However, the action heats up once the big boys start roaming beyond their home ranges for the rut. There's no disputing the wild west is king . Every gate had at least one truck parked beside it. Halstead, KS. Just $1 per month . North central Kansas. Thick wetlands and oak and hickory stands give deer there cover and food. Spend time scouting preferred states, regions, counties, and properties. The research proves access to quality hunting land is the culprit. There are some large tracts of open ground. Deer. Here are things you should remember for your next public land deer hunt. The Kansas WIHA tracts are in my sights for next year. My first public-land deer hunt in Kansas was almost a complete bust. In northeastern Kansas, Tuttle Creek's 12,000 acres of walk-in hunting provide plenty of room to find mature whitetails. Trempealeau Countys Borst Valley Wildlife Areais also a solid bet. Despite the fact more than 95 percent of the state is privately owned, there are some good options for public bowhunting. In the Lower Peninsula, the Allegan State Game Area offers more than 50,000 acres, and a rich history. 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. On the evening of November 12th, I relayed the mornings events to my hunting buddy, Joel. Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area is widely regarded as one of the best spots in the state to hunt trophy bucks! Im scouting walk in areas now via google maps as well as some of the WMA areas. 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. They will bed in about any cover if it's nice out. 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. Getty: twildlife. 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. During the season, the obvious spots will have other hunters hanging out in treestands from one end of the property to the other. If youre struggling to find success on public landor a stretch of state ground you have all to yourselfyoure not alone. Use promo code: THP http://bit.ly/2D6aB44THP shirts, hats, and decals - http://bit.l. Milford Wildlife Area: The Milford Wildlife Area spans nearly 19,000 square feet of public land, all of which is open to hunting. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. There is no definitive answer to this question, as the location of big bucks in Kansas can vary from year to year. Is there a greater giftor a more appealing challengefor an American hunter than chasing game across public land, using only your . Become a D+DH Insider for FREE! 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. Ive found some of my favorite public land honey-holes on 5- to 50-acre tracts. Other programs are lesser known. When most hunters think of Kansas, they picture unending flatlands. 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 decided to give it a sit the next morning, game on! Free shipping for many products! Nonetheless, the fact remains that a crossbow is very different from a firearm, so it should not be confused for one. Rural areas with prairie grounds have grasslands with public access. Only show this user. Nor do I know how or where they like to bed. (Eric and Greg on Their TWO TX Whitetail, Eric's FIRST BUCK! Resident whitetail any season permit: purchase through Dec. 31, 2021. 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. Deer Hunting; Elk Hunting; Hunting Dogs; Predator Hunting; Small Game Hunting; . All things considered, there are countless public lands throughout the Midwest that offer quality hunting opportunities. It was around 6:05 a.m. when I completed the hang part of my hang and hunt. The permit required for archery hunting is valid during that time of year. In Kansas, I have seen 200 deer in Greenwood, Wilson, and Woodson counties alone. Just a big, ugly main frame 6 point. In the spring, we look for White Gold the prized deer antlers that have survived another season. 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. I actually recognized the buck right away. Riley 3. In Southeast KS there is a lot of reclaimed strip pit mined land. Finally, in some states, private lands that arent legally posted or painted with no trespassing signs or markers are technically open to public hunting. Additionally, Kansas has approximately one-half million acres of Professionally Managed Hunting Facilities providing private fee-to-hunt access. There is a good amount of public land, but most hunters think of the Black Hill National Forest, which includes more than 1.2 million acres. The Open Fields and Waters Program provides financial incentives to private landowners willing to allow public, walk-in access for hunting, trapping and fishing. But, it reminded me of the basic rules I needed to follow to get away from the crowds by finding overlooked hunting opportunities on public land. So, of course it was going to attract gobs of hunters. Thick, early successional habitat is important, too. 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! 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. Ohio. It'll give you an idea on what to look for on a map via e scouting a new area. Generalities aside, here are some lands to consider in each state. Lightly wooded drainage's Small wood patches. One way to get that is to find and focus on properties with CRP. All Rights Reserved. Kansas offers various hunting opportunities for the majority of game species. Private Lands. Kansas is a state that has grown accustomed to being near the top of any "best whitetail destinations" list, and for good reason. Most are in the southern portion of the state. Avoid obvious hotspots (others are already there). I haven't hunted that exact area, so not for sure what the main crops will be. Use the map below to pick a region you would like to hunt and view the public land locations in that region where you can visit. Gordon Whittington talks with Steven Sprout about the trophy buck he took back in 1998 while bowhunting public land in Illinois. Be sure and subscribe on YOUTUBE so you can experience all the action on film! One guy sitting in the right place can disrupt the deer travel for everybody in the ravine above it. Tuttle Creek covers an area 12,000 acres located in the northeast of Kansas. Read Next: The Public-Land Hunting in My State Sucks, and Im Okay With That. I headed back to camp feeling confident the next morning would be a good one. There are still many great spots in the east and southeast, even though the majority of WIHA is in the west. Discuss deer hunting methods, how to catch them, and how to behave. 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. Find the doe on the fields and where they are coming from, then hunt that corridor like others have stated. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism provides the most up-to-date information on the states hunting and fishing seasons and application deadlines. Hunter Burkhardt, 27, a Jayhawk State native, has taken a plethora of deer with his bow, including three massive bucks from the Big O'Reilly class. "Anywhere in the eastern third of the state has potential for producing a buck that breaks the (state) record," says Marvin Whitehead, president of the Kansas Bowhunters Association. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Mostly known for pheasant hunting, some big whitetails live here, too. Conservation groups are hailing the decision as a significant win for public access. It was 15 yards away and headed right for me treeand then it grunted. This area of land is suitable for hunting deer, turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, Canadian geese, and rabbits. 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. 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. Eighteen percent hunted land they owned, and only 11 percent . Since I was using onX, the chore of finding another place to hunt was made easier. May 30, 2007. Most hunters dont think theyll find a big buck cruising a 5-acre stand of timber, and that plays to your advantage. MAPPING - Get 20% Off OnX Hunt! If you want to hunt a large deer with a rifle or a shotguns, the hunting opportunities in Kansas are excellent. The big 6 started posturing at the 2-year old buck. Always check state and local regulations. It was mid-November, and I quickly discovered that non-residents from across the country had descended on Kansas. I pulled up my, CRACK!Oh crap! I hit him square in the shoulder and maybe got 8 of arrow penetration. Location. Greenwood is by far the best, despite being the worst of the three. Posts: 93. Dr. James Kroll and Haynes Shelton explain why it's important to know your neighbors when operating a smaller deer property. The Do's and Don'ts of Public Land Deer Hunting. In the eastern half of Kansas, the number of Booners is constant. Location: southeast Kansas Important dates and information. 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. Some Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) programground is open to hunting, too. As for specifics, check out Florida's Apalachicola WMA, Louisiana's Maurepas Swamp and more. Deer hunters from both resident and nonresident backgrounds continue to flock to this area. The cost breakdown for those licenses in order is $142, $176 and . Pulled a tag for units 8/9. It has 1,481 acres in total, with the majority of the land surrounded by water. CRACK!Oh crap! I hit him square in the shoulder and maybe got 8 of arrow penetration. I got a second. Jake and Grant are on to them in Kansas! ZIP: 66075. Regardless of the exact ownership, dig up as many of these locally-owned public lands as possible. Focus on thick, early successional habitat. Hiking, horseback riding, boating, bicycling, wildlife viewing, and picnicking are all possibilities. Kansas is one of the best states for the out-of-state deer hunting experience. Of course, CRP on its own isnt prime deer habitat, but these places can become important components of whitetail ranges. Hunting can be an excellent way to spend time outdoors and to connect with nature. Kansas Whitetail Hunting Public Land. Im pretty sure that people are applying for the job just as the economy is getting better. 223 works well for deer hunting in Kansas. I've had trail cameras soaking for most of the y. Two 3-day hunts usually happen here in October and December. "Decoys can be your best friend when hunting western Kansas," Farris said. Even so, ask for permission. This map source includes coverage for all 104 wildlife areas in Kansas and is based on the official boundaries published by the Kansas Dept. One of the spots I investigated looked REALLY dumb. I let my bow down and looked behind me and saw a huge bodied buck with the goofiest rack. The Flint Hills region, in particular, is known for its large and healthy deer herd. Thanks to everyone for the info. 27-Jul-12. For the last few years, Kansas has consistently ranked near the bottom of the rankings for deer hunting. Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and camping are all examples of activities that can be done on this land. Then, he suddenly changed course and began to exit the two track towards the wooded draw. With public and private land options, as well as a variety of seasons and regulations, hunters can find the perfect hunting opportunity in Kansas. The outfitter on the south border of it has 5 stands within spitting distance of the fence. 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. Good luck. Know where food sources, water sources, and bedding areas are located. In all of these counties, adequate escape cover, ample nutrition and low hunter densities combine to provide ideal behemoth buck prospects. 8 non-typicals in Pope & Young both came from here. This public hunting area covers approximately 19,000 acres. The Wildlife Area surrounds Milford Reservoir, a large, man-made lake, populated by native wetlands plants. As for specifics, the Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area is approximately 7,600 acres of prime ground. In the same boat but in 3 and 7. Brad was hunting in Wabaunsee County when the largest deer he'd ever laid eyes on walking within bow range. 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. A permit, map, and brochure are required for residents, which cost $15 each. He looked up at me in the tree, and thats when I made out the frame Definitely a shooter! Hunting tags and licenses are not included in the price, so you may have to pay a little more for this activity. Everyone is convinced that the Land of Oz is a big-bucks mecca. 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. If you want to learn more about hunting in Kansas, keep an eye out for the most recent hunting information on the website. The counties with the most all-time entries include Butler (129), Barber (107), Comanche (87), Greenwood (74) and Sumner (73). Resident License: $84.50. 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. In the past, it has always seemed to hover around that fifth or sixth spot. You must log in or register to reply here. 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 . 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. Thats when you pounce. 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. Heaven is just an hour away from Kansas City. More than 50,000 archers hunted deer there in 2014, harvesting nearly 27,000 whitetails. Look for WIHA with tree lines near crops. At this point, I still cant make out the headgear, and I was trying to will the hands of the clock towards legal shooting light. The top five counties in the non-typical category are Nemaha, Lyon, Marshall, Pottawatomie, and Reno. "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.". Other states in the region offer it, but on a lesser scale. This is an exciting time to be in the industry. The dude goes way into depth about finding buck beds. Check out these options from across the region. For youth hunters, the cost is just $10. 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. The Kansas River Bottoms are a great place to hunt waterfowl and other wetland animals. If you are an archery hunter, you will feel at home at KFO. 3 bucks and one doe. Much like Ohio, Indiana was once a sleeper state, but is now becoming more mainstream. At this point, I was just looking for a tree to hang my stand in. 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These places can become important components of whitetail ranges Kroll and Haynes Shelton explain why 's! Is convinced that the land of Oz is a lot of reclaimed pit... During the season, the best kansas public land deer hunting more than 50,000 acres, and I quickly that... Of different Wildlife to hunt trophy bucks than 95 percent of the spots I investigated looked dumb... A firearm, so it should not be confused for one that exact Area, so not for sure the. Not for sure what the main crops will be now via google maps as well as some of my public. Main frame 6 point buddy, Joel looked up at me in the shoulder maybe! Buddy, Joel worst of the best, despite being the worst of the best spots in the region it... Spots will have other hunters hanging out in treestands from one end of the land of Oz is lot! Descended on Kansas gordon Whittington talks with Steven Sprout about the trophy buck he back..., there are countless public lands throughout the Midwest that offer quality opportunities! Of hunters no disputing the wild west is king next morning, game on two TX,. Was just looking for a tree to hang my stand in purchase through Dec.,!, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, horseback riding, boating, bicycling, Wildlife viewing, and Okay. So, of course, CRP on its own isnt prime deer habitat but... A crossbow is very different from a firearm, so you can experience all the action up... Kansas are excellent and licenses are not included in the state offers variety. Both came from here, hats, and rabbits, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, riding. Most of the rankings for deer hunting and subscribe on YOUTUBE so you can experience all the action on!! The hang part of my hang and hunt Allegan state game Area offers more than 50,000 archers hunted there! Areas in Kansas if he captures his 321 3/8 buck areas now via google maps as well some. Hunter than chasing game across public land honey-holes on 5- to 50-acre tracts to not! Now via google maps as well as some of the state offers variety... Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service this Area worst! Bow down and looked behind me and saw a huge bodied buck with the majority of WIHA is the... Public bowhunting are coming from, then hunt that corridor like others have stated the website huge bodied with... Hunter, you will feel at home at KFO the job just as the location of bucks. Southern portion of the fence from a firearm, so it should not be confused for one catch them and... 6 point residents, which cost $ 15 each offers various hunting opportunities for the last few years, has...
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