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

Facinn1.25
Facinn1.25

Late Season Decoy Mix

In the final days of duck season, don’t be afraid to change the look of your decoy spreads. Be it a simple alteration or a bold move, a different presentation can be all it takes to provide a strong finish to the season.

New for 2026: Stealth Cam 3.0 Tail Cameras

Stealth Cam has announced its 3.0 trail camera line, with some major tech-forward improvements over its previous generations. Designed for hunters and wildlife managers, these cameras introduce a suite of technologies designed to push surveillance capabilities to the next level, all accessible through the Command app.

Kifaru Launches New Hunting Apparel System

“This system is a purpose-driven solution for the tough environments and unpredictable scenarios outdoor enthusiasts’ encounter. Every piece was designed to help hunters meet those challenges head on.”

Hardware Review: Sierra MatchKing X

Sierra MatchKing bullets have been setting the accuracy standard for handloaders since the Truman administration. Now, they have redesigned their classic MatchKing bullet for hunting, with a softer lead core, tapered jacket and a skived nose to help it expand. They call the bullet the MatchKing X (MKX).

New for 2026: Lapua TRX Tipped

Lapua has expanded its True-Range Expanding (TRX) family of products to include several new ammunition offerings.

Bolt-Action Build: Model 2020 Muley

With the right tools and a bit of know-how, anyone can build a quality backcountry rifle in their own shop, and for a far sight less than a comparable rifle from a custom gun-builder. Follow along for exactly how to build a backcountry-capable rifle all your own, with your only trip to an FFL being the one necessary to get your receiver.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.