Photos: Chasing Velvet Bucks in Kansas

by
posted on September 29, 2016
** 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. **
kansas_wt_gal_feature.jpg
If you're not a bowhunter, the odds of adding a velvet buck to your trophy collection aren't great. In most states, it's essentially impossible. Kansas is not one of those states. With an early muzzleloader season—beginning as early as the second week of September—those of us who aren't archers are given a rare opportunity to set our sights on bucks that still have a little something extra on their antlers. Even then, though, it's not a sure thing—a lot of bucks are already going hard horn as August wanes. So with high hopes and tempered expectations, I journeyed to eastern Kansas to join Federal Premium for a little warm-weather deer hunting. Check out the gallery embedded above to get a look at how I fared.

Latest

LEDE Victra 20 Modularity
LEDE Victra 20 Modularity

New for 2026: YHM Victra-20 Modular Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) has announced the debut of the Victra-20, a new modular sound suppressor engineered specifically for 20-gauge single-barreled shotguns, plus new Turkey and Skeet choke options for the Victra-12.

End of Season Gear List

Did your trusty multitool disappear somewhere in the backcountry this season? Boots finally lose the last lugs on their outsole? Check out this list for some handy replacements sure to go the extra mile.

Barnett Introduces New Crossbows for 2026

Barnett is kicking off 2026 with a host of introductions, including a new crossbow in one of its most popular families, as well as a whole new crossbow series.

New for 2026: Ol' Man Outdoors Hang-On Stands

Ol'Man Outdoors has introduced two new hang-on stands: the lightweight Eagle Eye (OT-501) and the feature-rich Top Dog Deluxe (OT-504).

Perfect mARC Introduces the Navigator Whistle in Bottomland

Perfect mARC has announced the release of its flagship Navigator retriever whistle in Mossy Oak Bottomland, bringing an iconic camouflage style to a tool built for serious retriever training and hunting.

Reviewed: Montana Knife Company Speedgoat 2.0

There are thousands of knives out there to choose from. Out of the dozens of knives I personally own, this one from Montana Knife Company clearly stands out as a hunter’s top-tier tool.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.