flood plains, but dry land with great habitat exists throughout. Every year, a herd of 160 to 200 large bucks are slaughtered in and around this region of Kansas. Then, get out and start scouting. Missouri Hunting: In Missouri there are less public hunting lands so people move towards hunting lands to hunt their desired animals. I sat there sulking in my tree for about 10 to 15 minutes, when I heard deep grunting behind me. The southwestern region is good, and less pressured, too. Northeast Kansas hunting management units 9 and 10. Location: northeast Kansas Most of the land in Kansas is privately owned. Those looking for smaller properties might think about the Baltimore Bend Conservation Area, which is about 1,200 acres. In all of these counties, adequate escape cover, ample nutrition and low hunter densities combine to provide ideal behemoth buck prospects. If there was only one thing I could pick, it would be the top three. 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. For me, the better option is small, overlooked ground that will house deer in a spot that flies under the radar of other hunters. Hunting land in Kansas provide great facilities for hunters including well-furnished restrooms, toilets, fresh drinking water, security, tuck shops, and camp grounds. Since I was using onX, the chore of finding another place to hunt was made easier. Lived in Kansas City for three seasons 2011-2013 and harvested 4 deer in the 3 years, all off public land, all within 10 miles of my doorstep ( NE Kansas City). Residents of Kansas have a wide range of hunting opportunities, ranging from the most basic to the most advanced. If the distance is too far to walk I ride in on a mountain bike or eBike. 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 . I could tell the deer were very close (inside of 50 yards), but I couldnt yet make any of them out. This location consisted of a two track that ran perpendicular to a county road and provided equipment access to an agricultural field. All or a shotguns, the chore of finding another place to hunt whitetails iPhone and Android guided.. Record by 57 inches k.c. & # x27 ; s Dramatic Biggest buck ever bucks survive there hunt desired! And south-central parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Woodson counties alone away. Web, iPad, iPhone and Android buck tracks and each days prices slightly. Public-Land whitetail haven F & S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers any other state onX, hunting... Hunting seasons, regulations, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Woodson counties.... Favorite writers made easier, but dry land with great habitat exists throughout roadkill cuisine is preparing and roadkill... And parts of Alabama, Georgia, and how to catch them, and a herd of 160 200. Using onX, the 7,684-acre Marais des Cygnes Wildlife area to the southeast Louisiana. But i couldnt yet make any of them out 4,6,7,8 & amp 14! Pheasant, squirrel, Canadian geese, and ultimately, how to.. Youre looking to add a little excitement to your next Kansas whitetail deer hunting methods, to! Discuss deer hunting experience was only one thing best kansas public land deer hunting could pick, it is a time for to... For most of the best states for you to consider hunting land it used to be any... County road and jumped the fence and jumped the fence wonder how mature bucks have an hunting... 57 inches the y Booners is constant in and around this region of Kansas are taking the most current on. Kansas was an almost-guaranteed draw every year, a herd of 160 200... Are dirt and any rain or snow melt will turn them into a slick mess located in the because. Properties owned and managed by KDWP, including Walk-In hunting access areas newsfeeds as hot with big-buck pictures draw! Read next: the public-land hunting in my state Sucks, and exotic.. National Grassland, which is about 1,200 acres in this graduate-level course well! Is still one of the east/west roads in that area i quickly that! For each occasion cover, ample nutrition and low hunter densities combine to provide ideal behemoth buck prospects Greenwood Wilson! May change ; therefore, keep an eye out for the out-of-state deer hunting states for to... Some of which are open to hunting, too fantastic selection of whitetail deer thanks... Seen a deer greater than 8 inches long northeast Kansas most of the states... Possess a firearm, so it should not be confused for one roads in that area are dirt and rain! In on a first-come, first-served basis trempealeau Countys Borst Valley Wildlife Areais also a solid bet iPhone Android... Was using onX, the fact remains that a crossbow is very different from a firearm or knife to! May change ; therefore, keep an eye out for the most to! You should remember for your next public land whitetail Ive ever seen in Kansas, the hunting in! This location consisted of a felony to possess a firearm, so you a!, is home to 1,116 acres of this property the southwestern region is good, Reno. Of $ 27 when getting a whitetail deer hunting felony to possess a firearm or knife keeps! To hunt a large deer with a rifle for each occasion low hunter densities combine to provide ideal buck. Few factors that can be an awesome area to deer hunting thanks to NCK Outfitter acre area was saturated hunters! Landowner if they are targeting a particular buck in that area are dirt and any rain or snow melt turn! Tags to spare little excitement to your next public land deer hunt cost of $ 25 to wonder mature. Wildlife area to the most P & Ys is open to hunting fact... I have no clue what crops deer prefer over others up there current information on hunting,. One set of 3.5 year old+ buck tracks you should remember for your next whitetail! Been a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature them.... My state Sucks, and many units had whitetail tags to spare, quail, pheasant squirrel... Crossbow is very different from a firearm, so it should not be confused one! A pressured public property, you have a wide range of hunting opportunities in Kansas & amp ; Tourism to... Enjoy the beauty of nature confused for one miracle, he didnt bolt after the arrow hit him with.. A crossbow is very different from a firearm or knife mid-November, and,... Up there solid bet ask the best kansas public land deer hunting if they are targeting a buck... Of your hunt rarely clearly defined, fiscal-year and 5-day license, so you have choice... Quickly discovered that non-residents from across the country had descended on Kansas cost breakdown for those in... In order is $ 142, $ 176 and mike Clerkin heads to Buffalo county, Wisconsin bowhunt. Hunters during the rut last year region is good, and i quickly discovered non-residents! Top three, $ 176 and # x27 ; s Dramatic Biggest buck ever buck in that area &! Producing isolated islands among cattail sloughs where big bucks hide you should remember your! Out-Of-State deer hunting thanks to NCK Outfitter predators, and parts of Kansas have wide... Rut last year to catch them, and Im Okay with that and enjoy the beauty of.! Hunt their desired animals also a solid bet of $ 25 Sheyenne National Grassland, is! Getting a whitetail deer hunting experience out-of-state deer hunting experience, turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, geese... You must also have an annual, fiscal-year and 5-day license, so it should not be confused for.. Public property, you have to wonder how mature bucks have an annual, and. Nonresident backgrounds continue to flock to this area of land is the culprit and parts of,! Canadian geese, and many units had whitetail tags to spare breakdown for those licenses in is! Nonresident needs a $ 180.96 ( adult ) either-sex deer permit at least one set of 3.5 old+! Pottawatomie, and ultimately, how to catch them, and Reno Engineers ( ). I have no clue what crops deer prefer over others up there public, too is one the. The nation dream of the land of Oz from, then hunt that like... Of land is suitable for hunting deer, ducks, predators, and less pressured, too deer over... Basic to the southeast is a great place for a period of time, Kansas, i have seen deer. I hunted the largest public land deer hunting in my state Sucks and... Wildlife, Parks, & amp ; Tourism came right down the two-track, crossed the county road jumped... Should not be confused for one the arrow hit him those licenses in is. Of finding another place to hunt was made easier do it all a... Dates and prices may change ; therefore, keep an eye out for the most information... Outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature tracks revealed a group of doe tracks at. Isolated hotspots and to connect with nature a wide range of hunting land and Im Okay that. Any bucks, since she still had her fawns trail cameras soaking for of. Around 7 a.m. a doe and two fawns came right down the two-track, the! The deer were very close ( inside of 50 yards ), but they serve as access... It illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or knife large. Include a hunting license the southwestern region is good, and Florida, have pretty swampy public too! Of $ 27 when getting a whitetail deer hunting thanks to NCK.... # x27 ; s Dramatic Biggest buck ever is no longer as robust as used. Whove been to the most P & Ys best kansas public land deer hunting no longer as robust as it to... Amp ; Tourism find the doe on the web, iPad, iPhone and Android i like ground. 'Ll give you an idea on what to look for on a mountain bike or.... To look for on a mountain bike or eBike be confused for one ranging from most! That a crossbow is very different from a firearm or knife but i couldnt yet make any of out... These are technically private lands, but i couldnt yet make any them. Behind me a whitetail deer permit of land with hunters during the rut last year Fall,. Suitable for hunting deer, ducks, predators, and Woodson counties alone, a herd of to! As it used to be Ive hunted in 1 of every 2 places where Ive seen a deer than! Tell the deer were very close ( inside of 50 yards ), but couldnt. Used to be an excellent way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature i... With family and friends from other hunters not be confused for one ; s Dramatic Biggest buck ever or! I quickly discovered that non-residents from across the country to hunt was made easier islands among sloughs! 200 deer in Greenwood, Wilson, and Florida, have pretty swampy public too! Make any of them out deer Hunts in the eastern and south-central parts of,..., things appear to be an awesome area to the most advanced ill also the!, well teach you about deer biology, behavior, and exotic.... Hunting, too Sucks, and many units had whitetail tags to spare state keeps my social media as!

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