Some people hunt with outfitters, own or lease land, knock on doors, and even hunt public lands. Lol. He bounded off and crashed 40 yards away in the draw. 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. Thats a bucket list deer for me. You must also have an annual hunting license at a cost of $25. I like to ground hunt deer in the swamp because hauling in a climber when youre in knee-deep mud, frankly sucks. Theyre right in thinking that, especially if you can find a pocket of unpressured public. Enter to win by filling out the form below. Lol. Its all about pressure on public land and if you can get to place where deer feel secure, youre apt to have more success. 1,575. ZIP: 66075. Within a few minutes, I heard two snort wheezes, approximately 150-200 yards away. The Flint Hills region, in particular, is known for its large and healthy deer herd. Below is a list of the best overlooked hotspots that produced my best public land bucks. In this graduate-level course, well teach you about deer biology, behavior, and ultimately, how to become a better hunter. Whitetail honey-holes on public land are rarely clearly defined. Kansas Whitetail Hunting Public Land. Also, there are plenty of other destinations available. Nemaha 3 (the largest) is the third largest in the state. | Nebraska Shed Hunter's Wife and Dog Find 6x9 Set One Year After Learning About the Buck, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Dr. Few hunters consider it, but those who do discover pleasant surprises along timbered creek drains do so. That concluded a fun hunt, which resulted in my first mature buck in Kansas. The permit required for archery hunting is valid during that time of year. 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. Several large state-owned public hunting properties and a handful of small ones are found in the western corner of the state. In most cases, this involves water and flood plains, but dry land with great habitat exists throughout. In northern Michigan, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge offers 95,000 acres of big woods habitat. When it comes to public land, Kansas ranks near the bottom in the nation. "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. Sufficient daylight now illuminated the buck that that stood three yards from my tree 15 to 20 minutes earlier. Beyond that, dont overlook large lands owned by coal, electric, power, paper, and timber companies. Read Next: The Public-Land Hunting in My State Sucks, and Im Okay With That. Big-Timber Hideouts. TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will meet in Topeka next month to discuss several topics related to fishing, hunting, camping and more. In the spring, we look for White Gold the prized deer antlers that have survived another season. It is a good idea to pay attention to the prairie country to the southwest. You've probably heard all the talk recently about the decline in hunter numbers, with the U.S. The best part of Kansas for deer hunting is the Flint Hills region in the east-central part of the state. (Eric and Greg on Their TWO TX Whitetail, Eric's FIRST BUCK! Jefferson 3, Morris 3, Reno 3, Linn 3, Greenwood 3. 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. Rader Lodge is situated north of Waconda Lake and Glen Elder, Kansas, on some of the best Whitetail Deer Hunting land in Kansas. Pulled a tag for units 8/9. The Wildlife Area surrounds Milford Reservoir, a large, man-made lake, populated by native wetlands plants. Thats why you typically find a parking lot full of pickup trucks when you show up at such locations. 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. When you look at a pressured public property, you have to wonder how mature bucks survive there. "Decoys can be your best friend when hunting western Kansas," Farris said. It has a lot of National Wildlife Refuges, some of which are open to hunting. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Hunting whitetails on on public land in Kansas is about as good as it gets for the chance at a legitimate trophy buck. Pheasant hunting is better suited to this area than bowhunting. Big, attractive pieces of public land are easy to find. A professional guide can provide you with valuable tips and insights on the best places to find deer, as well as help you spot and stalk your prey. In some cases, it even increases browse availability. Its full of quality habitat. I got a second. 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. Kansas is one of the best states for the out-of-state deer hunting experience. Read millions of eBooks and audiobooks on the web, iPad, iPhone and Android. "The deer can see a decoy for a long, long way in . 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. Resident whitetail any season permit: purchase through Dec. 31, 2021. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, hunters have been flocking to midwestern states in pursuit of giant-bodied and -antlered deer. Those whove been to the Cornhusker State realize how good it is. For more information on P&Y bucks taken in Kansas and the rest of North America, check out pope-young.org. At this point, I was just looking for a tree to hang my stand in. I walked 50 yards from the barn and jumped a deer from its bed. Hunting ducks is a great way to enjoy this land. RANCH FAIRY was RIGHT! There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the preferences of the hunter. My hunt in 2020 didn't result in a buck with a mega score, but I did manage to put down a mature buck utilizing what I had learned on my previous two trips to Kansas in 2018 and 2016. The Public-Land Hunting in My State Sucks, and Im Okay With That. Aside from Butler (129 entries), Barber (107), Comanche (87), Greenwood (74), and Sumner (73), all counties have had the most entries in history. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and camping are all examples of activities that can be done on this land. In addition to the variety of game, Kansas also offers a variety of hunting experiences. 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. Stan Potts doubles down in Montana and Wyoming. North central Kansas. Just a big, ugly main frame 6 point. Scott Bestul Ive found some of my favorite public land honey-holes on 5- to 50-acre tracts. And certainly, dont forget about controlled, draw and other limited-entry hunts on a variety of public land types. Most hunting and trapping in Nebraska is done on private land, where trespassing is prohibited by law. In all of these counties, adequate escape cover, ample nutrition and low hunter densities combine to provide ideal behemoth buck prospects. They are more often found in the places other hunters avoid. Subscriber Services. Im scouting walk in areas now via google maps as well as some of the WMA areas. 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. I decided what the heck, Im going to arrow this freak!, so I drew back and touched off a shot at 23 yds. Free shipping for many products! These are technically private lands, but they serve as public access. If you get away from larger cities/college towns, its better to live on public land. If the distance is too far to walk I ride in on a mountain bike or eBike. These grassland habitats are great for bedding and fawning cover. It may not display this or other websites correctly. So I'm from Texas and this will be my first year hunting Kansas. There will be some winter wheat coming up in spots, especially south central KS. Although hunting on public land is still permitted, those who do not require a hunting license can still enjoy a variety of benefits. Location. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. In northeastern Kansas, Tuttle Creek's 12,000 acres of walk-in hunting provide plenty of room to find mature whitetails. This land spans 458 acres and is located in Sheridan County, Minnesota. I actually recognized the buck right away. Hunting dates and prices may change; therefore, keep an eye out for the most current information on the official website. The 4,500-acre Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge (843-784-2468) has been hosting a unique bow-only deer hunt since 1947. The following morning found me perched in a new tree a whole 13 yards off the road. The No. 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. The outfitter on the south border of it has 5 stands within spitting distance of the fence. True public land aside, there are many private properties encompassing millions of acres open to the public. Finding properties with a percentage of the land in these programs is very helpful. Here are 5 public land deer hunting states for you to consider. For example, open properties within the metro sub-units are oftentimes dynamite. It has 1,481 acres in total, with the majority of the land surrounded by water. Kansas is a great place for bow hunters of all levels of experience, and there are many different resources available to help hunters plan their trip and find the best places to hunt. Not really Kansas advice but scouting advice in general. Kisiwa Hunt Club. 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). Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Public Land Check-in/Check-out; Game Species, Records & Scoring; Bowhunting; Hunter Education; Furharvesting; Special Hunt Information; Hunting Programs; Donate Your Deer; Report Violators; Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Hunting Regulations; . In the Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, have pretty swampy public, too. Each hunting day includes one nights lodging and three meals. Join Date: Dec 2007. 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. Kansas has a law that makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or knife. To check-in or check-out of Public Lands visit,https://license.gooutdoorskansas.com/. In this edition of "Big Buck Profile," Gordon Whittington talks with young whitetail hunter Reid Crawford about his trophy buck taken in 2017. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has a wide range of hunting opportunities available on its public hunting lands. In that time span, Bourbon and Marshall counties have produced the most (17 each), with Kingman (16), Comanche and Pottawatomie (14 each), Barber (13), Butler and Coffey (12 each) not far behind. Turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, Canadian goose, and rabbit are among the animals that can be hunted here. 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. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Is there a greater giftor a more appealing challengefor an American hunter than chasing game across public land, using only your . The Open Fields and Waters Program provides financial incentives to private landowners willing to allow public, walk-in access for hunting, trapping and fishing. 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. Archery season begins in mid-September and runs through December, providing plenty of time for hunters to identify and pattern deer carrying trophy antlers. 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. 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