Best Whitetail State: Arkansas vs. Kansas

Whitetail hunters love to argue about which state holds the biggest and baddest bucks. But which one is reallythe best?

Well, a lot of what makes hunting ground “the best” depends on your personal preferences. Do you like big bucks, and you cannot lie? Maybe you just like to hunt around fewer people. Or maybe you like to feel like a kid in a candy shop, surrounded by opportunities for deer of all ages. Do you prefer to travel or are you more of a homebody? Maybe you like to manage a food plot and be able to set up trail cams.

There is no real definitive answer for the best whitetail state, so we asked the crew what their favorites are. And ultimately, we want you to determine which state will be crowned the Best Whitetail State by voting below. Did your favorite whitetail state not get included? Sound off in the comments!

In this matchup, we’ve got our favorite southern stars, Brent Reaves and Clay Newcomb. Only one (Brent) gets to represent their home state of Arkansas. Who picked the better whitetail state? You decide!

Arkansas

“I love hunting my home state of Arkansas, especially going solo during archery season. My connection with hunting familiar and family land is just another element of enjoyment. During gun season, I’m usually hunting with friends and family, which adds the greatest amount of joy to an already joyous event.” - Brent Reaves

Deer Population Estimate: 1.1 MillionPublic Lands: 3,949,000 acres or 11.8% of the state’s landAvg. Annual Antlered Bucks Harvest: 94,235Avg. Annual Antlerless Harvest: 106,113Bucks Harvested Per 100 Hunters: 30Deer Tag Price: $35 resident, $410 nonresident

Kansas

“My favorite whitetail state is Kansas. Giant bucks, one buck tag per hunter, limited entry for out-of-state hunters, and conservative season dates for firearm hunters make for giant bucks and great bowhunting. This Great Plains state has incredible soils, which translate to incredible whitetails. If you live there or can get draw, you’ll probably have a great hunt.” - Clay Newcomb

Deer Population Estimate: 650,000Public Lands: 470,000 acres or 1% of the state’s landAvg. Annual Antlered Bucks Harvest: 42,423Avg. Annual Antlerless Harvest:38,110Bucks Harvested Per 100 Hunters: 39Deer Tag Price: $42.50 resident, $447.50 nonresident

(Harvest data via theNational Deer Association’s 2024 Deer Report.)

Note: Votes will not be counted from the comment section, so please use the voting box below to select your favorite state and ensure it advances to the next bracket!

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