Yes, you read it right. There are many states you can go to for a relatively low price, but more importantly, have good hunt. I am not talking about Texas, Kansas, or Iowa where everyone else goes and the prices are crazy, but instead states that have plenty of public land and a high amount of deer! If you do your homework and know where you are going ahead of time, you will have higher chances of success. This can be done through using a satellite view of the land you are thinking of pursuing your trophy on. I like to use Google Earth, which is free and easy to use. Look for lands that have food sources near. Even if there isn’t much for woods, the thick brush and tall weeds holds deer! If you follow these tips and scout the area when you get to where you are going, you can have a successful hunt in days for around $200, over the counter!
Here is the list of my top 5 states for you to try out next season:
#5 Mississippi
Although I have never deer hunted here, Mississippi is on my hit list. For just $125 for a 3-day archery license or $205 for a 7-day archery license, Mississippi allows you to take a buck and a doe. There are large pieces of public land in all of the three zones. Seasons are different from zone to zone, but they generally open from the beginning to mid October. Deer populations are high in most parts of the state and hunting pressure is moderate. My favorite part of Mississippi is that there is an antler size limit, which varies from zone to zone, but it has created a prime opportunity for taking trophy whitetails across the state. As long as you make sure you look at the choppy season dates while planning your trip, you are bound to have a great, deer-filled trip!
#4 Kentucky
For $190 you can take a buck and a doe OR two does. The bow season for whitetails starts the first Saturday of September and runs through mid January. There is plenty of public land to hunt and, if you aren’t shy to knock on a couple doors, gaining permission for some properties is not overly difficult. Depending on the part of the state you want to hunt, the hunting pressure is low to moderate, but it is worth a shot! Kentucky is producing more and more trophy whitetails every year! Put the time and effort in and you can easily have a successful hunt in days.
#3 Indiana
We can’t forget about the increasingly popular Indiana. For $180 you can shoot only one deer. The best part is that access to land is easy with plenty of public land, low pressure, and most private landowners willing to work with you. Indiana keeps putting out trophy deer every year, and it is no wonder why. With plenty of agriculture fields mixed with hardwoods, it is the perfect habitat for monster whitetails. Give it a try, you won’t regret it!
#2 North Dakota
For $200, you can have a buck and a doe tag. There is public hunting land (PLOTS) all over the state and there is surprisingly low pressure during bow season. The season starts the first week of September, which means you can most likely go on an early bowhunt here and get back to your home state before your season opens! Also, pronghorn tags are only $200 and the archery season opens the first week of September also. If you are looking for a great opportunity to take a trophy animal at a reasonable price, this is the place to be! There is no better feeling than putting the work in by yourself and setting up on an animal by yourself; it is really the ultimate test.
#1 Ohio
And finally, Ohio! Every diehard whitetail hunter has heard about Ohio’s monster bucks, and the best part is that you can buy a tag for $150…over the counter! Ohio is increasingly popular and continues to come up with record bucks every season. There is public land scattered across the state and the land owners I have talked to seem to be fair with hunters that ask permission. The deer are fairly pressured, but if you bowhunt towards the beginning of the season, you will find that lighter pressure. The season starts towards the end of September, but runs into February. Whitetails couldn’t ask for a better place to live with plenty of food and cover
| Of course, the famous Beatty Buck taken in Ohio! |
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There you have it! Now is the time to start planning for next season. Hopefully I gave you a couple of possible destinations and I wish you all the luck! I hope to see you out there!
