Top 5 U.S. States for Public and Private Deer Hunting in 2025

For many years, deer hunting has been a customs in the United States that attracts hunters of all ability levels. Choosing the correct state is vital regardless of your level of experience as a hunter after trophy bucks or a rookie on search for a suitable beginning place. Every state has advantages of its own, from large public hunting grounds to private estates with first-rate management supporting great whitetail deer population.

Some states still stand out by their exceptional deer hunting opportunities by 2025. The ranking of these states as favored choices is much influenced by factors including the deer population, hunting rules, terrain features, and access convenience. This book will explore the best five states for both public and private deer hunting, stressing their unique features and offering vital information to give thought before planning your next trip.

1. Texas – The American Whitetail Capital

Thanks to its large whitetail population and plenty of private hunting areas, Texas is the unquestionably king of deer hunting. Texas should be your first pick if you are seeking a guaranteed opportunity at a deer.

Why Texas is Excellent for Deer Hunting

• Texas boasts the largest deer population in the nation—over 5.3 million whitetails.
• Though most hunting is on private land, many ranches provide guided hunts.
• From early November to late January, Texas boasts one of the longest hunting seasons.
• Diverse Terrain: From rolling plains in the west to deep forests in East Texas, the state presents a variety of settings.

Public Hunting in Texas vs. Private Hunting

Texas does have some public hunting possibilities under its Public Hunting Lands (PHL) program, even if private hunting rules predominate in the state. Hunter access to more than a million acres of public land including state parks and wildlife management areas (WMAs) is obtained with a $48 permit.

Booking a private guided hunt in Texas will raise your chances of success if you’re seeking a top-notch, trophy whitetail hunting experience.

2. Wisconsin—Public Lands and Trophy Bucks

For hunters seeking exceptional bucks and lots of public hunting area, Wisconsin is a perfect location. High success rates and a well-kept deer population are well-known traits of it.

The reasons Wisconsin ranks as a top hunting state

• Wisconsin boasts the record for some of the largest trophy bucks ever taken.
• Excellent Public Hunting Possibilities Everyone can use the more than 7 million acres of public land.
• Reasonably cost non-resident hunting licenses are available compared to other states.
• Strong Deer Management: To guarantee sustainability, Wisconsin maintains a highly controlled hunting program.

Top Public Hunting Sites in Wisconsin

• Nicolet National Forest, Chequamegon-Based Covering 1.5 million acres, this forest offers first-rate public hunting prospects.
• Perfect for hunters searching for big whitetails is Necedah National Wildlife Refuge.
• Ideal for deer shooting, Kickapoo Valley Reserve presents vast fields and thick woodlands.
• For hunters looking for both public and private hunting choices as well as a good possibility at a monster buck, Wisconsin is a great alternative.

3. Lowa: The Greatest State for Grand Slams

Lowa is a top-notch location for professional hunters since it is well known for generating massive deer bucks. Iowa is among the greatest spots to hunt if you want a record-breaking deer.

Why Iowa St stands out?

• Strict Tag System: Iowa controls non-resident hunting tags, therefore lowering demand on the deer population.
• Perfect habitat for deer is created by the mix of farmlands, river bottoms, and wooded sections throughout the state.
• Low Hunting Pressure: The controlled tag system produces better quality animals from less hunters.
• High Success Rates: Iowa hunters typically find exceptional success picking mature bucks.

Difficulties hunting in Iowa

• Difficult to Get a Tag: Non-residents have to enter a lottery system and might not get a tag for years.
• License and tag costs for non-residents are more expensive than in other states.
• Lowa continues to be a top target for dedicated hunters seeking once-in- a-lifetime trophy bucks in spite of these obstacles.

4. Kentucky: A Deer Hunting Rising Star

Kentucky’s increasing number of record-sized whitetail deer has been driving popularity for the state recently. For hunters seeking premium hunting without going broke, this reasonably priced and easily accessible state is perfect.

Why Kentucky Makes a Great Choice

• Big Deer Population: One of the top states for whitetail hunting boasts about one million deer.
• Record-Size Bucks: Kentucky has lately produced some highly scoring deer.
• Early Season Advantage lets hunters target bucks in velvet because Bow season begins early September.
• Reasonably Low Hunting Prices Kentucky’s licenses and tags are far more reasonably priced than those of Iowa.

Top Public Hunting Sites in Kentucky

• Home to a good deer population, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area spans more than 170,000 acres.
• Daniel Boone National Forest presents great chances for hunters, both bow-wise and armed.
• Kentucky ranks highly among those seeking a reasonably priced, first-rate hunting experience.

5. Kansas: A Hidden Gem for Trophy Bucks

Though Kansas doesn’t garner as much attention as some of the other states on this list, it regularly generates huge whitetail deer.

Why Kansas Ranked as a Top Hunting Location

• Low Hunting Pressure: Deer have more opportunity to get bigger as less hunters mean.
• Excellent habitat: Kansas offers deer perfect conditions from its mix of undulating hills, river bottoms, and agricultural fields.
• High-Quality Bucks: The state routinely generates 150+ inch deer.
• Kansas provides non-resident tags through a draw system, which makes them easily available.

Top Locations for Hunting in Kansas

• A great place for whitetail deer, known for generating big bucks is Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.
• Strong deer numbers and varied topography are offered by the Milford Wildlife Area.
• Kansas is a good option if you want a hidden gem where you may locate trophy deer free from as much competition.

Conclusion

Though Texas, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kentucky, and Kansas stand out as the top five states, the United States boasts some of the best deer hunting prospects in the world. Whether it’s Texas’ private ranches, Wisconsin’s huge public lands, Iowa’s record bucks, Kentucky’s affordability, or Kansas’ low-pressure hunting, every state presents a different experience.

Especially for non-residents, examine hunting rules, licensing requirements, and draw systems before leaving. Any one of these states can offer a remarkable hunting experience in 2025 with appropriate planning.

Eastwesthunt.com

FAQ’s