The Best Deer Hunting States for Your Buck Bucket List

Plus, there's the question of the type of deer you're targeting, whether whitetail, muleys, or something more exotic. 

Where should you plan your deer hunt this year? This guide highlights the thirteen best deer hunting states to help you plan your deer hunting calendar for the new year and beyond. 

What To Consider When Evaluating The Best Deer Hunting States

Choosing the best state for your deer hunt requires a deep analysis of the benefits and potential drawbacks some deer hunting locations offer. Let's examine some of the leading considerations. 

Population, density, and health are essential as they indicate a greater chance of taking a deer that is not only well-conditioned but can be entirely and ethically harvested. States with proactive wildlife departments and strong hunting cultures likely have an abundance of healthy deer. 

General hunting availability and extensive seasons on both public and private land hunting will increase the number of hunting opportunities. Some states offer landowner programs or leasing opportunities to help hunters gain access.

Looking at past performance and record-breaking deer on state websites or groups such as the National Deer Association can provide essential insights if you're after a wall-hanger. 

What's Your Availability?

Sometimes, the best hunting state is one open during your time off.

States with longer seasons or multiple firearm-specific opportunities (rifle, archery, muzzleloader) provide more flexibility for hunters. Throw in some generous bag limits, and you can make the most of this time.

Additionally, states with a strong and supportive hunting culture and infrastructure can make everything smoother. 

Take a moment to consider what you value in a hunt, whether trophies, venison, or stunning landscapes, and you'll be one step closer to completing your "buck bucket list." 

The 13 Best States For Deer Hunting 

While we're partial to the first two states on the list, as much of our team lives and hunts these regions, we've included a balanced and exciting list focused on the previously mentioned criteria.

Plenty of HuntWise Pros and HuntWise Field Team members also hunt regularly in other top deer states. 

1. Texas 

Texas just feels right at the top of the list. With the largest deer population in the U.S., extensive private land opportunities (95%) pumping out trophy bucks, and deep environmental diversity providing various differing hunting experiences, Texas is a whitetail haven. 

The generous bag limits, hunter-forward regulations, and long seasons attract hunters from all across the country looking for a whitetail hunt. The opportunity to target exotic species, such as Axis deer or Fallow deer, can also be a big draw. 

2. Michigan 

Due to the state's robust wildlife management efforts, Michigan boasts a strong and healthy deer population enjoyed by hunters steeped in hunting history and tradition.

Hunting Michigan can sometimes feel like you're taking part in the past, and with over 10 million acres of public hunting land, there's plenty of opportunity for those willing to put in the work–the payoff being some stunning landscapes.

Consider heading into Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for a more secluded hunt. 

3. Wisconsin

Careful management and a strong agricultural community in the Southern and Western States have produced substantial deer numbers and some impressive bucks in the Badger state. Consistently ranking in the Pope & Young trophy books means you can try your luck at a record-breaking buck in many sites across the extensive public land opportunities.

Strong community support in this state means hunters protect their older deer, mainly due to ongoing CWD challenges. 

4. Kansas

Kansas consistently produces mature, well-conditioned, massive bucks thanks to its fertile farmland, rolling prairies, and wooded creek beds. The population is well maintained, and while there are more restrictions and limited public land, opportunities for bowhunters are plentiful. 

5. Iowa

Iowa is a world-class whitetail hunting destination. The state's nutrient-rich farmland, wooded areas, strong hunting history, and excellent habitat management from the DNR all contribute to a well-sustained deer population and some giant whitetails.

Trophy hunters will find plenty of trophy-quality bucks, with many entries in the B&C and P&Y record books. A strong culture of hunting means bucks are free to mature to impressive sizes, and strict tag and hunting regulations help maintain the perfect balance. 

6. Illinois

While sometimes overlooked, Illinois is anything but a second-rate deer hunting destination.

Fertile farmlands allow deer to grow big and healthy, with the Southern and Western regions consistently producing trophy-potential bucks with substantial public and private hunting opportunities and long seasons at an estimated 640,000-strong herd.

Illinois remains a top pick for both trophy and subsistence hunters. 

7. Missouri

Missouri is one of the most popular deer hunting states, and for good reason. The Show-Me state offers a mix of abundant whitetail populations, generous bag limits, a variety of hunting terrains, hunter-forward regulations, and affordable licenses and tags.

The public hunting lands, such as the historic Mark Twain National Forest, are exciting, meaning opportunities for trophy hunting pros and recreational hunters alike. 

8. Kentucky

Kentucky is a state that takes its deer hunting very seriously.

Consistent trophy whitetails, particularly in western Kentucky, an estimated herd population of 900,000 + generous bag limits, affordable licenses, and long seasons for archery, rifle, and muzzleloader hunters provide both local and interstate hunters to take advantage of the diverse region and take some impressive bucks. 

9. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a true deer hunter's paradise.

With an estimated herd of 1.5 million, the healthy whitetail population is spread across diverse habitats, from the Appalachian Mountains to sprawling forests and farmland. A recent focus on management and the imposition of strategies such as antler point restrictions have resulted in a resurgence of mature, healthy bucks. 

10. Montana

Montana is a personal bucket list state of many hunters. The stunning landscapes, rugged environment, and opportunities to target the majestic mule and whitetail deer have long driven this desire.

Access to public lands, including federal lands and national forests, makes Montana the perfect DIY hunting experience with rifle, bow, and crossbow opportunities. Additionally, the long seasons and generous tag opportunities provide ample opportunities for locals and out-of-staters. 

11. Oklahoma

Wedged between two whitetail juggernauts (Texas and Kansas), Oklahoma's low profile has finally blown.

Public hunting options are plentiful, with wildlife management areas and walk-in hunting programs across the state, WMA's,  national forests, and Army Corps of Engineers' grounds. The licenses are affordable, the seasons are long, and with a population of around 750,000, there's plenty of opportunity in Oklahoma for the dedicated. 

12. Mississippi

Mississippi deserves an honorable mention as a prime destination for deer hunters. With an estimated population of 1.75 million, the combination of hardwood forests, river bottoms, and agricultural lands provides the perfect blended environment for deer to thrive. 

13. Ohio

Rounding off our list is the Buckeye State, widely regarded as one of the top whitetail destinations in the country.

Ohio consistently produces record-book bucks, particularly in areas like the northeastern and southwestern parts of the state. Access to whitetail zones is generous, seasons are long, and licenses are manageable and affordable. 

Tips For Hunting Out-Of-State 

At this point, we're guessing you're pretty excited about deer season in any of these states. However, before embarking on an out-of-state hunt, make sure you're fully aware of your destination state's licensing and tag application process.

Many states require hunters to apply for tags in advance, especially for non-residents, and you don't want your hunt to finish before it even begins. Pay close attention to deadlines, application fees, and any draw systems that may apply.

During the planning phase, it's also a great time to get on top of hunter-education, first aid, and other educational tasks, regardless of whether they're required in the state where you plan to hunt. 

Scout Early and Budget

We've provided this list of the best states for deer hunting because you'll need plenty of time to plan!

Thanks to digital tools like hunting apps (e.g., HuntWise), you can explore topography, property boundaries, and deer activity from your living room — anytime. The HuntWise app's satellite and LiDAR mapping features allow you to target prime hunting spots before crossing the border into your chosen state. 

Finally, budget appropriately. Factor in travel costs, accommodation, licenses, tags, necessary gear, and more to ensure you're prepared and covered for all costs for your bucket list whitetail hunt. 

Explore These Bucket-List-Worthy States With HuntWise 

When it comes to deer hunting, North Americans are spoiled for choice. With many prime deer hunting locations, it becomes just as much about the experience, the challenges, and the memories you'll create as bagging that once-in-a-lifetime deer. 

To start exploring deer hunting opportunities nationwide, download the HuntWise app. Then, start pinning hunt areas to plan your next bucket list trip with extensive mapping overlays, tips from hunting pros, rutting guides, and much more. The 3-D mapping layers help you visualize your hunt while you plan!

Don't have the app yet? Download and try it free for your first week.