Known nationally as a top producer of trophy-class whitetail deer, Kansas produces big bucks in every part of the state. Units in the south-central part of the state are particularly known for the big typicals and nontypicals that come from mostly private ranches and farms that are leased to outfitters and hunting groups.
Kansas bucks get big for several reasons. They have the right genetics with big bodies and antlers to match; winters are not usually as severe as in more northern states or in Canada, allowing bucks to enter the antler-growing season in great shape; the state doesn’t allow deer populations to get out of control, so there’s plenty of food and habitat for each buck, and nonresident tags are limited in number. Also, there’s a great mix of croplands and timbered and brushy areas, so deer have an abundance of nutritious, often fertilized food plants to help them grow. Bucks in the 150” B&C class are somewhat common and a good number of 160-180” deer are taken every year.
Hunting is easier in Kansas than in many other states where sprawling woodlands cover most of the landscape. Bucks here tend to travel along narrow corridors of cover along creeks and around lakes and marshes and on private croplands that have been converted into brushy or weedy wildlife habitat through the federal Conservation Reserve Program. Another aid to hunters is the ability to hunt legally over baits on private land. Though big bucks might avoid feeding on a pile of corn or barley during daylight, once the rut begins they often show up at baits to check out does in heat and sometimes drop their guard to feed on bait piles themselves.
License Costs
Resident general deer permit application |
$52.50 |
Resident youth application (age 15 and under) |
$22.50 |
General resident (OTC) |
$42.50 |
General resident youth (OTC) |
$12.50 |
Nonresident whitetail deer permit application |
$442.50 |
Nonresident youth whitetail deer permit application(age 15 and under) |
$117.50 |
NonrMule Deer stamp application |
$152.50 |
Preference point only- resident |
$11.50 |
Preference point only- nonresident |
$26.50 |
Resident general deer permit application | $52.50 |
Resident youth application (age 15 and under) | $22.50 |
General resident (OTC) | $42.50 |
General resident youth (OTC) | $12.50 |
Nonresident whitetail deer permit application | $442.50 |
Nonresident youth whitetail deer permit application(age 15 and under) | $117.50 |
NonrMule Deer stamp application | $152.50 |
Preference point only- resident | $11.50 |
Preference point only- nonresident | $26.50 |
News, notes and alerts
Diseases kill some deer in Kansas
Hemorrhagic disease is more prevalent in the eastern fourth of the state
Fewer than 10 cases of chronic wasting disease have been reported each year in most counties since the late 1990s
The long archery season includes the peak of the rut in November
Successful applicants are notified two to four weeks later
Unsuccessful applicants receive a preference point
Fluorescent orange clothing is required of hunters and helpers during gun seasons
Baiting is not legal on public land, even before hunting seasons
Highlights
The state leases thousands of acres of private land for public access and hunting
Bucks exceeding 150” are found in every county
Bucks in the 160-180” class have been taken in many units
Farmers commonly lease property to small hunting groups
Nonresidents must draw tags, which are easy to draw in almost every unit
Most tags are drawn by hunters with no preference points
Leftover tags are available in many units after the drawing
Most farmers and outfitters set conservative limits on hunter numbers
Nonresident tags available by drawing have been increased
Muzzleloader tags are valid during a September season as well as rifle season
Many high-scoring Pope and Young bucks are taken during the rut
Some good hunting is available on public land near lakes and rivers
Boone and Crockett entries*
* Units are included if any part of the unit is in the county.
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