You are using an out of date browser. Haynes Shelton discusses what to look for when choosing the magnification range when it comes to the scope on your deer rifle. The shotgun and muzzleloader deer hunt for up to 140 hunters is scheduled Jan. 16-18, 2021. Food Preparation, Camp Cooking and Recipes. While it's tempting to say the one-buck limit simply forced hunters to become more selective in buck harvest, that might not be the full answer. Spring squirrel hunting in Kentucky can be one of the most fun times of the year! They monitor it closely. Or you could shoot 216 does and no bucks. Of course, trail cameras now are in wide use in many states and provinces that lack Kentucky's reputation for huge bucks. Since 2010, the hottest counties for P&Y entries (white stars on map) have continued to reflect a broad pattern. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. A hunter can register a party of up to five hunters but must provide the name, fish and wildlife customer ID number and phone number for each member in the party. Can anyone tell me when archery season will open in West Ky? These are prime locations at Rough River. "I woke up this morning and I thanked God that I did" Rush Limbaugh RIP Tethered Life Feb 4, 2020 #4 Thunder Head Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. 2022-2023 WMA Deer Hunt results | GON Forum Shooting range (for single projectile firearms only; no shotshells or pistols allowed) open Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM-sunset & Sundays noon-sunset. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. According to veteran biologist David Yancy, deer project leader for the Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, there are reasons for the state's continued productivity on trophy bucks. West Kentucky WMA Get Directions Return to Search WMA Overview Size: 6425 acres Location: McCracken Contact: (270) 488-3233 Elevation: minimum 297 feet, maximum 451 feet. GEORGIA. Access is available in all areas of Rich WMA. Lace your boots up and put some time in now. "Camera use facilitates trophy whitetail production in two ways," he points out. when you hunted was the wma divided into tracts? The hunter tipped off his local game warden after tracking down the poached deer's gut pile deep in Idaho backcountry. Find season dates and bag limits here. Stan Potts heads to Montana with his rifle in search of a Big Sky buck. Which WV deer-hunting counties can truly be considered 'the best?' But a clearly defined chunk of Kentucky is a great place to start your search. What would you guys consider the best WMA for deer numbers and best chance to get one with a bow ? It's a question a lot of wildlife biologists and trophy hunters in other states probably have asked themselves. Good deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game hunting. Public Land Search | KDFWR - Kentucky Published Oct 24, 2007 6:19 PM EDT, Ballard Wildlife Management Area The cards must be visible from the windshield of each hunters vehicle while hunting and returned to a drop box at a designated location on the WMA. 2023-2024 archery dates will be announced later in 2023.; 2022-23 Tennessee Deer Season Its also home to the No. Deer Hunts - Pennyrile Outfitters 5 because the lack of quality bucks that I have seen. Some hunts are open to mobility-impaired hunters only. Timber Tract With Opportunities For Deer And Turkey Hunting You should have pretty good luck there. Same as some already said. Our deer and turkey hunting are both the best in the nation, far as I'm concerned. My father is 66 years old and his days are numbered for: climbing trees, bow hunting, etc. Lots of thick cover. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Description Livingston County Wildlife Management (WMA) and State Natural Area in Livingston County features bluff habitat in three tracts near the confluence of the Cumberland and Ohio rivers. I do agree.that first time will be more learning than success. FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 23, 2020) Hunters interested in the open firearms deer hunt at West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in McCracken County are advised that the sign-up process and some procedures will be different for the three-day opportunity in January. Only one antlered deer per hunter may be harvested statewide, regardless of zone, method or season. July 26, 2022 By Bernie Barringer. Top 5 Kentucky Public Hunting Area - YouTube Where's the best place to go looking for one of these big guys in bow season? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Dont rely on info strangers on the internet give you. My group got picked for the West Kentucky WMA Quota Deer Hunt December 15-18. Tim Young remembers, "Man, he looked big." Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. However, I just love the moment to be with my father as we try and tag out. Change to license validity period from June 1-30 to 365 days from the date of purchase. I'm looking to do a public land hunt traveling from New Jersey, so any help would be appreciated. I have hunted down there prbably 7 or 8 times. I'd hunt Illinois. In rare cases, wild whitetails can live for Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. There are deer in there, but the horse people screwing around with their dogs will likely increase the difficulty of a hunt. Western Kentucky normally produces bigger bucks. For a $24 license, you may kill 3 antlered deer and 213 does. These 2 areas combined offer more than 46,000 acres giving archery hunters lots of space to roam. Hunting there in early September can be tough until it is mowed before the youth hunting weekend. 100 Best Public-Land Hunts: Tennessee | Field & Stream For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I'd think I'd start there. ; KY archery and crossbow deer hunting for the 2022-2023 season has ended. You may be able to find areas in which multiple hollers converge into one open bottom, as well. I really can't see anyone coming in blind & having great success. Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Kentucky public land deer hunting can be rewarding and Rich WMA is where I spent a lot of time last year, and I saw a lot of deer. 1 buck killed in Kentucky in 2006 an incredible 19-pointer that measured 246 3/8. Hunters will have their best chance of scoring a nice deer from the opening day of archery season (Sept. 4) through the closing of the restricted areas. For more on record-class bow bucks from Kentucky and across North America, visit Pope and Young Club. 1 Pope and Young Bucks Before They Were Beat, Two Brothers' Shed Hunting Strategy Yields Non-Typical Match Set in Missouri, Potential Kentucky State Record Crossbow Typical Shot in Hemp Field, Night Hunting for Predators Will Help Your Deer Herd, Michigan Hunter Shoots 200-class Non-typical After Oversleeping That Morning, Saskatchewan Hunter Finds Target Sheds After Looking for Multiple Days, Dr. Hopkins leads the way with a recorded harvest of 2,542 deer during the 2013 season. "No, not really," he says. I also missed 1 of the 2 bucks I have shot at with a bow in that small strip of woods. That's where i'd hide if I was a deer! Refer to the pertinent Hunting Guides for specific rules regarding hunting and trapping. Please see the refuge hunting/fishing permit for details. To hunt deer with firearms for the 2023-24 season, hunters must apply online during the month of July 2023 and be drawn for a quota deer hunt permit. WMA Management Levels Wildlife Management Areas Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are properties owned or managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for conservation and public access. Other than that, put on a good pair of boots, pack light, and give it your best shot. Hunters in Crittenden took 3,033 bucks during the 2013 season. This is a great time for hunters to get out and enjoy the woods. As a reminder, results are missing for several 2017/2018 & 2018/2019 seasons hunts. Question on West Point WMA deer restrictions. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife conducts quota hunts for deer, pheasant and migratory birds (waterfowl and mourning doves). Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. That has been several years ago on the youth mentor hunt. Either way..we'll give it 110% effort and just maybe see a good deer come bythanks again and I wish all of you the best this year! For me, its just another reason to go. Whatever the reason, Kentucky has indeed managed to find the "sweet spot" of hunting opportunity for trophy deer. Doug Travis WMA is not at the top of peoples lists when Kentucky public land deer hunting. This allows them to keep an eye out for any predator or hunter that may enter the bedding area. According to Benton County Sheriff Kenny Christopher, 55-year-old. While over the last 20 years we've seen our trophy whitetail production become more evenly distributed across the state, the west-central portion east of Land Between The Lakes and west of I-65 remains our most consistent yielder of trophy contenders. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. I know nothing about this state and being this far away I would be going by your guys help. "You can take a boy out of ol' dixieland but you'll never take ol' dixie from a boy" -Lynyrd Skynyrd. You must log in or register to reply here. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Ground Zero: Kentucky's Record Bucks - Game & Fish - Game & Fish While it may be hard to replicate that harvest, there are still big bucks lurking around Pennyrile. The Cartecay section of this WMA (about 5,062 acres) is reserved for archers only. We hunt all over Alabama (private and public). And get this: Nearly all of the hunters heading afield then are carrying scoped centerfire rifles. If you want to set yourself apart from other hunters, using a kayak or boat to get to more remote locations will give you a better chance at bagging a mature buck. Therefore, it seems only fitting that his pursuit of a particular giant buck actually began during a rabbit hunt in November 2012. Then look up telecheck public land results, tells how many deer checked in on each wma. We will be hunting the quota hunt as well but where will depend a lot on where other people are hunting. I hunted it quite a few times but the last time was about 15 years ago. Feb 16, 2015 #3 C Chadx1981 Senior Member Sweet what's the name lol Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Maps This map is intended as a guide only, and its content is subject to change without notice. With over 14,000 acres, it would be impossible to pinpoint a few to share, but my advice in hunting Pennyrile is to be different. Here's his full story. CARRY PROOF Hunters who buy their license or permit by phone or internet must carry while hunting: picture ID and proof of purchase (an authorization number, a paper license or a computer printout). Surrounded by private land, there are some pinch points along the fence lines where I have seen deer travel back and forth. Id recommend the closest one to your house. Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. Every year hunters from around the state enter their names into a draw to waterfowl hunt at Doug Travis, but based on conversations Ive had, I believe its an underrated spot for some early season deer hunting. looking to do a public land hunt. | Kentucky Hunting Rich WMA is often an overlooked public land hunting area because it is the next-door-neighbor to Kleber WMA, a hotbed for deer. Fall 2020-'21 harvest: 24,809 mule deer, 24,849 whitetails Overall outlook: Rick Ward, deer and elk coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, says the statewide mule deer outlook is fair to good and improving depending on the area. You must log in or register to reply here. The Kentucky river wma in Henry co is really good. Wildlife Management Areas | eRegulations - Official Hunting & Fishing Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. Several counties in the Green River Region offer excellent deer hunting opportunities. Eastern Kentucky is not known as the best part of the state to deer hunt, but there are some giants in that part of the state. If you head out to Rich WMA this season, dont sit back and wait. my father and i have been bowhunting for 7 years in Alabama. At most wma's you need to scout a lot & then travel deep to the perfect spot. My group got picked for the West Kentucky WMA Quota Deer Hunt December 15-18. Therefore, this is perfect for hunters who like taking their kids hunting with them. Its a well known fact that bucks, especially mature bucks, like to bed near oxbows, with their backs to the water. Total Harvest 2020: 79 Bucks: 56 Does: 23, Terrain: Moderate to Hard; Most hunting areas consists of hills and ridges. Sprawling across Ohio, Muhlenberg and Hopkins counties, this rolling, brushy upland habitat with many wooded creek bottoms has no antler restrictions, and hunters can take up to four deer. Lake Beshear is part of Pennyrile and it has some of the best bass fishing in the area. Deer: Where to Hunt | Missouri Department of Conservation Kentucky's Public Hunting Areas - ArcGIS StoryMaps Best WMA for deer numbers! | Kentucky Hunting Terrain: Hard; You can experience a big change in elevation when hunting this area. . Be sure to always check regulations before an adventure Kentucky public land deer hunting. Public Land Search | KDFWR - Kentucky For another, gun season falls right in the heart of the November rut. Off Market. Whatever the reason, Kentucky has indeed managed to find the "sweet spot" of hunting opportunity for trophy deer. Salt River Outfitters in Kentucky is located on the " Bourbon Trail ." As an added bonus, as you stay with us, you can tour many of the bourbon distilleries on the "Bourbon Trail" that are located within 30 minutes of us. Hunter cards and instruction sheets will be provided before Jan. 16 to those registered for the hunt. At 195-inches there's good reason why. "First, by capturing images of older and/or larger-antlered bucks in an area, they encourage local hunters to pass up younger/lesser animals. In this edition of "From The Stand," Pat Hogan explains the importance of being aware of proper clearance when using your bow or crossbow out in the field. One of the better areas for quail hunting in the state. Horseback riding allowed on maintained roads. Top 5 Kentucky Public Hunting Area 21,688 views Oct 16, 2017 90 Dislike Share LandRater.com 574 subscribers Top 5 Kentucky Public Hunting Areas for Deer and Turkey Explore public land in your. | These areas range from a few hundred acres to the 22,000-acre Rich Mountain WMA in northwestern Georgia. David Yancy, a wildlife biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), refers back to the white-tailed deer restoration efforts between 1946 and 1999. Ballard Wildlife Management Area Location: west Kentucky Size: 8,600 acres ZIP: 42056 "Ballard has the best buck-to-doe ratio of any public hunting area in the state at one buck for every. Of all the counties in this area, Hopkins, Hardin, Hart, Webster and Breckinridge offer the best chances for success at bagging a buck. Under strict harvest restrictions since 1993 that allowed only 10 percent of hunters to harvest a buck, Ballard this year is one of two Kentucky public lands to newly adopt an outside spread minimum of 15 inches. Several years back the population was much better than it is now. But I had so much property off base it was just easyer to hunt around Clarksville or Oak Grove. The Kentucky buck Heath Buchanan calls "Joker" is a Bluegrass State phenomenon. I would hunt in area 4 right across the road from the A area. How are they doing the gun hunt in West Ky this year? Early season is the key here. You must log in or register to reply here. But while there are approximately 1.8 hunters for each antlered buck, only around 35 percent of our hunters take a deer each year and nearly 50 percent of those are antlerless. Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. Camp is setup in Kentucky! Albert King Buck: 198-Inch Kentucky Giant - North American Whitetail Location: west Kentucky I didnt include Kleber WMA on this list because it is not underrated. Kind of an eerie place with all the nuclear signs and fall out shelters. They are strict on their rules, so read up. The deadline to register by phone is 3:30 p.m. (CST) on Jan. 5. | They monitor it closely. In my experiences, most hunters do not do this at Rich WMA. No permanent stands, etc. Always saw several deer and tons of buck sign. Opportunities are abundant in this state, with a population of around 900,000 deer and about seven hunters per square mile. Anyone else know anything about this hunt? Whitley's articles have appeared in various print and online magazines, including "GQ," "Details," "Southern Living" and "Cooking Light. I think I have 2 priority points. If it's like last year, Archery will open under statewide regulations, As far as gun hunts they'll do the youth hunt and a quoata, Shotgun or ML only. Scott Bestul The other four counties in the top five were close behind, with hunters bagging between 2,222 and 2,470 bucks per county. Can you field dress in a WMA and discard the remains in the WMA in Georgia? It may not display this or other websites correctly. By the time the rut rolls around in early November, the density of the woods will start to dwindle and youll have clearer paths through the ridges and hollers that will make for easier hunting. I have been putting in for the Land Between the Lakes quota hunt. The fishing is outstanding, and the waterfowling is at least acceptable. "While continued slow growth in deer numbers in Appalachian Kentucky should lead to even more trophy entries being taken from the poor deer habitat in the eastern third of the state, our west-central counties should continue to be tried-and-true producers of trophy bucks into the foreseeable future.". Dog-Deer Five Underrated Areas for Kentucky Public Land Deer Hunting - Eastern If you travel down the road between the A area and area 4 there will be a creek that you cross, right after you cross the creek there is a field that has a small strip of woods on the south side and big hardwoods on the north side. I did see an absolute monster on a quota hunt but did not get a shot at him. I did see a lot of deer when I hunted it though. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Sept. 30. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Selected hunters may not exceed their personal bag limit or a total of 5 bears per hunting party during the hunt. I know the basics. When Kentucky public land deer hunting, using a hunting app like OnX, try to find low gap areas, or saddles, that create natural pinch points and traveling corridors for deer. Maps - Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife You are using an out of date browser. Selected hunters may bring a hunting party totaling no more than 10 members, including the administrator and designated co-administrator. Dove Hunt on These Public Land Areas in Kentucky Total Harvest 2020: 30 Bucks: 16 Does: 14, Terrain: Diverse; Easy to moderate; Wetlands and open water make up 34% of land. "Catoosa is one of the more popular public hunting areas in the state for big deer," according to Ratajczak. The Purchase Region was the only area besides Blue Grass where more than 3,000 bucks were bagged in a single county and it had the second largest harvest in the state. You must log in or register to reply here. Subscriber Services. Deer Hunting West Ky WMA | Kentucky Hunting I remember some of them you get an extra preference point or something for taking does. You are using an out of date browser. Antler restrictions at the Cumberland Plateau site have limited the harvest for the. No vehicles/ATV's. West Kentucky WMA deer hunt spots reduced because of flooding Dave Baker/Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife 800-858-1549 KY FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 14, 2020) High water from the Ohio River continues to impact portions of West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in McCracken County. Participating hunters must use Telecheck, the departments phone-in or online reporting system, to register their deer harvest. They only ones I know anything about is in the bluegrass region! Quota and firearm deer hunting for the 2022 season is over. "We have a lot of veteran hunters who aren't necessarily eager to shoot the first buck they see anyway," Yancy points out. West Kentucky Whitetails, LLC offers free range deer hunts in Western Kentucky. The area offers waterfowl, turkey, deer and small game hunting along with fishing and hiking. Terrain: Moderate; Hill country, with steep ridges in places. Alternating ridges and sloughs, moist soil management units, woodlands, brush, and open crop fields are found here. The archery areas on Campbell were like hunting in a park. Additionally, hunt data for most Redlands WMA hunts . some buddies of mine and i got drawn there to hunt in 2001 man, the area looked really promising, food plots, creek bottoms, hardwoods.. in two days of hard hunting, we saw 2 deer!!!!! "In much of western and central Kentucky we have fertile land with a good balance of cover and crops," the biologist says. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. I will once again be maintaining a report detailing the results for WMA Deer hunts for the 2022/2023 season. Jonathan A.,Oct 11, 2018 Jonathan A.,Oct 11, 2018 #1 Oct 12, 2018#2 bowhunter26912 pointer 3,973 Shane. Rich WMA made this list because it is filled with deer, but it comes in at No. Kentucky is one of the premier deer hunting states in the country, with many regions experiencing a year-by-year increase in deer population and harvest. Speaking from experience. They're well equipped to fill buck tags at the time of year when antlered deer are most vulnerable. Deer. Thanks! 2022 Commonwealth of Kentucky. What is the most relax state for hunting? : r/Hunting - reddit Be safe hunting!! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Timber Tract With Opportunities For Deer And Turkey Hunting, 21.5 acres in Graves County, Kentucky offered at $61,810. Any info would be appreciated. But, the most important memoryis being with my father and making memories. Bring your knee boots to reach secluded areas: Fertile bottomlands dotted with the oak trees and row-crop agriculture that keep deer in top nutritional shape are broken up by many bald cypress sloughs. The refuge manages native grasslands to benefit white-tailed deer, turkey, quail, migratory songbirds and small mammals. Just want to try something new this year. Hulah WMA is in the heart of big deer country. lol did not realize i didn't put the name of the wma but yes the one I was talking about is west kentucky wma. I know they are there. Now Kentucky taxidermists stay plenty busy mounting big bucks. The Deer Tour has begun! Never hunted there, curious to see if anyone had any information on the place (what tract to hunt, what to setup on, etc.) In addition, archery hunters will for the first time have the run of Ballard from September 1 to October 14; after that, all but 400 acres will close to provide refuge to migrating waterfowl. Change to senior hunt/fish licenses. http://fw.ky.gov/pdf/1112huntingguideentire.pdf, Food Preparation, Camp Cooking and Recipes. Kleber in Franklin and Owen co. Is good! Rough River Lake WMA was not a top producing county for Kentucky public land deer hunting in 2020, but it is still a place where a hunter can get away from pressure and find nice deer. Hunting, Research, and Management. White-tailed deer are an abundant Within Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, there are four designated hunt areas. Kentucky Elk Guides Ask for Changes for 2022 Season, Curtis Gates Lloyd WMA Offers Great Hunting in Northern Kentucky, The only thing I find more fun than killing a gobbler each spring is getting my hands on all of the new products that I can take with me into the woods. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Heard something about an open hunt. View all 40 pictures. Hopefully by archery season you will have a game plan that will give you the best chance to get one with a bow. Hardin County was the number one deer producing county in the entire state of Kentucky last season. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I never saw another person when I was younger and hunted there. I would scout three spots in three different areas just in case they are useing it. October 22, 2021 6:19 PM Timothy Ring, a 55-year-old hunter in rural western Tennessee, told his family on Tuesday morning that he was going to work on his deer stand, according to the sheriff. As the accompanying map illustrates, no single county has them to itself. Western Kentucky normally produces bigger bucks. But a clearly defined chunk of Kentucky is a great place to start your search. JavaScript is disabled. Because of that, I prefer to hunt Rich. Deer: Balancing Expectations for Small Properties, Get to Know Your Neighbors for Better Deer Herd Management, Big Buck Profile: Reid Crawford Kansas Buck, Choosing Correct Magnification for Rifle Scope, Big Buck Profile: Troy Metzger's East Illinois Giant. Give a Gift To hear many serious trophy bowhunters tell it, Kentucky must be a figment of someone's fertile imagination. West Kentucky WMA offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including horseback riding trails, a skeet range, a mobility impaired archery range and hiking trails. All stands are community so you get to hunt the full 16000 acres. You must log in or register to reply here. A drive through the access points may afford some glassing during early August and give you a good idea of what youre dealing with. Best Places To Bowhunt Bow-only zones offer archers the highest odds at Kentucky is one of the premier deer hunting states in the country, with many regions experiencing a year-by-year increase in deer population and harvest. And that public land is found throughout the state, in areas big and small. What a question for a public forum, laziest approach I've seen yet. . There were tracks that were open to hunting and others closed to hunting. Land that once gave up coal to huge strip mine shovels now regularly yields 120- and 130-class bucks. This will allow you to hunt areas of Pennyrile that are nearly impossible to get to by foot and should open up a good opportunity to hunt a more mature buck on the property. Hunting In Kentucky Offers Plenty To DIY Archers Destinations - Peabody WMA - Kentucky I haven't hunted the rest of the states in your list but I can tell you that most of the WMA's in Kentucky are going to be full of gun hunters during your chosen time period.