The MeatEater

Whitetail hunters love to argue about which state holds the biggest and baddest bucks. But which one is really the 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 round, we’ve got a head-to-head matchup with the whitetail aficionados of MeatEater: Tony Peterson with North Dakota and Mark Kenyon with Michigan. Which state is better? That’s up to you to decide.

“My favorite whitetail state is North Dakota, without question. I've hunted public land from one end to the other, and have never had a bad hunt. The trophy potential is real, but more importantly, the state just provides an opportunity to spend treestand time in some really unique settings. From eastern-hardwoods types of hunts to true western whitetail riverbottom hunts, where you might also see mulies or elk, there is a surprising amount of habitat diversity in North Dakota. It's just a fun state with a fairly consistent herd, lots of land to roam around on, and the chance at a really good one no matter where you're at." - Tony Peterson

Deer Population Estimate: 130,000

“My pick is Michigan, and the reasons might surprise you. No, Michigan is not the best state to visit if you want a slam-dunk chance at killing a giant buck. But if you want a true whitetail cultural experience, this state cannot be beat.

Opening day here is akin to a national holiday, roadside box blinds and ladder stands are more commonly seen than billboards, and the buck poles - holy wah - if you haven't been to a Michigan buck pole, you haven't quite yet lived. Not only that, but we've got a pile of deer in the state, plentiful public lands in most regions, and so many other hunters that you'll never have to fear being lonely, lost, or lacking for a deer-dragging partner. Finally, the Great Lakes state has produced some of our nation's most noted hunters. Folks like Fred Bear, Ted Nugent, John Eberhart, Andy May, and, of course, Steve Rinella and Janis Putelis! I dare you to disagree.” - Mark Kenyon

Deer Population Estimate: 2 Million

(Harvest data via the National 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!

Whitetail hunters love to argue about which state holds the biggest and baddest bucks. But which one is really the 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!

“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 Million

“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: 650,000

(Harvest data via the National 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!

Steven Rinella talks with Benji Backer, Ryan Callaghan, and Randall Williams.

Topics discussed: How wilderness is (or should be) non-partisan; pulling a B&E at Doug’s place; the latest anti-hunting crusade over Florida’s bear hunt; knocking on doors for candidates at age 10 and starting a PAC at 18; becoming disillusioned and starting Nature Is Nonpartisan; what we define as a conservation “win”; politicians being the problem; creating space for a national conservation coalition; farmers mitigating climate change; not “shitting up” America; and more.

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This week, Cal covers a squirrel-painting incident in Connecticut, lamp-dumping polluters in Wisconsin, and a bowfisherman who has his own pod of dolphins.

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Tom Parker has been guiding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness since the 1970s, and local legend within his community- known for his hunting knowledge, expertise in the backcountry, and all around affinity and understanding of bears. Through his decades spent in the wilderness living with and around grizzlies, Tom has developed a unique perspective on how grizzly bears fit into the modern landscape. Come with us as we hear Tom's story from the 70s, to present day and start to piece together this grizzly story.

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Whitetail hunters love to argue about which state holds the biggest and baddest bucks. But which one is really the 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 Janis repping a classic whitetail state: Wisconsin. And Steve with the edgy pick of Alaska. Which is the better state? It’s up to you to decide.

“My pick for the best whitetail state is Alaska. A lot of guys want an easy hunt, and I understand that, but I'm a guy who likes a challenge. Whitetail hunting in Alaska kicks your ass every time. Whether you're after swamp bucks or mountain bucks, you can put years of effort in and never even see a whitetail. Believe me, I know. But I know that I'm gonna have success someday, and when I do, all that failure and effort will feel all the more sweeter.” - Steve Rinella

Public Land: About 325 million acres or 89% of the state’s land

“My favorite whitetail state is Wisconsin. It's got the hardcore deer culture of Michigan AND big bucks. It's also where I own deer hunting land, which I love to manage the habitat on. My connection to that 40 acres is stronger than ever. I can smell it just thinking about it. And although I grew up hunting Michigan and Wisconsin, Wisconsin is where we had our real deer camp. A deer camp is a special thing; I wouldn't be who I am today without that camp.” - Janis Putelis

Deer Population Estimate: 1.6 Million

(Harvest data via the National 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!

Whitetail hunters love to argue about which state holds the biggest and baddest bucks. But which one is really the 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 the Trivia Master and previous Rut Fresh Radio Host, Spencer Neuharth repping Kentucky against Jake Hofer, your current Rut Fresh Radio Host, repping Iowa. Who chose the better state? Let us know below!

“This list wouldn’t be complete without Iowa. There’s a long line to draw an archery tag (anywhere from 3-6 years, depending on the zone), and for good reason. Strict regulations protect the resource, and the line just keeps getting longer. If you love bowhunting whitetails and having an opportunity of a mature whitetail—Iowa is the top of the list for me.” - Jake Hofer

Deer Population Estimate: 445,000

“There are so many things to love about whitetails in Kentucky. First off, they have one of the longest deer seasons in the nation with an archery season that runs from early September to mid-January. Most of the state is one-buck only, but some wildlife refuges and military reservations allow for an additional antlered tag.

Kentucky is home to a literal million deer, which is about the same population as other premier whitetail states such as Minnesota and Ohio. And they rank 6th in whitetail Boone and Crockett entries, ahead of the whitetail meccas Texas and Kansas.

What I love most about Kentucky is the habitat, though. It's where the Midwest meets the South, with a perfect mix of agriculture and big woods. Combine that with weather that doesn't get too hot or too cold, and you've got a whitetail season that any hunter would love.” - Spencer Neuharth

Deer Population Estimate: 1 Million

(Harvest data via the National 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!

I spent quite a bit of my career as mostly an outdoor writer, before filming hunts and recording podcasts took over. That early role taught me how to use weasel words like a champion. Actually, it was reader responses that taught me to cover my ass with generalizations.

What happens when you write hunting articles, even benign hunting articles you assume won’t piss people off, is that you end up pissing people off anyway. So, you start to think about how to say something you want to say, but also add in a qualifier or two to head off the rage.

For example, I might want to say something about the October Lull, like I don’t really believe it’s a good enough excuse to not hunt. A lot of hunters would disagree, so I’d follow it up with a statement about how it also might be prudent to sit out mid-October to wait for the pre-rut in certain situations, for certain hunters.

This default communication style exists all over the hunting space, and really all spaces where opinions are offered to the masses, but there is one category I’m sick of glossing over—the one involving how difficult hunting for whitetails is.

Now, I know that it’s generally regarded that public land whitetails are more difficult to kill than private land deer, but no one really dives into why (beyond the increased deer hunting pressure aspect). The truth is, killing a deer where anyone can hunt is as difficult as it will get for any of us, but maybe not for the most obvious reasons.

When I set up a stand on some of my private parcels, I go through a pretty standard process. I’ll hang the set, screw in a bow hanger, cut an access trail and maybe some shooting lanes, and then leave it alone to settle down before I return. In a lot of cases, I’ll leave a cell camera to feed me real-time deer data.

Almost everything I did there, which is totally legal on most private land in most states, could be illegal on public. You want to use a screw-in bow hanger? Probably not. Cut a few shooting lanes? Nope. In many cases, leaving that cell camera is a no-no, too. Now, this all depends on your chosen state, and then the type of land you’re on, but there is no doubt that public land hunting is far more restrictive in general than private land hunts.

This is what I think about a lot when people argue that some of the biggest names in deer hunting would do just as well leaving their managed properties for a public land hunt. I doubt that very much, and it wouldn’t just be because they can’t curate a spot to bring the deer to them. It would be all of the little details that they never think about when setting up their stands or blinds that come into play. Going from private land to public is often a real shock to hunters, and it goes way beyond the limitations on stand and blind setups.

Several years ago I had a conversation with one of the biggest names in deer hunting, and he mentioned that the bucks on his farm actually start to daylight more as they get older. He admitted he didn’t know why. He just knew that it was true.

I don’t know why either, because I can’t read a deer’s mind, but my guess is that the deer on his place have no negative interactions moving in daylight for most of their lives. If they stay where the herd is being managed to produce big deer, no one is going to shoot at them when they are under at least 4.5 years old. Prey animals that feel safe, act like prey animals that feel safe.

Now, look at this a different way. What if instead of walking past hunters who don’t shoot at them, ever, they walk past hunters who almost always shoot at them (or try to shoot at them, anyway). And instead of a couple of neutral hunter encounters per season, the deer have dozens of negative encounters.

This isn’t universally true, and it is anecdotal, but almost every older deer (bucks and does) I’ve killed on public and pressured private, has shown evidence of wounds. A lot of them have had some type of arrow or bullet wound, to the point where it doesn’t surprise me much to find them. That doesn’t really prove anything, but I’m going to use it to illustrate my point about public land deer being more difficult to kill than private land deer, anyway.

A few years ago, I walked into a cattail slough with my muzzleloader in western Minnesota. My goal was to find any buck, and the day before, I’d glassed a couple of them heading into the slough to bed for the day.

As I crested a small rise over the slough, the first thing I saw was a doe. She stood still for a second, and then bolted through the cattails and scattered willows, but not away from me. A minute or two later, I saw the blaze orange vest of a pheasant hunter slowly moving through the cover.

I let him hunt his way through and then settled in with lower hopes than I had when I left the truck. The bucks, predictably, didn’t show up. If I had walked in a few minutes later, I might not have known why. This is the thing about public land: you aren’t just working against other deer hunters.

Anyone can come in and hunt small game, or fall turkeys, or do whatever. The presence of a pheasant hunter in a slough might not affect deer like a deer hunter would, but it doesn’t help. The impact will be negative, most likely. If you doubt that, go knock on the door of a devout trophy deer hunter and ask for permission to squirrel hunt his woods in October.

All of this activity is a deer-pattern killer. You think you found something worth hunting, but the pattern dies before you even spend an hour in the stand. It might be from you, or from a new crossbow hunter determined to walk one down who passed through an hour before you showed up. The randomness of it all, and the generally negative aspects of human presence, make public land so much more difficult than private.

These are just some of the reasons I feel like public land bucks are the ultimate deer hunting trophy. I know a lot of folks will disagree, but most of them won’t go prove me wrong on dirt that anyone can hunt. I think that says something…

Heather Douville and her father, Mike, share how and why they hunt for sea otters along coastal Alaska. Presented by Work Sharp and Can-Am

Hosts Spencer Neuharth, Randall Williams, and Max Barta talk with taxidermy historian Brant MacDuff, throw a Hot Tip-Off, discuss the 2010 documentary Elephant in the Living Room for the MeatEater Movie Club, and dig into the 2025 Sasquatch Calling contest with organizers Cheryl Putorti and Paul Bartholomew.

Watch the live stream on the MeatEater Podcast Network YouTube channel.

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