Participating hunters must use Telecheck, the departments phone-in or online reporting system, to register their deer harvest. Any info would be greatly appreciated. New this year, WK WMA will have both Quota Gun Hunt and a "Open" Gun Hunt. To the west of this area, farm fields are larger and cover more restricted, making bucks more vulnerable to harvest by gun. Where's the best place to go looking for one of these big guys in bow season? Still, it's worth asking: Does the biologist feel the top areas for bowhunting trophy bucks are likely to change any time soon? Just $1 per month . "In much of western and central Kentucky we have fertile land with a good balance of cover and crops," the biologist says. Of course, trail cameras now are in wide use in many states and provinces that lack Kentucky's reputation for huge bucks. 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. They only ones I know anything about is in the bluegrass region! West Kentucky Whitetails, LLC offers free range deer hunts in Western Kentucky. Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. 6200 some odd acres. Its one of the more difficult tracts of public land to trek in the western part of the state because of its large ridges and thick forests. 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. "PRIVATE" lodging and family style meals included. There are some WMA's, like the dam/Peninusula area at Barren River Reservoir that are primitive weapons only. Therefore, it seems only fitting that his pursuit of a particular giant buck actually began during a rabbit hunt in November 2012. Im hoping those bucks made it through the season and they come back bigger and better, but its not likely when hunting public land. One of the more attractive features at Rough River Lake WMA is the number of oxbows that can be hunted. We will be hunting the quota hunt as well but where will depend a lot on where other people are hunting. Off Market. Shane. I would hunt in area 4 right across the road from the A area. All Rights Reserved. Western Kentucky normally produces bigger bucks. Missouri's metropolitan areas are a complex mix of municipal and county governments, each with its own jurisdiction and set of laws. 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. 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. "I woke up this morning and I thanked God that I did" Rush Limbaugh RIP Tethered Life Feb 4, 2020 #4 Thunder Head Never hunted there, curious to see if anyone had any information on the place (what tract to hunt, what to setup on, etc.) Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. West Tennessee Wildlife Management Areas (Region 1) *The numbers for each WMA and on the map correspond to the numbers in the hunting guide. 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. when you hunted was the wma divided into tracts? To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. You are using an out of date browser. Areas designated as no hunting (pink areas on the maps) are open to year-round visitation. But a clearly defined chunk of Kentucky is a great place to start your search. You need look no further than the bulletin board in Uncle Lees sporting goods store in Greenville for pictorial proof of Peabodys potential. Hunting there in early September can be tough until it is mowed before the youth hunting weekend. The other four counties in the top five were close behind, with hunters bagging between 2,222 and 2,470 bucks per county. "Camera use facilitates trophy whitetail production in two ways," he points out. During the 2013 deer season, hunters bagged a record 4,069 deer, which was more than in any other county. If you're going to hunt in November, one of those would be better due to no gun hunters. The Kentucky river wma in Henry co is really good. Because of that, I prefer to hunt Rich. In Oklahoma, Osage county holds the record for most bucks harvested during the archery season with 681 bucks during the 2019-20 season . 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. Kansas. They monitor it closely. Find season dates and bag limits here. (Author image) Sportsmen and women have it pretty good in my home state of Kentucky. That has been several years ago on the youth mentor hunt. Please see the refuge hunting/fishing permit for details. All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. I got drawn for a quota here and have never been there.Does anybody know anything about this place any help is appreciated. The hunter tipped off his local game warden after tracking down the poached deer's gut pile deep in Idaho backcountry. 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. You must log in or register to reply here. I live near Miller-Welch. Within Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, there are four designated hunt areas. Hiwassee and Yuchi wildlife refuges have growing deer herds the state would. We hunt all over Alabama (private and public). As well as Clay wma in nicholus co. Yah, just send everyone to Owen County the second week of Novemberplenty of land, deer, and hardly any hunters! Breckinridge and Grayson Counties are also known as two of the best counties in the state. Emailed registrations will be accepted through Jan. 8. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Kentucky Hunting Features Forums List Deer Hunting Forum Kentucky Community Forum Waterfowl Hunting Forum Turkey Hunting Forum It's a state with a great reputation for big deer, but in producing them, it appears to violate many of the rules of how to manage deer with that in mind. 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. Write, email or call Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for additional information. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. "First, by capturing images of older and/or larger-antlered bucks in an area, they encourage local hunters to pass up younger/lesser animals. They monitor it closely. Heard something about an open hunt. Thanks! Hunters may only 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. I did see a lot of deer when I hunted it though. The Kentucky buck Heath Buchanan calls "Joker" is a Bluegrass State phenomenon. Honestly man and I dont mean this in a bad way but Ive been very fortunate and taken nice deer on public land in a couple different states so I feel like my advice might help you. 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. Y outh Seasons and Youth Lottery Hunts. No tags are required for does and only one of your bucks has an antler restriction. During quota hunts, all deer hun ting seasons on this WMA are closed, except to drawn hunters. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Speaking from experience. Maps - Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife More Maps Public Lands and Hunting Maps Public Hunting area map* Wildlife Management Area and Public Lands Search Kentucky's Hunting and Fishing Access Sites Game Maps "Know Before You Go" CWD Interactive Map Specific Species Hunting Maps Dove Hunting Field Map Elk Hunting map Elk Hunting map* But, Pennyrile is home to a nice deer population, as well. You must log in or register to reply here. Last season, there were 30 deer harvested at Doug Travis, with 16 of them being bucks. You may be able to find areas in which multiple hollers converge into one open bottom, as well. Therefore, this is perfect for hunters who like taking their kids hunting with them. Hopefully by archery season you will have a game plan that will give you the best chance to get one with a bow. 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. 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. For more on record-class bow bucks from Kentucky and across North America, visit Pope and Young Club. No permanent stands, etc. Refer to the pertinent Hunting Guides for specific rules regarding hunting and trapping. Where's the best place to go looking for one of these big guys in bow season? Peabody WMA Nearby 1,200 acres of public land added in western Kentucky One of western Kentucky's largest wildlife management areas is growing again. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Sept. 30. Our deer and turkey hunting are both the best in the nation, far as I'm concerned. 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. I never saw another person when I was younger and hunted there. Thanks! To hear many serious trophy bowhunters tell it, Kentucky must be a figment of someone's fertile imagination. Be safe hunting!! 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. The strip of woods conects the A area (no hunting) and private land. Some of these governments allow the use of hunting equipment such as firearms, crossbows, and bows within their boundaries. . JavaScript is disabled. Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Maps This map is intended as a guide only, and its content is subject to change without notice. One of the better areas for quail hunting in the state. Terrain: Moderate; Hill country, with steep ridges in places. "Also, deer population density averages about 20 animals per square mile. Camp is setup in Kentucky! I heard they might be having an open hunt on Nov 22-23. Total Harvest 2020: 25 Bucks: 13 Does: 12. Search the dept website and check harvest numbers on wmas. You can park in a few different spots along Georgetown Rd, or you can drive up and around to Old Columbus and park there. ZIP: 42327. How are they doing the gun hunt in West Ky this year? i think you guys would have to best chance there. Good deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game hunting. For another, gun season falls right in the heart of the November rut. Hunting during rifle season, or late muzzleloader, will likely be the easiest path to finding a big buck at Kentucky Ridge Forest. 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. I do agree.that first time will be more learning than success. Photo Gallery See all Photos Kentucky Guided Hunting Trips Most of the SRO Crew Contact us today! Signups will not be accepted once all slots have been filled. Changing the big game license to individual licenses for deer and turkey. JavaScript is disabled. Dont rely on info strangers on the internet give you. I've been there a few times on quota hunts and there are alot of deer there, but it seems like there are always twice as many people as deer. "There's a selective mindset among many hunters and landowners, which results in most small bucks getting a free pass.". Alternating ridges and sloughs, moist soil management units, woodlands, brush, and open crop fields are found here. If you want public land, hunt the Shawnee N.F. Deer. A hunter may only hunt four grouse per day and eight per season using shotguns. "We have a lot of veteran hunters who aren't necessarily eager to shoot the first buck they see anyway," Yancy points out. Anyone else know anything about this hunt? Since 2010, the hottest counties for P&Y entries (white stars on map) have continued to reflect a broad pattern. I'm looking to do a public land hunt traveling from New Jersey, so any help would be appreciated. You must log in or register to reply here. If I remember right, the WMA list on kdfwr has what you can kill, limitations etc. Oct 20, 2004 #2 G glenmorebuckman 6 pointer Dec 20, 2003 468 Glenmore, Ky, USA. I know nothing about this state and being this far away I would be going by your guys help. Where to Hunt Deer in Alaska Unit 4Z saw the highest blacktail harvest in 2021, with 6,579 animals. The Blue Grass Region is the best area in the state of Kentucky for deer hunting, with Owen county leading the pack. Tim Young remembers, "Man, he looked big." Access is available in all areas of Rich WMA. This allows them to keep an eye out for any predator or hunter that may enter the bedding area. Kentucky Ridge Forest WMA was one of the most successful Eastern Kentucky public land areas last year with 42 bucks harvested. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. I think I may get drawn this coming season. Rich WMA consists of ridge after ridge, with some low bottom areas where deer like to travel. West Kentucky WMA, McCracken County. Easy access in most areas. good luck, Thanks guys for all your info. Trained as a high school English teacher and coach, Scott Bestul left that lucrative field to pursue anotheras a full-time freelance writer in 1990. Hunters may register for the hunt starting at 8 a.m. (CST) on Jan. 4 by calling the West Kentucky WMA office at 270-488-3233 or sending an email to weston.mason@ky.gov. Other than that, put on a good pair of boots, pack light, and give it your best shot. Stalk Em Spring squirrel hunting in Kentucky can be [], Squirrel Hunting in Kentucky Opens May 15, Deer Hunting On Public Land Kentucky Outdoors Media, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFP-jOHTsc0&t=8s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6ETHU_ypZY&t=5s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYOoABQMAEI&t=4s. These 2 areas combined offer more than 46,000 acres giving archery hunters lots of space to roam. Only one antlered deer per hunter may be harvested statewide, regardless of zone, method or season. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. More than 41,000 acres of deer hunting are open only to bowhunters on 27 of Georgia's WMAs. State Park Deer. Late fall shotgun turkey season starts Saturday December 2, 2022 Derek Aaron WJRS News Local hunters have one final opportunity to harvest wild turkeys with a shotgun this year during the late fall shotgun season, which opens tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 3rd and runs through Friday, Dec. 9th. Spring squirrel hunting in Kentucky can be one of the most fun times of the year! Pendleton, Shelby, Grant and Boone round out the top five counties in this region, each with harvests of between 2,324 and 3,484 during the season. They have tons of deer as well. they are all hard to hunt blind. What would you guys consider the best WMA for deer numbers and best chance to get one with a bow ? Like most Kentucky public land deer hunting spots, youll find numerous hollers, fingers, and bowls that are possible locations for bedding bucks. He lives near there & knows the area pretty well. The deer are so abundant in the Blue Grass Region that hunters harvested more deer in this area than in the northeast and southeast regions combined. $61,810. The 10-day firearms season in early November is popular with out-of-state hunters, but bowhunters will find pressure light. They're well equipped to fill buck tags at the time of year when antlered deer are most vulnerable. I bowhunted 10 days in a row there last year and saw 4 deer. Surrounded by private land, there are some pinch points along the fence lines where I have seen deer travel back and forth. "You can take a boy out of ol' dixieland but you'll never take ol' dixie from a boy" -Lynyrd Skynyrd. Rich WMA made this list because it is filled with deer, but it comes in at No. Lake Beshear is part of Pennyrile and it has some of the best bass fishing in the area. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Ballard Wildlife Management Area Location: west Kentucky Size: 8,600 acres ZIP: 42056 Ballard has the best buck-to-doe ratio of any By Archery/crossbow quota hunt from the third Monday in October through Nov. 30, except when closed during the quota hunt that starts the first Saturday in November. There is a lot of good places to hunt. Horseback riding allowed on maintained roads. Any resident or nonresident may apply for quota hunts. With nearly a third of the area covered in water, you can bet that youll find bucks bedded near some swampy, nasty places. Killed the biggest deer I have "ever" killed there on a quota hunt. Food Preparation, Camp Cooking and Recipes. Used to quail hunt down there years ago. Since 2010, the hottest counties for P&Y entries (white stars on map) have continued to reflect that broad pattern. Whitley's articles have appeared in various print and online magazines, including "GQ," "Details," "Southern Living" and "Cooking Light. Peabody Wildlife Management Area Rich WMA is often an overlooked public land hunting area because it is the next-door-neighbor to Kleber WMA, a hotbed for deer. Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. Christian, Graves, Trigg and Livingston rounded out the top five counties with between 1,737 and 2,910 deer taken in each. Location: west Kentucky 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. 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. I'd think I'd start there. At any time, you can drop off down a ridge and go looking for more deer sign. I have hunted down there prbably 7 or 8 times. They are categorized into high, moderate and low management levels. Of all the counties in this area, Hopkins, Hardin, Hart, Webster and Breckinridge offer the best chances for success at bagging a buck. "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.". Some hunts are open to mobility-impaired hunters only. This is a place that is enjoyed by visitors all year round. While it may be hard to replicate that harvest, there are still big bucks lurking around Pennyrile. Four other counties had an impressive season, each with a harvest of more than 1,500 deer. As a side note, as a wma only hunter, I never give up my best spots to hunt,ever. July 26, 2022 By Bernie Barringer. For a $24 license, you may kill 3 antlered deer and 213 does. As the accompanying map illustrates, no single county has them to itself. He sold his first story to Field & Stream a few years later and has been contributing to the brand ever since. You are using an out of date browser. The majority of Ballard WMA is closed to visitation Oct. 15-March 15. Instead of in-person signups, registration will be by phone and email only. Sept. 1. Fee, advance application required of deer, waterfowl hunters. Antler restrictions at the Cumberland Plateau site have limited the harvest for the. Contact us at 786-205-6593 or 786-457-4128 A 50% deposit is due upon booking of your hunt, with the balance due before AUGUST 1 All hunts are fully guided. Size: 60,000 acres Opportunities are abundant in this state, with a population of around 900,000 deer and about seven hunters per square mile. While I often e-scout a public land area on OnX before Kentucky public land deer hunting, Doug Travis is so diverse, I think a person needs to see it first-hand before walking in with their bow. For me, its just another reason to go. Kleber in Franklin and Owen co. Is good! The Deer Tour has begun! We take our hunter's comfort seriously and that's why we try to provide each of our guests with their own private, cabin style room. Kind of an eerie place with all the nuclear signs and fall out shelters. Be sure to always check regulations before an adventure Kentucky public land deer hunting. Likely, youll find them with their backs to the water and their vantage points set to access areas or popular walking routes. WMA located approximately 10 miles west of Henderson, KY, consists of 6 units. 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.