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Four Season Whitetail's Newbie

Four Season Whitetail's

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What are the 10 worst states for deer hunting?

On the top of almost every whitetail hunter’s bucket list is a “dream trip” to a state famous for growing big, mature whitetails. After all, who wouldn’t want to chase Booners in places like Kansas, Iowa, or even Kentucky?

SEE MORE: Would You Have Shot This Deer? [VIDEO]

KCHO-mrec.png

For the average hunter, however, a trip like this is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Most of us are confined to hunting within a few hours from home, and chasing the best whitetails our state has to offer.

As deer season approaches (or is already open in many states) we’ve all read about the “best” states for chasing whitetails. States like Kansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Indiana consistently produce large numbers of trophy deer.

What if, however, you don’t live in a “deer famous” state?

We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the worst states for deer hunting. While there is no one category that makes a state “bad” for whitetail hunting, the following states exhibit low harvest numbers, large numbers of yearling bucks harvested, low numbers of mature bucks, heavy hunter density, consistently adverse weather, or all of the above.

Disclaimer: There is no single category that makes a state “bad” or “good” in regards to whitetail hunting, nor does every hunter in a given state share a similar experience. The data used below was compiled from the Quality Deer Management Association’s 2013 Whitetail Report. Average temperature data was found here, and snowfall data can be found here.

10. Michigan

Michigan has a long and proud hunting heritage, and it’s placement on this list is sure to earn the ire of many of the state’s 648,000 hunters. In addition to being one of the coldest states, however, Michigan ranks second nationally in the percentage of yearling bucks harvested in 2013 (59% of all bucks harvested).

In fact, only 17% of the bucks harvested in Michigan in 2013 were three and a half years old or older (third lowest nationally). The prospect of enduring adverse conditions and a large amount of competition for a relatively small chance at mature buck earns Michigan a second place ranking.

9. Wisconsin

Wisconsin is arguably one of the best states in the nation for chasing big whitetails. Over the years many record book deer have come from this great state.

54% of the bucks killed in 2013 were yearlings, however, and this combined with low temps and large amounts of snow earn Wisconsin a spot on our list.

8. Rhode Island

It doesn’t seem fair, does it? While there’s no way that the smallest state in the Union can produce harvest numbers like Texas, Georgia, or Pennsylvania, Rhode Island placed near the bottom of deer harvested per square mile.

Unfortunately, that’s enough to earn this great state a spot on our list.

7. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is another state that earns a spot on our list mostly because of its size. While the number and quality of bucks harvested in Massachusetts (and all over the Northeast, in fact) have been steadily increasing, only 20% of hunters reported a harvest. In the end, there’s no way around that.

6. New Hampshire

New Hampshire is another small northeastern state that earned a spot on our list. It ranks fifth lowest in antlerless deer harvested per square mile, is amongst the coldest and snowiest states in the U.S., and 49% of the harvested bucks were only a year and half old.

All those factors combined earn this state a sixth place ranking.

5. Pennsylvania

There’s no denying that Pennsylvania can rack up some impressive deer harvest numbers.

In 2013 the Keystone State hunters harvested an impressive 127,540 bucks, along with 208,660 anterless deer. While these numbers and mild weather compared to many other states on our list place Pennsylvania in some impressive company, it’s number one ranking in hunter density (20.3 hunters per square mile) and large yearling buck harvest (50% of all antlered deer) land it at number five.

SEE MORE: Huge Yukon Bull Moose Gives Bowhunter the “Close Encounter” Treatment [VIDEO]

4. Maine

In 2013, Maine didn’t report the percentage of successful hunters, and we don’t blame them. Chasing whitetails in the vast woods and deep snow of the northeastern state presents a great challenge that few whitetail hunters will ever experience.

But its lowest-antlerless-deer-per-square-mile ranking (0.2), low average temperature (41 degrees),high annual snowfall (62 in), and large yearling buck harvest (54%) mean that it is perhaps to much of challenge for many.

3. Vermont

Vermont is arguably one of the most beautiful states in the nation, especially during the fall. Vermont also has a proud history of big buck hunting; after all, who hasn’t dreamed about chasing big woods monsters alongside the famous Benoit family?

Despite all of these great qualities, Vermont’s challenging weather, low success rate and low overall harvest numbers earn it a number 3 ranking.

2. New Jersey

New Jersey is a state that many don’t associate with deer hunting. In 2013, however, 63% of hunters reported harvesting at least one deer, which is in the top five nationally for hunter success rate.

Despite it’s proximity to the Big Apple, the deer density is also competitive nationwide (3.6 anterless deer harvested per square mile in 2013, compared to the national average of 2.1). These numbers, however, don’t tell the entire story. New Jersey ranks in the bottom ten in total deer harvest by state, and number one in the percentage of yearling buck harvest. 62% of all antlered bucks killed in New Jersey are yearlings, and that combined with low overall harvest numbers earn New Jersey a number two ranking.

SEE MORE: Can You Find the GhostBlind in These Photos? [PICS]

1. New York

One of the largest states in the Northeast, New York easily slides in at number one on our list. The Empire State ranks third in hunter density nationwide (15.1 hunters per square mile), and while harvest numbers are competitive nationally, 54% of all bucks harvested were yearling deer.

In fact, only 18% of all bucks harvest in New York were three and a half years old or older (4th lowest nationally). This, combined with the highest average snowfall in the nation, means that New York has a large number of hunters enduring miserable conditions and a hostile political climate (in New York, you pay extra for your bowhunting “privilege”) to hunt a deer herd that is imbalanced at best.

That, friends, is enough to earn New York the number one spot on our list of 10 Worst Deer Hunting States in 2014.

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Daveboone Proficient

Daveboone

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The article also totally ignores the presence of massive tracts of forest: Adirondacks, Catskills, Alleghanies, the Tug Hill region, etc. that produce true wilderness experiences,  as opposed to the states that are almost entirely small plots of woodlands and easily accessable, manageable farm land.

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phade Mentor

phade

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This was posted last year. The author is a dolt. In one sentence he says hunters consistently score big bucks in Wisconsin and then includes it on the list of worst states.

 

Think about that for a second.

 

 

What are the 10 worst states for deer hunting?

On the top of almost every whitetail hunter’s bucket list is a “dream trip” to a state famous for growing big, mature whitetails. After all, who wouldn’t want to chase Booners in places like Kansas, Iowa, or even Kentucky?

SEE MORE: Would You Have Shot This Deer? [VIDEO]

KCHO-mrec.png

For the average hunter, however, a trip like this is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Most of us are confined to hunting within a few hours from home, and chasing the best whitetails our state has to offer.

As deer season approaches (or is already open in many states) we’ve all read about the “best” states for chasing whitetails. States like Kansas, Iowa, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Indiana consistently produce large numbers of trophy deer.

What if, however, you don’t live in a “deer famous” state?

We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the worst states for deer hunting. While there is no one category that makes a state “bad” for whitetail hunting, the following states exhibit low harvest numbers, large numbers of yearling bucks harvested, low numbers of mature bucks, heavy hunter density, consistently adverse weather, or all of the above.

Disclaimer: There is no single category that makes a state “bad” or “good” in regards to whitetail hunting, nor does every hunter in a given state share a similar experience. The data used below was compiled from the Quality Deer Management Association’s 2013 Whitetail Report. Average temperature data was found here, and snowfall data can be found here.

10. Michigan

Michigan has a long and proud hunting heritage, and it’s placement on this list is sure to earn the ire of many of the state’s 648,000 hunters. In addition to being one of the coldest states, however, Michigan ranks second nationally in the percentage of yearling bucks harvested in 2013 (59% of all bucks harvested).

In fact, only 17% of the bucks harvested in Michigan in 2013 were three and a half years old or older (third lowest nationally). The prospect of enduring adverse conditions and a large amount of competition for a relatively small chance at mature buck earns Michigan a second place ranking.

9. Wisconsin

Wisconsin is arguably one of the best states in the nation for chasing big whitetails. Over the years many record book deer have come from this great state.

54% of the bucks killed in 2013 were yearlings, however, and this combined with low temps and large amounts of snow earn Wisconsin a spot on our list.

8. Rhode Island

It doesn’t seem fair, does it? While there’s no way that the smallest state in the Union can produce harvest numbers like Texas, Georgia, or Pennsylvania, Rhode Island placed near the bottom of deer harvested per square mile.

Unfortunately, that’s enough to earn this great state a spot on our list.

7. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is another state that earns a spot on our list mostly because of its size. While the number and quality of bucks harvested in Massachusetts (and all over the Northeast, in fact) have been steadily increasing, only 20% of hunters reported a harvest. In the end, there’s no way around that.

6. New Hampshire

New Hampshire is another small northeastern state that earned a spot on our list. It ranks fifth lowest in antlerless deer harvested per square mile, is amongst the coldest and snowiest states in the U.S., and 49% of the harvested bucks were only a year and half old.

All those factors combined earn this state a sixth place ranking.

5. Pennsylvania

There’s no denying that Pennsylvania can rack up some impressive deer harvest numbers.

In 2013 the Keystone State hunters harvested an impressive 127,540 bucks, along with 208,660 anterless deer. While these numbers and mild weather compared to many other states on our list place Pennsylvania in some impressive company, it’s number one ranking in hunter density (20.3 hunters per square mile) and large yearling buck harvest (50% of all antlered deer) land it at number five.

SEE MORE: Huge Yukon Bull Moose Gives Bowhunter the “Close Encounter” Treatment [VIDEO]

4. Maine

In 2013, Maine didn’t report the percentage of successful hunters, and we don’t blame them. Chasing whitetails in the vast woods and deep snow of the northeastern state presents a great challenge that few whitetail hunters will ever experience.

But its lowest-antlerless-deer-per-square-mile ranking (0.2), low average temperature (41 degrees),high annual snowfall (62 in), and large yearling buck harvest (54%) mean that it is perhaps to much of challenge for many.

3. Vermont

Vermont is arguably one of the most beautiful states in the nation, especially during the fall. Vermont also has a proud history of big buck hunting; after all, who hasn’t dreamed about chasing big woods monsters alongside the famous Benoit family?

Despite all of these great qualities, Vermont’s challenging weather, low success rate and low overall harvest numbers earn it a number 3 ranking.

2. New Jersey

New Jersey is a state that many don’t associate with deer hunting. In 2013, however, 63% of hunters reported harvesting at least one deer, which is in the top five nationally for hunter success rate.

Despite it’s proximity to the Big Apple, the deer density is also competitive nationwide (3.6 anterless deer harvested per square mile in 2013, compared to the national average of 2.1). These numbers, however, don’t tell the entire story. New Jersey ranks in the bottom ten in total deer harvest by state, and number one in the percentage of yearling buck harvest. 62% of all antlered bucks killed in New Jersey are yearlings, and that combined with low overall harvest numbers earn New Jersey a number two ranking.

SEE MORE: Can You Find the GhostBlind in These Photos? [PICS]

1. New York

One of the largest states in the Northeast, New York easily slides in at number one on our list. The Empire State ranks third in hunter density nationwide (15.1 hunters per square mile), and while harvest numbers are competitive nationally, 54% of all bucks harvested were yearling deer.

In fact, only 18% of all bucks harvest in New York were three and a half years old or older (4th lowest nationally). This, combined with the highest average snowfall in the nation, means that New York has a large number of hunters enduring miserable conditions and a hostile political climate (in New York, you pay extra for your bowhunting “privilege”) to hunt a deer herd that is imbalanced at best.

That, friends, is enough to earn New York the number one spot on our list of 10 Worst Deer Hunting States in 2014.

 

 

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Larry Community Regular

Larry

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I’m glad it’s cold here. Hope you guys know North American Whitetail ranks NY 22nd in places to hunt whitetails. If it’s so bad then how do I have 8 P&Y’s net and another 6 P&Y gross. There are some good buck take out of this state. is there ever going to be a world record come out of NY probably not. Charley Alsheimer at one of his seminars gave the number of bucks out of million to reach 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 and 200 class this is in the wild. he basically said of getting a 200 class typical  would be like the odds of winning the lottery.

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Four Season Whitetail's Newbie

Four Season Whitetail's

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I’m glad it’s cold here. Hope you guys know North American Whitetail ranks NY 22nd in places to hunt whitetails. If it’s so bad then how do I have 8 P&Y’s net and another 6 P&Y gross. There are some good buck take out of this state. is there ever going to be a world record come out of NY probably not. Charley Alsheimer at one of his seminars gave the number of bucks out of million to reach 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 and 200 class this is in the wild. he basically said of getting a 200 class typical  would be like the odds of winning the lottery.

Although its nice to get..120 is not out of the picture to kill every year and for most better states 120 is a nice looking buck that walks.

 

I guess its all in the eyes of the beholder.

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Doc Experienced

Doc

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Ha-ha .... The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence ...right? I have to say that where ever I find myself hunting, it is the best place in the world. I have been saying for a long time that a lot of hunters today are measuring their hunting enjoyment and success in inches of antler. And that's fine for them, but for me there is a whole lot more to my hunting than simply what an accident of nature happens to stick on a deer's head. Yeah, even I appreciate antlers, but that is not how I rate my deer hunting or how I rate where I happen to be hunting. Oh well, to each his own, I guess....lol.

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Buckstopshere Newbie

Buckstopshere

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I beg to differ. I love hunting here. Just my two scents.

 

 

  New York deer is not the worst state for deer hunting

 

          

         A significant part of the state ranking's premise is based on New York's "miserable" weather. Granted, we had an epic winter last year, but deer season was great, actually a bit on the milder side.

         Perhaps it may be a bit counterintuitive for a Texas deer hunter, but many New York, Midwestern and Northeastern deer hunters actually look forward to a tracking snow. Though it may be inconceivable to a Southerner, a tracking snow is what many of us yearn for, dream about, and hope for on opening day...despite what the national weatherpersons say.

         Northern deer hunters know that when sitting on stand with snow on the ground, whitetails are easier to spot and easier to drag out.

         By using snow as a negative criterion, the ranking fails to factor in snow as part of our deer hunting strategy and tactical approach. The thrill of being on the track, running or trailing a big buck down and meeting him close up either before or after the shot and hefting the heavy rack in deep snow is built into a Northern deer hunter's DNA as is waiting on stand and seeing the deer, saying excitedly to ourselves, "It's a  buck, there's  his rack silhouetted against the snow!"

          The Benoit's and other famous Northern deer hunters evolved hunting styles impossible to imagine without snow.  Snow is a blessing. Snow allows us to figure out, and pattern whitetails by reading their sign. 

         A second benefit of our so-called "miserable" weather that the southerners whine about is that we can hang our deer and actually age them. Aging meat is an art and a science. Many of us prefer to hang our deer, believing that the meat is better quality than those carcasses (like in the South) that must be immediately processed green.  The northern culinary tradition of aged meat transcends in one more way the simplistic category that cold makes deer hunting miserable. 

         When we compare the north and the south, bow hunting in the southern states seems like a battle against biting insects and critters of all sorts. Here in NY, the biting bug quoificent is a non-issue. Once the frosts hit here during deer season, ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies are toast. 

         So, when an article whimpers about "miserable deer hunting weather," when it snows, many of us have reason to differ. 

         But arguments about weather may be subjective. Some people's toes and fingers get cold.

          Lets look at some numbers:

           New York's overall deer harvest showed only a 2% drop from 2013, which was dead-on from 2012, showing New York state's deer managers are keeping a consistent handle on the statewide whitetail herd. New York's deer hunting lands are very diverse, from the Adirondacks with a low deer population due to the forest, to high deer numbers on the outskirts of the Empire State's many cities and towns.

         New York hunters harvested 238,672 deer at the end of the 2014 season, while in 2013, they killed 243,567 whitetails. For comparison, here is what deer hunters had to deal with in other nearby states in the Northeast and the Midwest:

         Pennsylvania, tallied another drastic drop after the numbers came in from the recent 2014 deer season; tumbling 14% from 352,920 deer harvested in 2013 spiraling down to 238,672 this past season as the Antler Restriction mantra continues to beat its loud, disastrous drum.

         Ohio is almost as bad as the Commonwealth and showed a 9% drop this past season to 175,745 from the previous year's 191,455.  Worse, in the previous year Ohio deer hunters took 218,910 deer, showing a 20% drop in filled tags in just two years in the Buckeye State.

         Further afield in Minnesota, hunters harvested just 111,000 deer, down 22% from the previous year.

         Wisconsin tumbled 15% in 2013; down to the lowest deer take in 30 years in the Gopher State, down to 191,550 deer. Wisconsin deer hunters just eight years ago killed over 400,000 deer, showing a 48% free fall. Enough is enough there, as Governor Scott Walker took the responsibility for the deer population away from its game department, fired them and hired a private whitetail manager.

         From a glance at these current whitetail reports from other states, New York hunters are a bit more lucky indeed, with a state whitetail plan that is at the least stable.

         New York deer hunters today get a quality Northern deer hunting experience, and a reasonable chance to put venison in the freezer for the average New York hunter, when compared and contrasted to other nearby whitetail state's recent historical data, hardly deserving the appellation of worst state in the entire country.

 

 

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biggamefish Community Regular

biggamefish

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It is amazing you read articles in Mags like New York Game and Fish and the articles have huge deer but the guys are from Kansas. Ohio, Wisconsin, Etc. where there are big deer and the room to grow them. Plus the food to get them there.  As a lot of people know that hunt in NY we don't have that around here.  The best place for that in NY is out west like Rush, Steuben county etc.  Ny just doesn't have the habitat like the western states do period!

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d-bone20917 Newbie

d-bone20917

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This guy clearly doesn't like the snow and cold of the northeast.  I'd take that any day to hunting in the heat and humidity of the south, but he is right on with hunter density and the yearling buck take.  Is there anyone who would honestly say NY is one of the best states for hunting?  It's realistically in the bottom 50% I would say.    

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wolc123 Grand Master

wolc123

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I have only hunted deer in one other state (Colorado) and I much prefer NY. The high desert of the Rockies does nothing for me as far as scenery, and cant touch the absolute beauty of NY's Adirondacks. I did learn first-hand that whitetails are a lot tastier than mule deer anyhow. I seldom have trouble securing enough venison in NY to last my family until the following season. I do love the cold during hunting season, and the snow. Not needing a walk-in cooler most years, keeping bugs and hogs away, and improved tracking are all big plusses. There is no place I would rather live or hunt. Whenever I travel, to any of those other states for any reason, I appreciate what we have here in NY more.

Edited by wolc123
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