Deer gurus solve the riddle, By The Show-Me State has produced some of the best deer hunting records in the country. That's a huge blow to hunting here. The buck was green scored at 223 7/8. These counties have areas that will test the mettle of any hunter, but they also hold some big whitetail bucks. Go to Boone-Crockett.org for more details on giant bucks. 4 in the last five seasons. it was a 13 point that grossed 151 6/8. North Carolina has some terrific whitetail hunting make no mistake about it. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. According to the Quality Deer Management Associations 2018 Whitetail Report, Mississippi deer hunters harvested a higher percentage of mature whitetail bucks than any state that collects such data. If you're looking to hunt in this region of the country, Delaware is a solid option. And when you have states like Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Maryland ranking in the top 15, and states like Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas ranking outside of the top 15, there's certainly a shift beginning to happen. When it comes to trophy whitetail hunting, a trip to Missouri is frequently on the bucket list of many deer hunters. Our lease is made up of two separate parcels about 2 miles from one another. Nebraska Shed Hunter's Wife and Dog Find 6x9 Set One Year After Learning About the Buck, A Look Back at No. Michigan has a long and successful deer hunting tradition, and it is home to some of the best deer hunting resources in the country. But an average cost per acre for a prime lease in Missouri could go anywhere from $15-$20 per acre.. It looks like we're witnessing the beginnings of a shift. Entries (per square mile) the last five seasons: .00600. In a year that will undoubtedly go down as one of the most peculiar in American history, Missouri deer hunters made 2020 even more unusual. Large white-tailed buck shown in a grass field along a tree line in Kansas. The 2021 deer season wasn't . Make no bones about it: There are a ton of bucks carrying massive bone in Missouri. But it falls to No. This lake, located about 70 miles north of the Missouri River, is located in a region with few natural resources. Hunters Must Lead the Fight Against Invasive Species, Adirondack Bowhunter Still-hunts His Way to a New York Giant, Oklahoma Hunter Shoots Target Buck That's Locked Up with Another Giant, Iowa Bowhunter Bags Amazing Non-typical Target Buck While Hunting with Son, Kansas Hunter Perseveres Through Medical Condition to Tag Big Typical, Understanding Non-Verbal Whitetail Communication, Iowa Bowhunter Goes Stealth Mode with a Tree Saddle to Bag 194-inch Non-typical. But the tale of this Missouri hunter and his magnificent whitetail buck is extra special for me because this hunter, Tony Kalna III, is my son. We've done this to show where the biggest bucks are coming from right now and to shed a little light on what the future of Boone & Crockett bucks looks like in America. The harvest of 3.5-year-old bucks in Callaway County is 32 percent, which is about 12 percent better than the 20 percent statewide average harvest of bucks that old. PIKE COUNTY, Mo. A long list of states Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona and more boot out bucks nearly every year that are entered in the ranks of the Boone & Crockett Clubs annual awards book. During the hunting season, a single state pass provides the hunter with unlimited hunting opportunities for both turkey and deer. I turned and saw an absolute stud of a ten-pointer. You can select multiple counties, categories, and years. It's produced 204 entries in the last five seasons. The deer hunting season in Missouri typically runs from November to January, and the state offers a variety of different hunting areas. After the season is over, these are to be returned in a postage-paid envelope. The MDC estimates that some counties in Missouri lost up to 20 percent of their deer herd and that conservatively, statewide mortality from EHD was in excess of 100,000 whitetails. For hunters who must complete mandatory hunter education in addition to the Missouri Hunter Education Certificate, the course can be applied in any state, province, or country in the United States. Deer hunters in Texas harvest between 430,000 and 500,000 deer annually, making them the countrys leading deer hunters, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The buck to stopped for a moment but then kept walking. Its also responsible for creating the Fair Chase code of hunting ethics and a scoring and data-collection system for North American big-game species. "As you travel north, the soil quality gets better," says the host Growing Deer TV. Only time will tell, though. He was in just as much of a shock as I was! for Holy Shit, says Spatafora with a laugh. The countryside here is not particularly interesting, but it is perfect for whitetail hunting. What are some good deer hunting spots in Missouri? Furthermore, hunters within these areas should be aware that special regulations may apply. However, Ohio is a little larger state, which reduces the total entries per square mile. But, if you choose to bypass tradition at grandpas hunting shack with the rest of the crew and want to chase down a true Booner, where would you go and how would you go about it? Although open to both firearms and archery deer hunters, this area is only accessible by the Grand River downstream from the Bosworth Access or by permission from surrounding landowners. Some places, however, show up in the record books more often than others, making them ground zero for Louisiana trophy bucks. At a distance of 11 yards Linderer bleated the buck to a stop. The Missouri Monarch, the worlds largest non-typical buck, netted 333 7/8 inches, making it the all-time best non-typical buck. Second, the area along the river probably provides more cover for deer. Just the facts. When I got ahold of Anthony I erupted! Kansas 791 entries 9. "Missouri's 11-day firearms deer season began on November 14 this year," says Sumners. We carried the blind on a skid steer loader and put it on the dam of the pond., Read Next: 85 Late-Season Deer Tips to Save Your Season. They seldom make mistakes, even in full-blown rut. Start talking about big bucks in Alabama, and the conversation turns to the Black Belt; this region is well known for producing trophy whitetails. Secondly, select Midwestern states aren't producing like they used to. The Missouri hunting season is excellent. Two things really come as a small surprise. Are the Biggest Typical Whitetails History? The APRs require a buck to have at least 4-points or better on one side to be legal. In fact, most of the top counties of recent years actually border Iowa. In Missouri, deer hunting is a popular sport that is enjoyed by many people. Research has shown that counties along the Missouri River corridor are trending as some of the top counties in the Show-Me State for trophy-class bucks over the past five years. It doesn't make the all-time top 10 list, but it's certainly climbed up in the ranks in recent years. (Photo courtesy of Kolbe Straw). The deer experts at Game & Fish have studied Boone and Crockett harvests in New York over the past five years and have found the best place to find a giant Empire State whitetail in 2019. We have spent a good portion of time learning the lay of the land as well as the where-and-how of the deer on the property. Data for this article came from an analysis from B&C, but you can also access record information about North Americas big-game species through the organizations Trophy Search feature on their website. Hunting is a viable sport in both states, but you must choose the right hunting area and follow safety precautions. Then I thought back to a trail camera picture I had gotten of a big buck the previous year. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. G.O. 5 on the top states since 2010. For more information call 573-254-3990. Trophy bucks are harvested from all corners of the Bayou State. Deer hunters in Missouri are becoming more selective, which allows our bucks to grow into older age classes.. Turn your attention to putting a Boone & Crockett caliber black-tailed deer on the wall, however, and things get much more limited and difficult. Anyone hunting game animals in Missouri must have a Hunting License. The Salt River Lodge has everything you could want in a home setting, including a warm welcome, gourmet food, and an excellent internet connection. You were able to ascertain a "consensus" alignment of overall attitude of the likes of mature, trophy whitetail hunters on this site in less than 3.5 months of being a member of MWT? Its difficult to locate a field without a truck, which is made possible by the pressure of hunting. It is definitely no big secret that Kentucky has great potential for producing trophy deer. A mature Missouri buck showcased some serious head gear totaling a staggering 333 7/8 inches, making it the most giant whitetail ever scored. Research has shown that counties along the Missouri River corridor are trending as some of the top counties in the Show-Me State for trophy-class bucks over the past five years. Pennsylvania has long been known in the world of whitetail hunting as a great place to hunt but not such a good place to see top end bucks, the great bucks that land in the Boone & Crockett records. Read: 3 Biggest Typical White-Tailed Bucks of All Time, Entries (per square mile) the last five seasons: .00191, Top county for typicals: Bureau/Fulton/Marshall/Ogle (three), Top county for non-typicals: Jo Daviess/McHenry (three). It's no Kentucky, Wisconsin or Ohio. The percentage of 3.5-year-old bucks taken in Howard County was 29 percent, which is 9 percent more than the statewide average of 20 percent. Scout trophy deer prior to and during your hunt to find the best ambush sites. For years the 5,208-acre Whetstone Creek Conservation Area has been a favorite among trophy buck hunters. 672 likes. In my county people hover over the Iowa line and shoot some dang nice bucks that way. Entries (per square mile) the last five seasons: .00066, Top county for non-typicals: Fayette (two), Purina's New AntlerMax with Climate Guard. Still, overall, the hunting isn't terrible, and big bucks are still hitting the dirt. We took the deer to a local taxidermist that night where we made some new friends under the skinning shed. Missouri is home to such legendary whitetails as the "Missouri Monarch," a massive 333 7/8-inch monster found dead in 1981. In Missouri, there are numerous hunting opportunities on public land, including the use of alternative methods. Quickly, I drew my bow, and I took aim at the buck as he walked through my shadow at 15 yards. A prime destination for big-buck hunting, the Land of Lincoln has garnered much attention from resident and non-resident hunters with goals for tagging a trophy whitetail. MSMBBC recognizes trophy white-tailed deer harvested or found in Missouri, in both the typical and non-typical categories. And while it might seem, statistically, that a 160-inch-plus buck hides in every plum thicket and switch grass-lined swale between the Missouri and the Mississippi rivers well, thats not the case. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities. However, if you intend to hunt game species other than those listed above, you will need a regular permit and license; there are no additional restrictions on hunting within Missouri State Conservation Areas. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. "Be aware of county-level regulations regarding baiting and carcass transport," said Wesley Ellarson, a deer biologist with the Wisconsin DNR. Minimum entry scores for trophy records are 140 inches for typical entries, 155 inches for non-typical entries, 60 inches for typical shed entries, and 70 inches for non-typical shed entries. How can that be, Missouri is a two buck limit state And, has rifle season in the rut. But just like anywhere else, there are sweet spots nestled across the state, ones you should have on your radar if looking to score a monster. But the data doesn't lie. It's the 21st century, dude. Hunting these lands is associated with a stigma. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? With a green score of over 220 inches, Kolbe Straw's buck is nothing short of a monster. The evening started out slow but at 5 p.m. Linderer looked to his left and saw the giant whitetail stand up from his bed in the field about 80 yards away. No bull. Lease prices depend a lot on location and size of the property, Griffin said. And, has rifle season in the rut. This alone makes it a magnet for local deer, but when you factor in that it also borders Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, then thats double the pleasure. The treestand is situated inside a strip of timber along the edge of his neighbors bean field. It might not rank as high as it used to, but it's still offering pretty darn good deer hunting. Much of this land is bottomland timber situated along the Missouri River and the Bonne Femme Creek corridors. Hunters should note that in 2018 there were two managed deer hunts here: a roughly month-long archery hunt and a three-day muzzleloader or cap-and-ball firearms hunt. Get with the program. They must keep five acres of land to hunt small game, fish, and trap on their qualifying properties. Habitat is a key factor in both the number of deer that an area can support, and in the upper size limit that those deer might attain. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. There are many different regulations for hunting in the state of Missouri. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Google Earth can also be used to conduct research. Danny Goldhammer. And just like that, the last day of bow season in northeast Missouri was upon us. Big deer live in abundance throughout Missouri, and there are numerous hunting opportunities. Gordon Whittington talks crossbow strategies when it comes to deciding whether or not to stop a deer. Entries (per square mile) the last five seasons: .00285, Top county for typicals: Allamakee (seven), Top county for non-typicals: Warren/Harrison (four). There is a lot of big money in Missouri. What makes this important to our current discussion on Missouri trophy bucks? This 6,759-acre tract of public land is a great place to begin your quest for a trophy buck. This deer season he returned to hunt a private 200-acre central Missouri family farm he has shared with buddies for years. This is still a great place to be in a tree. The Missouri Monarch, a non-typical buck, is the worlds largest, with a length of 333 7/8 inches and a weight of 578 pounds. Missouri deer hunting is among the best in the country, and every hunter should plan to go at least once in his or her lifetime. These 12 counties produced a whopping 48 B&C whitetail bucks between 2013 and 2017. On Target: Stopping a Deer While Using a Crossbow. Entries (per square mile) the last five seasons: .00133, Top county for typicals: Wicomico (three), Top county for non-typicals: Cecil/Charles/Kent/Queen Anne's/St. It's entered 234 typicals in the last five seasons. The Golden Triangle of Illinois Pike, Brown, and Adams county, collectively nestled between the Mississippi and Illinois River has long been the primary destination for this caliber of whitetail bucks. This 105-acre area is comprised of mostly river bottom timber. Although the potential for taking a trophy buck in the Bluegrass State has been good for many years, the past decade has really been an eye-opener for hunters not only in the state, but across the country. While used to objectively measure big game, the scoring and data-collection system also helps gauge species and population health and habitat quality. Weve compiled the hunter accounts of three of Missouris top bucks of 2020. Regardless of what the deer officially scores, Im humbled to have lived this experience. IMB Outfitters is a hunting company that offers deer hunting in Missouri near the small town of Macon. We did what we could to pass the time in camp, playing cards, fishing, shooting our bows and things of that nature. Wisconsin offers some of the best opportunities in the world for harvesting a record-book buck. In addition, the club recognizes shed antlers in both categories. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. Hunting deer with a handgun is allowed in this alternative method season, as is hunting deer with a firearm, regardless of the regular firearm deer season. He informed me of a big deer that was around all summer long in a bean field just South of our property. The rest of the area is leased to the MDC. Residents of Missouri may purchase an archery deer permit for $260 (one either-sex/one antlerless). Missouri hunters have taken over 200,000 deer each year, ranking first in the country for most deer taken with a single shot. Others offer more basic packages that just include guide services. Ground Zero: Missouri's Record Bucks Hit some of the state's central Missouri River corridor counties, such as Callaway and Chariton, for your best shot at a Missouri record buck. Honestly, neither of those lists paint an accurate picture. Non-resident Firearms any-deer permits are $265 and Non-resident Archery Any-deer permits are $265. Historically, the closer to November 10 that the season opens, the more bucks hunters shoot.. Exotic Fishing Paradise Awaits in South Florida, Bass Crash Course: Topwater Pointers for Buzzbaits, Walking Baits, Make Crawfish Part of Perfect Summertime Meal, Spin to Win: Panfish Secrets for Catching Limits on Spinners, How to Add Casting Distance to Reach Bigger Fish, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, Awesome Start to Minnesota Turkey Hunting, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection. Plus, it's only cranking out half as many as Booners as Wisconsin and Kentucky on a per-square-mile basis. Tony Kalna, Jr. Hunters are limited to archery and muzzleloader methods to harvest deer. There are many Missouri deer hunting outfitters to choose from. It might not seem that way on the surface, but it is. According to B&C records, most of our best bucks since 2013 were killed in the lower drainages of our major rivers, specifically the Arkansas, White, Cache and St. Francis rivers. In fact, if you were to lay a U.S. map of the trophy buck hotspots over a map displaying areas with the most soybeans grown, the two line up perfectly! Whitetails have quality habitat with an abundant variety of nutritious food over most of the year, and winters are generally mild. Despite the apparent success of antler restrictions, this year it's been lifted in 14 counties, and the Columbia/Jefferson City Urban Zone has been eliminated. I stared at the squinting deer just 20 yards away. There are still some big deer to be tagged there, but nothing like it once was. It did touch on selection, APRS, EHD, and rifle season date. After about an hour of stalking, the archer arrowed the monster deer at 25 yards. Out-of-state hunters in Missouri are required to pay a small fee for a license to hunt whitetail. If you are looking for a lease, visit the companys website at basecampleasing.com or call Ed Griffin at 573-619-8905. The state's bow season generally goes from Sept. 2-Jan. 15. Doyles buck has 16 scorable points and green scored 203 6/8 B&C inches. And the percentage of 4.5-year-old (12 percent) and 5.5-year-old bucks (4 percent) harvested in Callaway County is double that of the statewide average of 6 percent and 2 percent, respectively, for those age classes. The beauty in Boone & Crockett's Trophy Records search function? Editors Note: All three bucks were taken in different regions of the state. On September 15, 2011, 665 posts were added. Antlered buck harvest is also trending upward over the past five years. I froze. Spatafora first came to know this buck in 2018 when his trail camera sent him a pic on June 6th revealing a buck with antlers already past its ears. Mary's/Wicomico (one). Just hold down the control key (command key on a Mac) as you select. In Missouri, it is illegal to hunt deer on private land if there are sufficient food sources to attract them. It's no secret that Mississippi is a solid option for those who hunt in the South. Delaware, another northeastern destination, snuck onto the list as well. Click here to read more Ground Zero: California's Record Bucks Name a place to tag a record-book white-tailed deer. Hunters, on the other hand, are more than willing to work with us and, at times, we will allow all funds to be used for hunting. Wow! This is the worlds largest non-typical buck, and it is the most recent all-time record holder, with a non-typical bow length of 333 7/8 inches. In terms of quantity, some of Georgias best deer-producing counties barely make the cut. Winchester's new Big Bore ammo, available in 10 mm, .44 Mag., .357 Mag., and .45 Colt, is specifically designed for big bears in bear country. Keep this in mind for next seasons application period. In addition to a patchwork of timber and farm ground, there are plenty of deer in a perfect habitat. "Use DNR dumpsters for butchered carcass disposal. The firearms and muzzleloading deer hunting seasons for archery deer will be Oct. 15-Nov. 18, and the archery deer hunting seasons will be Nov. 19-23. But if you're looking for the best of the best white-tailed bucks, better head to one of these 15 states. The Missouri Show-Me Big Bucks Club offers special thanks to our sponsors that assisted during our transition: Central Missouri Branch - Quality Deer Management Association, National Muzzleloading Riffle Association. Tony Kalna, Jr. Kevin Spatafora Kevin Spatafora is a farmer from Kingdom City, Missouri who is also a waterfowl hunting addict. Entries (per square mile) the last five seasons: .00065, Top county for typicals: Berrien/Monroe (four), Top county for non-typicals: Livingston/Washtenaw (two). Other states have really come a long way in recent years. Alatl takes, which are completely legal in Missouri, are one of the most unusual methods of taking. Go to almost any part of the state to deer hunt and you will see what I mean. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. When it comes to hunting, it is a fantastic way to spend an unforgettable outdoor adventure, but it must be done with extreme caution and in a safe and responsible manner. I'm pretty sure 3 that size more or less get taken most years. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. One that's smoked first. - mx1alex. After just 15 minutes in the stand, Doyle saw a big buck get up out of his bed facing away from him. And 10 percent of the bucks taken are 4.5 years old, which is 4 percent better than the statewide average. Hunters bagged the low mark of 1,432 antlered buck in 2013 to a high harvest of 2,347 in 2017. if you want correct information from the internet, don't ask for it, but rather. Its no secret that Missouri is one of the most productive states in the country for trophy deer. A quarter mile away from trails or roads is the bare minimum of distance that hunters must cover during rifle season. Another part of the puzzle is hunter attitude, continues Sumners. Any county with antler restrictions in effect is likely to have nice bucks. Half an hour later the buck stood back up and started moving directly away. This is a turkey hunter's take on the classic Swiss dish. Finding the perfect property necessitates a variety of timber, crops, and a year-round water supply. The recent buck killed in Sumner County called the Tucker Buck and the increase in Boone & Crockett entries are all pointing to this area as a region of the Volunteer State where there may be some good opportunities to harvest a trophy deer. Furbearers may only be hunted during daylight hours during firearms deer season using only deer hunting techniques. The Big Buck Hunter Challenge, a hunting competition in Missouri, challenges hunters to take the states largest buck. | Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. Alaska has some of the best fishing and hunting in the country. This year, the rifle will be chambered in 7mm PRC, the hot new load that was a hit at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Missouri is a great place to hunt because it is home to some of the countrys best deer hunters, who harvest over 200,000 deer per year. We worked with Boone & Crockett (B&C) to scour their records books and identify the Buckeye States top counties for relinquishing whitetails with record-book qualifying racks over the past half- decade. For starters, the range of Columbian blacktails is much smaller than that of whitetails or muleys. The top three all offer multiple hunting destinations that are both open to the public and prime for surrendering a bragging-size buck. Missouri Big Bucks. A Missouri Monarch, the worlds largest buck, was taken in the state. Thats easy: Kansas, Montana, Alberta, Illinois, Texas and almost anywhere east of the Mississippi River.The same is true for mule deer.