What State Is the Best Big Buck Destination?

by
posted on August 11, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bs_2015_fs.jpg (7)

The Question: "What’s the best spot to kill a monster whitetail on a week-long trip?"

I ask myself this question every time I’m in the stand and the answer is always “somewhere else.”

The Expert Differal: Since my success with truly big bucks ranks up there with my ability to pick stocks & lottery numbers, I reached out to an expert. John Burrell is a Certified Wildlife Biologist and owner of both the High Adventure Company and Whitetail Destinations. His clients demand the best hunts availableso he’s constantly on the prowl for the best areas.

“It's hard to beat Texas as a whitetail state for a number of reasons, but first and foremost is the success rate that good ranches offer. While the Midwest is capable of growing huge deer it just can't compete with Texas in terms of success rates.”

In fact, Texas alone accounts forabout 10 percentthe Boone & Crockett Club whitetailentries.

“I think Missouri, Nebraska, and Kentucky may be the best bargains in whitetail hunting and, until recently, one of the best kept secrets," said Burrell.They are becoming better known as top whitetail destinations.”

It sounds to me like John is onto something: The biggest non-typical rack ever recorded was a pick-up (what a shame) from St. Louis County, Missouri, that measured 333 7/8.

The Conclusion: Texas

Tell us youropinion of the best spot for huge bucks. We’d love to know where they live.

Latest

Ledelucky Blind 005
Ledelucky Blind 005

Tips for Bowhunting Birds

Want to shlock a big Tom with your bow this year? Want some tips on closing the distance? Mike Roux has been calling them and sticking them for decades. Read on for some great tactics from an old pro.

First Look: MDT Timbr Core Laminate Rifle Stock

MDT has released its Timbr Core Laminate Rifle Stock, expanding the Timbr Core lineup with a modern laminate option for hunters seeking an upgrade from factory polymer stocks with a classic look and feel.

American Hunter's 2026 Golden Bullseye Winners

A handful of the American Hunter staff's favorite things, from 2026.

Reloading 7mm Backcountry with Lee Precision Dies

Federal Premium’s latest cartridge innovation, 7mm Backcountry, is now being supported by Lee Precision and its set of reloading dies specially created for the new high-pressure round.

New for 2026: MTM Case-Gard Chrono Case

The MTM Case-Gard Chronograph Case (CCXERO) delivers secure, custom-fit protection for the Garmin Xero chronograph. Inside, precision-cut foam cradles the chronograph and its accessories for reliable transport and storage.

Hardware Review: Big Horn Armory Model 89 Take Down Carbine

Best known for their large-bore lever actions, Big Horn Armory of Cody, Wyo., adds to their .50 caliber arsenal with the new Model 89 Take Down (TD) Carbine. Chambered in the mighty .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum, the Model 89 TD, as the name implies, comes apart for easy storage and transport.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.