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

W H2026 09 F Hogs DSC 2682
W H2026 09 F Hogs DSC 2682

Pellets Fly: An Airgun Hog Hunt in Florida

The author hunts the Space Coast with a pair of airguns from Gamo.

Elk Hunt Excitement: Hammer-Slammed

A new Savage rifle does the trick on an Idaho elk hunt.

Smith & Wesson Acquires Savage Arms for $160 Million

The deal makes Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. the largest firearms manufacturer in the U.S.

The .404 Jeffery Family

The .404 Jeffery dates back to 1905 or 1906, and was supposedly created by W.J. Jeffery & Co. to replicate the performance of the .450/400 3” Nitro Express, but in a bolt-action magazine rifle. But the offspring of that cartridge—as well as those cartridges which were “highly inspired” by the .404 Jeffery—have gotten much more of the spotlight than the .404 ever did.

Start ’Em with Squirrels—The Perfect Hunt for Junior Woodsmen

A Kentucky squirrel camp reminds the author how a hunting career and love of the woods can be launched by a single trigger press on a rimfire rifle.

Benelli Invitational Raises $115,000 to Support Veterans

The 12th Annual Benelli USA Invitational took place Sept. 26 at The Point at Pintail in Queenstown, Md. Shooters from across the country were on hand for the special day of competitive shooting, camaraderie and, ultimately, support for those who served this nation in uniform.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.