A successful hunt starts with getting your licenses and permits in place. Then, you’ve got to identify the best place to get into the field. Thankfully, Kansas has a huge deer herd and many places to go bag your buck.
In this article, we’ll show you:
- Where to hunt
- When to get there
- Tips for more successful deer hunts
- Quick recap of the permits and regulations you need
Let’s get started with a quick intro to what it means to hunt whitetail deer in Kansas.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Hunting Kansas Whitetails
Kansas is a serious contender if you’re after big whitetails. The state’s got a ton of public hunting land – think over 300,000 acres – and landowners often open up even more during the season. That translates to plenty of space to track down those mature bucks. Plus, those Kansas farmlands keep the deer population strong and healthy, meaning there’s potential for some impressive racks out there. Whether you’re into rifle, bow, or muzzleloader, Kansas has options for you.
Is Kansas a Good Deer Hunting State?
Kansas is considered a good state for deer hunting due to various factors that make it an ideal destination for hunters. The state offers a healthy deer herd, with excellent potential for trophy-sized bucks in all regions, and hunters enjoy one of the highest hunting success rates in the nation. Kansas maintains a selective management program that has contributed to the increase in white-tailed deer numbers over the last 20 years, with the highest whitetail densities found in the eastern one-third of the state.
Kansas provides a variety of seasons for both mule and white-tailed deer, including special seasons for youth, hunters with disabilities, and veterans, making it appealing to a wide range of hunters. The state’s open spaces and diverse landscapes contribute to its reputation as one of the best states for hunting, offering opportunities for both do-it-yourself hunts on public lands and fully guided trips on vast ranches known for colossal bucks.
Where is The Best Whitetail Deer Hunting in Kansas?
The five counties in Kansas with the highest recorded trophy deer in the Pope & Young record books are:
- Butler (129)
- Barber (107)
- Comanche (87)
- Greenwood (74)
- Sumner (73)
These counties have been known for their significant deer populations and offer excellent hunting opportunities for white-tailed or mule deer enthusiasts.
Ohio has many areas of public land where hunters consistently take down does and bucks. You can join the public hunt or choose to hunt on private land.
Does Kansas Have Big Bucks?
The top 10 biggest bucks ever killed in Kansas had varying numbers of points, with the highest recorded being a 36-point giant with an unofficial gross score of 255 7/8 and a net of 247. Other notable bucks include a once-in-a-lifetime 67-point buck with a net score of 321 3/8 inches, which demolished the Kansas archery non-typical whitetail record. Additionally, a world record whitetail killed by a Kansas teen scored 271 4/8 inches with 44 total points, making it the fifth largest whitetail ever shot in the state of Kansas. The diversity in point counts among these impressive bucks showcases the range of trophy-sized deer that can be found in Kansas.
Overview of the Kansas Whitetail Seasons
Kansas carefully manages its whitetail seasons to balance the deer population with hunter opportunities, ensuring a sustainable and ethical hunt. The state offers distinct seasons for archery, muzzleloader, and rifle hunting, each with specific dates and regulations. Archery season typically spans from September to December, allowing hunters to experience the early-season patterns of deer and the peak of the rut in November. Muzzleloader season opens in September, offering a unique challenge with primitive firearms. Rifle season, usually starting in late November, coincides with the post-rut period, providing excellent opportunities for hunters as deer return to their normal feeding patterns.
Here are the deer season dates for 2024:
- Early Muzzleloader Season: Sept. 16 – Sept. 29, 2024
- Archery Season: Sept. 16 – Dec. 31, 2024
- Firearms Season: Dec. 4 – Dec. 15, 2024
- 1st Extended Whitetail Antlerless Only: Jan. 1 – Jan. 5, 2025 (Units 6, 8, 9, 10, and 17)
- 2nd Extended Whitetail Antlerless Only: Jan. 1 – Jan. 12, 2025 (Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 14, and 16)
- 3rd Extended Whitetail Antlerless Only: Jan. 1 – Jan. 19, 2025 (Units 10A, 12, 13, 15, and 19)
- Extended Archery Whitetail Antlerless Only: Jan. 20 – Jan. 31, 2025 (Units 10A and 19)
We’ve got a whole other article about all the Kansas hunting seasons. Check it out for information about hunting other species so you can be in the field all year round. Looking for other game? Look at these posts:
Licenses and Permits
To hunt whitetail deer in Kansas, individuals need specific permits based on the type of deer and the hunting season. The most common permit is the Resident Any-Season White-Tailed Deer Permit. Here are the key permits required:
- White-tailed Antlerless Deer Permit: Allows the hunting of antlerless white-tailed deer statewide during muzzleloader-only, archery, and firearms seasons.
- Nonresident Archery White-tailed Deer Permit: Available through a draw and valid in two adjacent Deer Management Units.
- Nonresident Hunting License: Required for nonresidents hunting with specific permits.
- Youth Permits: Reduced price permits for hunters aged 15 and younger, valid during specified seasons including the September youth/disabled season.
- Hunt-Own-Land Permit: Available to nonresident landowners for hunting white-tailed or mule deer on their land during specific seasons.
- Special Hunt-Own-Land Relative Deer Permit: Available to relatives of resident landowners or tenants for hunting white-tailed or mule deer on specified lands during certain seasons.
These permits allow hunters to participate in different hunting seasons and target specific types of deer within the regulations set by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. You can buy a hunting license on KSOutdoors.com.
Can you buy over the counter whitetail tags in Kansas?
Permits for Resident Any-Season White-tailed Deer, which include bucks, does, or fawns, can be acquired through various channels including in-person, online at www.gooutdoorskansas.com, or via telephone. These permits are applicable statewide for any hunting season, contingent upon the utilization of season-appropriate legal equipment.
How Much does it cost to hunt deer in Kansas?
The costs for hunting deer vary based on the season, weapon, and residency status of the hunter. Here are are two quick reference tables for you. Of course, you should always check with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for the most up to date info.
Resident Permit Prices
| Permit Type | Price for General Residents | Price for Resident Landowner/Tenant | Price for Resident Youth (15 and younger) | Valid Units/Season |
| Firearm Either-species/Either-sex | $52.50 | $32.50 | $22.50 | EAST units (3, 4, 5, 7, 16) or WEST units (1, 2, 17, 18) |
| Any-Season White-tailed Deer | $42.50 | $22.50 | $12.50 | Statewide |
| Archery Either-species/Either-sex | $42.50 | $22.50 | $12.50 | Statewide |
| Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex | $42.50 | $22.50 | $12.50 | EAST (3, 4, 5, 7, 16) or WEST (1, 2, 17, 18) |
| Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit | – | $22.50 | – | Land owned/operated by landowner or tenant |
| Antlerless White-tailed Deer | $22.50 | – | $10.00 | – |
Nonresident Permit Prices
| Permit Type | Price | Additional Details |
| Youth White-tailed Deer Permit | $117.50 | Youth 15 and younger |
| White-tailed Deer Permit | $477.50 | Age 16 and older |
| Mule Deer Stamp Fee | $150.00 | Plus Nonresident White-tailed deer permit fee |
| Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit | $87.50 | For nonresident landowners |
| Special Hunt-Own-Land Relative Deer Permit | $42.50 | For lineal relatives of qualifying landowners |
Nonresident Tenant Permit Prices
| Permit Type | Price | Validity |
| Tenant Hunt-Own-Land Deer Permit | $87.50 | On land owned or operated by tenant |
| Antlerless White-tailed Deer permit | $52.50 | – |
Whitetail Hunting in Kansas: Public vs. Private (Leased) Lands
Only about 8% of landowners in Kansas allowed hunting leases in the past year. Most people hunt on private land they own or are invited to by the landowner. But that shouldn’t stop you!
Ohio has many areas of public land where hunters consistently take down does and bucks. You can join the public hunt or choose to hunt on private land.
Understanding the Landscape
- Public Lands: Kansas boasts a variety of public lands available for hunting, including state wildlife areas and Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) lands. These areas are managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism and offer free or permit-based hunting opportunities.
- Private Lands: Private lands in Kansas, often leased by hunters or hunting outfitters, can provide exclusive hunting experiences. These lands typically have less hunting pressure and may offer better chances at trophy bucks due to managed habitats and controlled hunting pressure.
Pros and Cons
- Accessibility: Public lands are widely accessible but can be crowded, especially during peak seasons. Private lands offer a more secluded hunting experience but at a higher cost.
- Quality of Game: Private lands often have larger and more mature whitetails due to better management practices. However, diligent scouting on public lands can also yield impressive results.
- Cost: Hunting on public lands is generally more affordable, requiring only the necessary permits and licenses. Private or leased lands involve additional costs, including lease fees or outfitter packages.
Making the Choice
- Your Goals: Consider your hunting goals. If seeking a trophy buck in a less pressured environment is your priority, private land may be worth the investment. If you enjoy the challenge and accessibility of public land hunting, Kansas offers ample opportunities.
- Budget Considerations: Evaluate your budget. Public lands offer a cost-effective way to hunt, while private lands require a financial commitment but come with the perks of potentially better hunting conditions and game quality.
Whether you choose the rugged openness of public lands or the exclusive access of private lands, Kansas offers a rich and rewarding whitetail hunting experience. Each option has its unique advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal hunting style, goals, and budget.
Check out our list of current hunting leases in Kansas. Still want to go public? Here is the public hunting land in Kansas.
Need a document to make everything official? Here’s a hunting lease agreement you can edit and use.
Prepping for Your Kansas Whitetail Hunt
You cannot just walk into the Kansas wilds and bag a big buck – you need to put in the work beforehand. We are talking about gear, knowing those deer like the back of your hand, and remembering safety comes first.
Gear Up Right
What you pack makes or breaks your hunt. Obviously, you need a weapon you are comfortable with – a bow for archery season, a muzzleloader if you are into that old-school style, or a solid rifle when the time is right. Binoculars and a rangefinder are not a luxury, they are about spotting bucks and avoiding bad shots. Camouflage matters, and you must control your scent, especially if you are bowhunting or those bucks are on high alert during the rut.
- Camo that Counts: Break up your outline based on where you are hunting. Kansas is not all the same, so do not just grab whatever camouflage you have lying around.
- Scent Is Not Your Friend: Deer have noses like bloodhounds. Invest in some good scent control products and learn how to use them correctly.
Scouting & Location is Key
Big bucks do not just walk up to you. Scouting is how you figure out where they are moving and where to set up. Trail cameras are a godsend – they show you what is moving even when you are not there. But nothing beats boots on the ground to learn the land, find those deer trails, bedding areas, and where they are feeding.
- Maps are Your Buddies: Get on Google Earth or whatever mapping software you like. Look for those pinch points, creek crossings, whatever makes deer travel a certain way.
- Look for the Signs: You are not just looking for deer themselves when scouting. Tracks, droppings, rubs – they all tell the story of what is going on.
Staying Safe & Hunting Right
Hunting is not about going wild – it is about being smart and responsible. Know how to handle your weapon safely, always wear blaze orange when it is required, and never take a shot you are not sure of. Respect the animal and the land, that is part of being a real hunter.
- Safety Is Not Optional: Know the rules around guns, tree stands, whatever you are using. Accidents ruin hunts, sometimes worse.
- Good Hunters Leave Things Better: Do not be one of those guys trashing the place or taking shots just to take them. We all have to do our part to make sure there are deer to hunt for years to come.
Ohio has many areas of public land where hunters consistently take down does and bucks. You can join the public hunt or choose to hunt on private land.
8 Kansas Deer Hunting Outfitters
Kansas offers a variety of outfitters and guided hunting services that cater to hunters looking for an enhanced whitetail hunting experience. Each outfitter provides unique features, from exclusive land access to personalized guide services, ensuring that every hunter can find the perfect match for their hunting preferences and goals. Here’s a comprehensive list featuring prominent hunting outfitters and guided hunting providers in Kansas:
1. Kansas Farmland Outfitters
- Features: Specializes in semi-guided hunts for Whitetail Deer, offering access to prime hunting lands across multiple counties. Provides options for archery, rifle, and muzzleloader seasons.
- Location: Various prime locations across Kansas.
2. Bell Wildlife Specialties
- Features: Offers semi-guided Whitetail hunts in the diverse Kansas landscape. Known for high success rates and trophy buck opportunities.
- Location: Harveyville, Kansas.
3. Midwest Whitetail Adventures
- Features: Focuses on guided muzzleloader, archery, and rifle hunts with a minimum gross score policy for trophy bucks. High return rate of hunters.
- Location: Northern and Central Kansas.
4. Scattered Acres Outfitting
- Features: Provides fully guided hunts with lodging and meals. Emphasizes quality deer management and trophy hunts.
- Location: Central Kansas.
5. Rader Lodge
- Features: Offers guided hunts with a focus on quality over quantity. Access to over 25,000 acres of leased land for deer hunting.
- Location: North Central Kansas.
6. Pipe Creek Guide Service
- Features: Specializes in personalized hunting experiences with options for Whitetail and Turkey. Offers both guided and semi-guided hunts.
- Location: North Central Kansas.
7. Dirt Road Outfitters
- Features: Known for their expertise in big game hunting, offering guided Whitetail and waterfowl hunts across Kansas.
- Location: Statewide coverage with various hunting spots.
8. Land of Giants
- Features: Targets trophy Whitetail hunts with extensive land management practices. Offers archery, rifle, and muzzleloader hunts.
- Location: South Eastern Kansas.
Each outfitter brings something unique to the table, from expansive hunting grounds to expert guidance and trophy buck opportunities. Hunters seeking the thrill of chasing Kansas Whitetails can rely on these professionals to provide an unforgettable hunting adventure. Whether you prefer the autonomy of semi-guided hunts or the support of fully guided expeditions, these outfitters have the expertise and resources to meet your needs.
FAQs on Hunting Kansas Whitetails
What’s the best time to hunt whitetails in Kansas?
The best time to hunt whitetails in Kansas is during the rut, which typically occurs from late October through November. This period offers the highest activity levels and visibility of trophy bucks.
Can non-residents apply for Kansas whitetail hunts?
Yes, non-residents can apply for Kansas whitetail hunts. They must apply for a non-resident deer permit, usually through a draw system, with applications typically due in April for the upcoming fall hunting seasons.
What are the requirements for hunting whitetails in Kansas?
Hunters must possess a valid Kansas hunting license and the appropriate deer permit for the season they wish to hunt (archery, muzzleloader, or rifle). Compliance with Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism regulations is also required.
How can I increase my chances of drawing a Kansas whitetail permit?
You can increase your chances by accumulating preference points if you’re unsuccessful in the draw. Each year you’re unsuccessful, you receive a preference point, which improves your odds in future draws.
Is it necessary to use a guide or outfitter for Kansas whitetail hunts?
While not necessary, using a guide or outfitter can significantly enhance your hunting experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or seeking trophy-sized bucks. Outfitters provide local knowledge, access to prime hunting grounds, and assistance with logistics.
What gear do I need for a Kansas whitetail hunt?
Essential gear includes a reliable firearm or bow, appropriate ammunition or arrows, camouflage clothing, a hunter orange vest and hat for firearm seasons, binoculars, a hunting knife, and scent control products.
Can I hunt on public land in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas offers numerous public hunting areas where whitetails can be hunted. However, competition can be high, and scouting ahead of time is crucial. Always check the specific regulations and permissions required for public land hunting.
For the most current information and regulations, always consult the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism or the specific outfitter you plan to hunt with. We’ve also got a great article on how to hunt public land.
Conclusion
Embarking on Kansas deer hunts is more than just a pursuit of game; it’s a journey into the heart of America’s hunting heritage. This guide has armed you with strategic insights for each season, demystified the licensing process, and introduced you to top-notch outfitters dedicated to enhancing your hunting experience. We’ve explored the best times for hunting, gear essentials, and the benefits of guided hunts.
As you prepare to step into Kansas’ vast landscapes, remember that the thrill of the hunt is matched only by the respect we show for the natural world and its inhabitants. For those ready to take the next step, consider advanced strategies or explore conservation efforts to ensure the future of whitetail hunting remains bright.
