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

Free Recipe Collection
Free Recipe Collection

Free Recipe Collection Celebrates Hi Mountain Seasonings’ 35th Anniversary

Hi Mountain Seasonings is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a new collection of wild game recipes designed to help hunters make the most of their harvest.

President Trump Defends Hunters and Thanks the NRA

In a historic day at the White House on September 17, President Donald Trump (R) signed an executive order to protect and enhance hunters’ part in the North American Wildlife Conservation Model.

Says Me: Life is Short. Buy the Gun.

Fifty years from now the nostalgic scenes our heirs will conjure will be photos of us carrying guns supremely upgraded from the likes of Murray and his lot. Call it hunting, evolved.

37 States Now Approve FireStick for Muzzleloading Seasons

Connecticut and Indiana have joined the growing number of states recognizing Federal Premium FireStick technology for use during their 2026 muzzleloader seasons. Two others —Arizona and California—recently approved the product in their hunting regulations.

Ammo Trends: Things are Getting Smaller … Again

Is bigger always better? Or does precision triumph over all? The ammo world will likely never agree. Nonetheless, Philip Massaro takes a look at the latest downsizing trend. 

Bagging Birds: How to Hit More Doves

No one wants to be the butt of jokes from friends on the dove field. Read our tips to be the hot shooter on the field this season.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.