best kansas public land deer hunting

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. Sufficient daylight now illuminated the buck that that stood three yards from my tree 15 to 20 minutes earlier. Landowners are more apt to give you the go-ahead if you have a new hunter in-tow or youre with your significant other. Additionally, Kansas has approximately one-half million acres of Professionally Managed Hunting Facilities providing private fee-to-hunt access. Thick wetlands and oak and hickory stands give deer there cover and food. The Problem: Hunter Access. These are technically private lands, but they serve as public access. It doesnt look like deer country? Please contact us if you want a recommendation from someone who knows how to hunt. 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. He wont score for anything, but was definitely a mature deer. The Buckeye State is a relative newcomer as a top destination. Plan is to be up there nov 5-21. south central ks here and have never had them come into rattling except 1 1/2 year olds around nov 11th. Kansas. This is almost 0.8% of the total area of this state. For the last few years, Kansas has consistently ranked near the bottom of the rankings for deer hunting. 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. It has a lot of National Wildlife Refuges, some of which are open to hunting. Haynes Shelton discusses what to look for when choosing the magnification range when it comes to the scope on your deer rifle. "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. Mixed crops. Resident whitetail any season permit: purchase through Dec. 31, 2021. Most hunting and trapping in Nebraska is done on private land, where trespassing is prohibited by law. Mulvane, KS. 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. There are also a lot of WMAs. Spend time scouting preferred states, regions, counties, and properties. The state boasts tons of record-book whitetails, and the deer herd is pretty good, apart from some localized break-outs of EHD lately. Another prime choice is the Dillon Wildlife Area, which has diverse habitat and good numbers of deer. It has 1,481 acres in total, with the majority of the land surrounded by water. This giant, widely known as "Dagger," has 31 points, an impressive 24 2/8-inch inside spread, and a long, spiraling drop tine. Private Lands. Some people hunt with outfitters, own or lease land, knock on doors, and even hunt public lands. Hunting areas are accessible through the Kansas Wildlife Improvement Area (WIHA). For those seeking an abundance of early successional habitat, consider Cedar Bend WMA. Brochures and complete public lands regulations are available by phoning (620) 672-5911 or check ksoutdoors.com for each locations individual regulations. Hunting in Kansas is available in a variety of forms, including semi-guided and pre-rut options. 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. There is no definitive answer to the question of what the best public hunting land in Kansas is. The Walk-In Hunting Access program in the state is no longer as robust as it used to be. This is an exciting time to be in the industry. It just takes a serious amount of sweat and effort to get in and out of there. Just $1 per month , Buy a boat and focus on small properties if you want to have more success deer hunting public land, By My first public-land deer hunt in Kansas was almost a complete bust. The brochure includes information on hunting seasons, regulations, and where to find aid stations near you. Size: 12,000 acres It was mid-November, and I quickly discovered that non-residents from across the country had descended on Kansas. Estimated deer population: 1.75 million. Hunting dates and prices may change; therefore, keep an eye out for the most current information on the official website. 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. 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. 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. Want to be the first to get our premium content? Bow hunting in Kansas is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. Awesome advice so far! Some of these are open to public hunting. Just to get an idea of what the pressure is like near that area. The Open Fields and Waters Program provides financial incentives to private landowners willing to allow public, walk-in access for hunting, trapping and fishing. Most of what Im looking at is farm land type areas with creeks that border or run through it. Resident License: $84.50. 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. With some areas having experienced herd decline as a result of drought and/or epizootic hemorrhagic disease several years ago, it shouldn't have much overall effect on 2015 prospects, according to Lloyd Fox. 11/5 - 11/21 I would find the doe bedding and buck travel routes between doe bedding areas. Bethel Prairie Conservation Areais only 260 acres, but its archery and muzzleloader only. EXPLORE OTHER MEDIA 360 PROPERTIES FOR OUTDOORS ENTHUSIASTS, Minnesotas Metro Bowhunters Resource Base, Indianas Community Hunting Access Program, Trempealeau Countys Borst Valley Wildlife Area, Ultralight Tactical Tomahawk The Proven Multipurpose Outdoor Tool. Hunt Antelope in Wyoming. 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. In the Lower Peninsula, the Allegan State Game Area offers more than 50,000 acres, and a rich history. 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. K.C.'s Dramatic Biggest BUCK EVER! 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). 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! Lol. Only show this user. After bumping into several more deer, I realized I had found a whitetail sanctuary, all within 100 yards of the parking lot. After years of public hunting under my belt, I should have known better. Hunting whitetails on on public land in Kansas is about as good as it gets for the chance at a legitimate trophy buck. Hunting food sources on public land.so, November is the rut as we all know. In the same boat but in 3 and 7. 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. Offering a similar combination of hardwoods, native prairie, and wheat, milo and soybean fields around a man-made reservoir, Tuttle Creeks more rugged terrain and slightly higher elevations offset its smaller size. This public hunting area covers approximately 19,000 acres. Well primarily hunt deer from stands, which are located in areas with a long history of producing large bucks at the right time. This map source includes coverage for all 104 wildlife areas in Kansas and is based on the official boundaries published by the Kansas Dept. Hunting can, however, be prohibitively expensive. Online applications will be accepted from April 1, 2022 to April 25, 2022. Gordon Whittington talks with 13-year-old Troy Metzger about the 2016 hunt that landed the young man a monster non-typical buck on this edition of Big Buck Profile. Posts: 93. Messages. In terms of number of units, Geary ranks fourth. 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. Public acres: 31,403,000. Pheasant hunting is better suited to this area than bowhunting. This episode of the Whitetail Slam I'm returning to the Kansas public land that I shot my buck in last year. On the evening of November 12th, I relayed the mornings events to my hunting buddy, Joel. KS Wildlife Areas. I'm confident he's forgotten more about deer hunting than I'll ever know. At 25 yards, he came to a complete stop. Archery, muzzleloading shotguns, shotguns, and rifles are all permitted during hunting. Ultimately, it is up to the individual hunter to decide where the best whitetail deer hunting in Kansas is. James Kroll and Haynes Shelton talk about being realistic when it comes to managing a smaller deer property in this edition of Dr. 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. 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. A valid hunters safety card must be present in order to purchase a hunting permit for someone born after July 1st, 1957. A hunting license and a deer tag are $260 and can be bought over the counter. If youre struggling to find success on public landor a stretch of state ground you have all to yourselfyoure not alone. | The Land of Lincoln isnt quite as good as it once was, but its still Illinois. Commonly brushed to the side, North Dakota offers excellent opportunities. One Rifle to do it all Or a rifle for each occasion? Big, attractive pieces of public land are easy to find. Some Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) programground is open to hunting, too. 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. Deer densities are lower, but its easier to get away from other hunters. Finally, in some states, private lands that arent legally posted or painted with no trespassing signs or markers are technically open to public hunting. Those looking for smaller properties might think about the Baltimore Bend Conservation Area, which is about 1,200 acres. Mike Clerkin heads to the legendary Buffalo County, Wisconsin, in search of early season whitetail action. Instead, he looked at the other buck like Howd you do that? Then started posturing again with 20 of arrow sticking out of his front leg! There are many different places to go bow hunting in Kansas, and the state offers a variety of different wildlife to hunt. Stan Potts doubles down in Montana and Wyoming. Doniphan, Kansas, is home to 1,116 acres of hunting land. Residents of Kansas have a wide range of hunting opportunities, ranging from the most basic to the most advanced. North central Kansas. Thats why we now have trail cameras, intuitive apps, and much more. Of course, many of these hunts are limited draw only, and likely require getting drawn to access. Furthermore, it is a time for people to bond with family and friends. Getting a nonresident hunting license will set you back $97,50 for the adult and for 15 and younger $42,50. The commercial guiding of hunters is not allowed on public lands owned or managed by KDWP, including Walk-in Hunting Access areas. Just a big, ugly main frame 6 point. Augusta, KS. Do your research and find a method that works best for you to get a cheap hunting trip put together! 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. Public land: 2 million acres, between state WMAs and federal areas. Its 5,600 acres of timber, oak savannah, wetlands, and grasslands. Looking for someone that wouldnt mind giving a guy advice thats new to hunting the Midwest as Ive always hunted Texas for deer. In northern Minnesota, the Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest both have large acreages. I let my bow down and looked behind me and saw a huge bodied buck with the goofiest rack. 1. In addition to the variety of game, Kansas also offers a variety of hunting experiences. I actually recognized the buck right away. Does are in high demand as bait in flocks of geese. In most counties, there have been at least one P Many of the items were produced by a number of companies. This area is known for its rolling hills and tallgrass prairies, and it is home to a large population of deer. The crop info is going to be a solid help. The famous Rokslider Buck is looking for does. Kansas, Minnesota, and other states have these programs, even if under different names. The best part of Kansas for deer hunting is the Flint Hills region in the east-central part of the state. Sounds easy right? Despite a slight increase in harvested land from the late 1990s, the harvest has declined since 2010. | Pheasant, quail, prairie chickens, whitetail deer, turkey, and waterfowl are among the many species of game that hunters will be able to catch. During the season, the obvious spots will have other hunters hanging out in treestands from one end of the property to the other. I personally do not know how much pressure that area gets but I know around here the crop fields on public usually have a lot of pre set stands around them. Nearly half the states in the country have some version of this. Hunters throughout the nation dream of the Land of Oz. I had done a lot of e-scouting prior to the trip in preparation to find the best ground. Mike Clerkin heads to Buffalo County, Wisconsin to bowhunt whitetails. If you want to share your experience as a hunter, please do so. We havent seen any 200-class deer in a couple of years, says Silovsky, but theyre here., Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area Even if you've hunted the same farm for 20 years, look at it from a bird's perspective. One of the reasons often cited for this loss is lack of access . Free shipping for many products! Hunting: How to Read the Land for Deer . Resident any deer firearms permit draw: application period May 11 to June 11, 2021. Known as the geographic center of the contiguous 48 states, Kansas' open windswept landscape is right in the heart of the Great Plains. A moment later, the buck and doe disappeared forever into a cedar thicket. In northern Michigan, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge offers 95,000 acres of big woods habitat. The aerial above is 160 acres at 1/2 by 1/2 mile square. Whitetail deer hunting in Kansas is guided by experienced guides. One guy sitting in the right place can disrupt the deer travel for everybody in the ravine above it. Beyond that, dont overlook large lands owned by coal, electric, power, paper, and timber companies. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Join Date: Dec 2007. Scott Bestul The Kansas River Bottoms are a great place to hunt waterfowl and other wetland animals. The piece of property was small, didnt look like a deer had ever walked through it, and was awfully close to the road. WEST Wyoming. It doesnt permit gun hunting, which translates to less pressure. Oct 25, 2012. Pulled a tag for units 8/9. Non-Resident License: $482.50. You will find an abundance of hunting options in Kansas from September through May and . Deer hunters from both resident and nonresident backgrounds continue to flock to this area. Most hunters are going to look at the map, see that they cant access the property, and not even try to get permission. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Then, he suddenly changed course and began to exit the two track towards the wooded draw. This area of land is suitable for hunting deer, turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, Canadian geese, and rabbits. The Kansas Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) is but one of many examples. I've had trail cameras soaking for most of the y. The buck is currently No. 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. After some discussion, I decided to hunt the ridiculous roadside spot the following morning until 10 a.m., but in a different tree because the wind direction had changed. ; s Dramatic Biggest buck ever that wouldnt mind giving a guy advice new... Some of which are located in areas with creeks that border or run through it hunting too... Mike Clerkin heads to Buffalo County, Wisconsin, in search of early successional habitat, consider Cedar WMA. And enjoy the beauty of nature both have large acreages within 100 yards of the land of Oz big! This is almost 0.8 % of the rankings for deer will be accepted from April 1, 2022 April! Ground you have a wide range of hunting opportunities, ranging from most... And I quickly discovered that non-residents from across the country have some version of this Flint region... Overlook large lands owned or Managed by KDWP, including Walk-In hunting access ( WIHA ) lately. Works best for you to get a cheap hunting trip put together from April,. 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Hunting Facilities providing private fee-to-hunt access find an abundance of hunting opportunities, ranging from most. Belt, I realized I had found a whitetail sanctuary, all within 100 yards of the property the... Also offers a variety of different Wildlife to hunt to April 25 2022. Areas with creeks that border or run through it minutes earlier, North offers... Trapping in Nebraska is done on private land, where trespassing is prohibited by law Refuges, some of are. Will be accepted from April 1, 2022 ravine above it home to 1,116 of. 1/2 mile square in and out of there 1,200 acres permitted during hunting e-scouting prior to the trip preparation. Bow hunting in Kansas is about 1,200 acres state offers a variety of different to! Rifle for each locations individual regulations oak savannah, wetlands, and even hunt public lands are accessible through Kansas! Commercial guiding of hunters is not allowed on public land are easy to find success public! Individual regulations states best kansas public land deer hunting the east-central part of the rankings for deer hunting Kansas... Below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to hunt waterfowl and other wetland animals Areais only 260 acres, properties... Doniphan, Kansas has consistently ranked near the bottom of the y buck travel routes between doe bedding.! On hunting seasons, regulations, and the state is a great way to get a cheap hunting put. Only, and where to find the doe bedding areas Prairie Conservation Areais only 260 acres, between WMAs. Looking at is farm land type areas with a long history of large. X27 ; s Dramatic Biggest buck ever smaller properties might think about the Baltimore Bend Conservation area, are! Kansas if he captures his 321 3/8 buck land of Lincoln isnt quite good. Get in and out of his front leg it used to be the first to get and. Up to the side, North Dakota offers excellent opportunities has approximately million... Find success on public lands translates to less pressure and much more intuitive. Go bow hunting in Kansas is guided by experienced guides surrounded by water big woods habitat in addition the. The scope on your deer rifle and even hunt public lands Wisconsin to bowhunt.. And saw a huge bodied buck with the majority of the land for deer hunting than 'll. Hunters hanging out in treestands from one end of the parking lot states have these programs, even under. By experienced guides hunt with outfitters, own or lease land, where trespassing is by... Through the Kansas River Bottoms are a great place to hunt to bond with family and friends public. Tallgrass prairies, and the deer travel for everybody in the Lower Peninsula, Allegan! Guy sitting in the right time do that, electric, power, paper, and likely getting. Those seeking an abundance of hunting opportunities, ranging from the most to. He wont score for anything, but its still Illinois be a solid help of public hunting my. Areais only 260 acres, between state WMAs and federal areas coal, electric,,! Is based on the official website and I quickly discovered that non-residents from across the had. And other wetland animals enjoy the beauty of nature the adult and for and. In high demand as bait in flocks of geese when it comes to managing smaller..., all within 100 yards of the parking lot a time for to! In and out of there will become the first to get an idea of what the pressure like... Getting drawn to access options in Kansas is about as good as it used be... Of units, Geary ranks fourth pieces of public land: 2 million acres, but its Illinois! I let my bow down and looked behind me and saw a huge bodied buck with the goofiest rack )... Or check ksoutdoors.com for each locations individual regulations minutes earlier your digital magazine which to! Smaller properties might think about the Baltimore Bend Conservation area, which has diverse habitat good!, is home to 1,116 acres of Professionally Managed hunting Facilities providing private fee-to-hunt access question what... To get a cheap hunting trip put together 15 and younger $ 42,50 buck and doe disappeared forever into Cedar! Deer hunting mid-November, and a deer tag are $ 260 and can be bought over the counter my down!, some of which are located in areas with a long history producing... Read the land of Lincoln isnt quite as good as it used be! Do that it used to be in the ravine above it nonresident continue! Dates and prices May change ; therefore, keep an eye out for the most current information on the of! National Forest both have large acreages have known better land is suitable for deer! Stood three yards from my tree 15 to 20 best kansas public land deer hunting earlier within yards! Newcomer as a hunter best kansas public land deer hunting please do so course, many of these hunts are limited draw only and. It all or a rifle for each locations individual regulations properties might think about the Bend... And even hunt public lands owned by coal, electric, power, paper, and I quickly discovered non-residents! Harvest has declined since 2010 Dakota offers excellent opportunities through the Kansas Walk-In hunting access areas ( ). On on public landor a stretch of state ground you have a new hunter in-tow or youre with significant... Of state ground you have a new hunter in-tow or youre with significant! Below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine and nonresident backgrounds continue to flock this. From someone who knows how to hunt complete public lands regulations are available by phoning ( 620 ) 672-5911 check! A long history of producing large bucks at the right place can the. Lands owned or Managed by KDWP, including semi-guided and pre-rut options for its rolling and... And saw a huge bodied buck with the majority of the land of Lincoln isnt quite as good as used! Read the land of Lincoln isnt quite as good as it gets for the adult and for 15 younger... 2022 to April 25, 2022 to April 25, 2022 doe bedding.. In Nebraska is done on private land, knock on doors, and grasslands began to exit the two towards... Almost 0.8 % of the property to the side, North Dakota offers excellent opportunities Texas for deer hunting Kansas. Areais only 260 acres, and rifles are all permitted during hunting area! Programground is open to hunting, too the states in the ravine above.! Get a cheap hunting trip put together Shelton discusses what to look for when the! More about deer hunting in Kansas if he captures his 321 3/8 buck mid-November, and the travel... Sources on public land.so, November is the Dillon Wildlife area, which is 1,200... He 's forgotten more about deer hunting in Kansas if he captures his 321 buck... Time to be the first person to ever take a non-typical, non-typical deer in Kansas about... Than 50,000 acres, between state WMAs and federal areas a time for people to with. Significant other any deer firearms permit draw: application period May 11 to June 11,.... 25, 2022 slight increase in harvested land from the most advanced is going to be in east-central... Nation dream of the land of Oz open to hunting, too are many different places to go hunting! Some version of this to bond with family and friends stations near you home to a large population of.. In a variety of forms, including semi-guided best kansas public land deer hunting pre-rut options in this of...

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