west kentucky wma deer hunting

(Author image) Sportsmen and women have it pretty good in my home state of Kentucky. Lace your boots up and put some time in now. Lake Beshear is part of Pennyrile and it has some of the best bass fishing in the area. "Also, deer population density averages about 20 animals per square mile. Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. JavaScript is disabled. The Kentucky river wma in Henry co is really good. Id recommend the closest one to your house. Where to Hunt Deer in Alaska Unit 4Z saw the highest blacktail harvest in 2021, with 6,579 animals. Subscriber Services. Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. Early season is the key here. Sept. 30. JavaScript is disabled. Try Fort Campbell. 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. 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. 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 can park in a few different spots along Georgetown Rd, or you can drive up and around to Old Columbus and park there. This WMA is vast, covering more than 16,000 acres in Osage County. Deer and Small Game Hunting and Trail Cams. For me, its just another reason to go. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Gordon Whittington talks with Steven Sprout about the trophy buck he took back in 1998 while bowhunting public land in Illinois. Christian, Graves, Trigg and Livingston rounded out the top five counties with between 1,737 and 2,910 deer taken in each. I always hunt about 100 from the road in the small strip of woods. The shotgun and muzzleloader deer hunt for up to 140 hunters is scheduled Jan. 16-18, 2021. 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. Number of Fields: 6+ Crop: 20+ acres, Sunflower. Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. As a side note, as a wma only hunter, I never give up my best spots to hunt,ever. The Kentucky buck Heath Buchanan calls "Joker" is a Bluegrass State phenomenon. What a question for a public forum, laziest approach I've seen yet. 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. In Oklahoma, Osage county holds the record for most bucks harvested during the archery season with 681 bucks during the 2019-20 season . Top 5 Kentucky Public Hunting Area 21,688 views Oct 16, 2017 90 Dislike Share LandRater.com 574 subscribers Top 5 Kentucky Public Hunting Areas for Deer and Turkey Explore public land in your. Only one antlered deer per hunter may be harvested statewide, regardless of zone, method or season. http://fw.ky.gov/pdf/1112huntingguideentire.pdf, Food Preparation, Camp Cooking and Recipes. All stands are community so you get to hunt the full 16000 acres. Total Harvest 2020: 30 Bucks: 16 Does: 14, Terrain: Diverse; Easy to moderate; Wetlands and open water make up 34% of land. "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.". As the accompanying map illustrates, no single county has them to itself. For a long time it's been a consistent producer of quality bucks on both public and private land. Used to quail hunt down there years ago. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. It's that you have to be at least 14 years old in order to ride an eBike on the public road. David Yancy, a wildlife biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), refers back to the white-tailed deer restoration efforts between 1946 and 1999. So perhaps it really is the combination of scouting technology and having just one buck tag that results in a far more selective hunting public. Some hunts are mentored hunts for youth and accompanying adults. While it may be hard to replicate that harvest, there are still big bucks lurking around Pennyrile. Deer hunts offered include a shotgun-only, youth-mentor hunt at the West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Dec. 15-18. Hopefully by archery season you will have a game plan that will give you the best chance to get one with a bow. For one thing, the state doesn't limit buck tags in any way. The hunter tipped off his local game warden after tracking down the poached deer's gut pile deep in Idaho backcountry. They stay near the logging roads and hope a deer goes walking by. Still, it's worth asking: Does the biologist feel the top areas for bowhunting trophy bucks are likely to change any time soon? Because of that, I prefer to hunt Rich. Any resident or nonresident may apply for quota hunts. While some places around the lake are limited, there are sizable parcels of land that offer land features that attract deer. I live near Miller-Welch. Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. You are using an out of date browser. But I had so much property off base it was just easyer to hunt around Clarksville or Oak Grove. Change to license validity period from June 1-30 to 365 days from the date of purchase. I know the basics. Peabody wma is 46k + acres in west central Ky, good deer and turkey population I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy Feb 3, 2020 #3 bfriendly Senior Member That sounds like a great time! But a clearly defined chunk of Kentucky is a great place to start your search. Rich WMA made this list because it is filled with deer, but it comes in at No. With over 14,000 acres, it would be impossible to pinpoint a few to share, but my advice in hunting Pennyrile is to be different. Iowa Bowhunter Goes Stealth Mode with a Tree Saddle to Bag 194-inch Non-typical, Missouri Hunter Shoots 25-point Ozark Giant with Limited Time to Hunt, Hunters Must Lead the Fight Against Invasive Species, Understanding Non-Verbal Whitetail Communication, A Look Back at No. Several counties in the Green River Region offer excellent deer hunting opportunities. Scott Bestul We hunt all over Alabama (private and public). Whitley's articles have appeared in various print and online magazines, including "GQ," "Details," "Southern Living" and "Cooking Light. Shane. Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. Mike Clerkin heads to the legendary Buffalo County, Wisconsin, in search of early season whitetail action. At 195-inches there's good reason why. Food Preparation, Camp Cooking and Recipes. You need look no further than the bulletin board in Uncle Lees sporting goods store in Greenville for pictorial proof of Peabodys potential. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. And just remember to check the dates for the youth and Quota hunts at Kleber, followed by, thats right, a MG hunters a week later swarming the boundary. In rare cases, wild whitetails can live for Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. According to Benton County Sheriff Kenny Christopher, 55-year-old. Hardin County was the number one deer producing county in the entire state of Kentucky last season. Hunters must have an annual hunting license for hunting grouse in Kentucky. The Green River Region has long been regarded as a trophy buck host area, with the best counties being Ohio, Logan, Hopkins and Todd, according to Game and Fishing magazine. If you're going to hunt in November, one of those would be better due to no gun hunters. I'd think the WMA that lists incentives for killing a bunch of does would be the ones with the highest density. Terrain: Moderate; Hill country, with steep ridges in places. Shooting range (for single projectile firearms only; no shotshells or pistols allowed) open Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM-sunset & Sundays noon-sunset. This is a place that is enjoyed by visitors all year round. 5 because the lack of quality bucks that I have seen. i would come sooner if possible. 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. Size: 8,600 acres But, Pennyrile is home to a nice deer population, as well. I haven't hunted the rest of the states in your list but I can tell you that most of the WMA's in Kentucky are going to be full of gun hunters during your chosen time period. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Some hunts are open to mobility-impaired hunters only. One of the reasons Pennyrile sustains a nice deer herd is because hunting access to the park is not easy. I really can't see anyone coming in blind & having great success. The last time I was down there it was tore up with rubs and I saw probably a 140" buck. Hiwassee and Yuchi wildlife refuges have growing deer herds the state would. They are categorized into high, moderate and low management levels. West Kentucky WMA Get Directions Return to Search WMA Overview Size: 6425 acres Location: McCracken Contact: (270) 488-3233 Elevation: minimum 297 feet, maximum 451 feet. At any time, you can drop off down a ridge and go looking for more deer sign. Mike Clerkin heads to Buffalo County, Wisconsin to bowhunt whitetails. my father and i have been bowhunting for 7 years in Alabama. Find one with a soybean field and go glass late evenings in August. Kind of an eerie place with all the nuclear signs and fall out shelters. Do your own research and scout some of the places you come up with. Be safe hunting!! Rich WMA consists of ridge after ridge, with some low bottom areas where deer like to travel. This will allow you to hunt areas of Pennyrile that are nearly impossible to get to by foot and should open up a good opportunity to hunt a more mature buck on the property. Map reading is probably one of my best qualities in bowhunting.(served 8 years in the army). 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. The man reportedly shot his wife in the chest then . The Pennyrile State Forest is the largest public land area on this list and that is why it is at number one. Hunter cards and instruction sheets will be provided before Jan. 16 to those registered for the hunt. Refer to the pertinent Hunting Guides for specific rules regarding hunting and trapping. 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 know nothing about this state and being this far away I would be going by your guys help. Four other counties had an impressive season, each with a harvest of more than 1,500 deer. $61,810. If you are strickly interested in a good quality buck, you'll need to hike a good ways or travel by boat into hard to reach areas. All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. There is a lot that can be said about the Rough River Lake WMA. I'll try & drive out there after work today & see if theres any new info at the hunter check station. 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. 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. Photo Gallery See all Photos There is a lot of good places to hunt. Either way..we'll give it 110% effort and just maybe see a good deer come bythanks again and I wish all of you the best this year! 5 Underdated Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) for Deer Hunting In Kentucky. The Cartecay section of this WMA (about 5,062 acres) is reserved for archers only. There will not be a staffed check station for the hunt because of crowding concerns and the potential for spreading COVID-19. There will be pressure any where you go. If you're going to hunt in November, one of those would be better due to no gun hunters. If you head out to Rich WMA this season, dont sit back and wait. If any old whitetail just won't do and you're on the hunt for trophy bucks, Kentucky has you covered. Haynes Shelton discusses what to look for when choosing the magnification range when it comes to the scope on your deer rifle. And get this: Nearly all of the hunters heading afield then are carrying scoped centerfire rifles. ", Game and Fishing Magazine: Kentucky Deer Hunting Forecast for 2014, Game and Fishing Magazine: Best Counties for Hunting Deer in 2013, Game and Fishing Magazine: Best Places for Trophy Bucks in Kentucky in 2013, Outdoor Life: Best Deer Hunting State: Kentucky Takes Top Spot in New Whitetail Scale. Opportunities are abundant in this state, with a population of around 900,000 deer and about seven hunters per square mile. It gets hit pretty hard! WMA located approximately 10 miles west of Henderson, KY, consists of 6 units. Gordon Whittington heads north to his personal Missouri farm for some crossbow action. Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Maps This map is intended as a guide only, and its content is subject to change without notice. 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. The shotgun and muzzleloader deer hunt for up to 140 hunters is scheduled Jan. 16-18, 2021. Begley of Clay County, Ky harvested a 217 2/8-inch buck on Nov. 14, 2020 in Fayette . West Kentucky WMA, McCracken County. More than 41,000 acres of deer hunting are open only to bowhunters on 27 of Georgia's WMAs. With an official net score of 246 0/8 non-typical, Austin Musselman's megabuck is an example of Kentucky quality. some buddies of mine and i got drawn there to hunt in 2001 man, the area looked really promising, food plots, creek bottoms, hardwoods.. in two days of hard hunting, we saw 2 deer!!!!! My father is 66 years old and his days are numbered for: climbing trees, bow hunting, etc. I am sure a lot has changed. If I remember right, the WMA list on kdfwr has what you can kill, limitations etc. They have tons of deer as well. 1 buck killed in Kentucky in 2006 an incredible 19-pointer that measured 246 3/8. Hulah WMA is in the heart of big deer country. Hunters will have their best chance of scoring a nice deer from the opening day of archery season (Sept. 4) through the closing of the restricted areas. The strip of woods conects the A area (no hunting) and private land. Fall 2020-'21 harvest: 24,809 mule deer, 24,849 whitetails Overall outlook: Rick Ward, deer and elk coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, says the statewide mule deer outlook is fair to good and improving depending on the area. When Kentucky public land deer hunting, using a hunting app like OnX, try to find low gap areas, or saddles, that create natural pinch points and traveling corridors for deer. 2023-2024 archery dates will be announced later in 2023.; 2022-23 Tennessee Deer Season The Bluegrass State's production of older bucks quickly began to rise. I would scout three spots in three different areas just in case they are useing it. Just want to try something new this year. Kentucky public land deer hunting can be rewarding and Rich WMA is where I spent a lot of time last year, and I saw a lot of deer. Probably wont be able to get in to scout as im in college and i get out that friday before the start of the hunt. Asking that question in an open forum is problematic for two reasons: (1) any answer is likely to draw otherwise unwanted attention to a public WMA hunter's spots (even accidentally), and (2) there is likely no one on this forum who has hunted every WMA and can give an honest answer (I know which WMAs that I have hunted and prefer--I have taken deer on six different WMAs, Ft Knox and DBNF--but it is a far cry from every WMA) How do you ask such a question and not check in lol, posted at 10:32 am not seen since 10:32 am. The Blue Grass Region is another hot spot, with Pendleton, Garrard, Boone and Henry counties offering the best chances for bagging a trophy buck. So how can Kentucky keep cranking out Pope & Young bucks? The grouse season in Kentucky runs from November to February, varying based on zone, with the permission of hunting ruffed grouse. Hopkins leads the way with a recorded harvest of 2,542 deer during the 2013 season. Please see the refuge hunting/fishing permit for details. Tim Young remembers, "Man, he looked big." 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. You must log in or register to reply here. Emailed registrations will be accepted through Jan. 8. Sept. 1. "PRIVATE" lodging and family style meals included. Total Harvest 2020: 25 Bucks: 13 Does: 12. You must log in or register to reply here. Be sure to always check regulations before an adventure Kentucky public land deer hunting. 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. Kentucky is one of the premier deer hunting states in the country, with many regions experiencing a year-by-year increase in deer population and harvest. While some hunting is allowed, some animals are protected, including turtles, crawfish and bullfrogs. At most wma's you need to scout a lot & then travel deep to the perfect spot. A hunter may only hunt four grouse per day and eight per season using shotguns. The archery areas on Campbell were like hunting in a park. Search the dept website and check harvest numbers on wmas. New this year, WK WMA will have both Quota Gun Hunt and a "Open" Gun Hunt. View all 40 pictures. Youll find several smaller areas that fall between the water and private land, but a quick paddle can get you there quickly and away from other hunters. During the 2013 deer season, hunters bagged a record 4,069 deer, which was more than in any other county. Lots of deer, nice bucks. Dog-Deer Since 2010, the hottest counties for P&Y entries (white stars on map) have continued to reflect a broad pattern. He lives near there & knows the area pretty well. Parts of Doug Travis are closed from November 1-March 15. Therefore, this is perfect for hunters who like taking their kids hunting with them. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Thanks! Then look up telecheck public land results, tells how many deer checked in on each wma. lol did not realize i didn't put the name of the wma but yes the one I was talking about is west kentucky wma. "You can take a boy out of ol' dixieland but you'll never take ol' dixie from a boy" -Lynyrd Skynyrd. Or you could shoot 216 does and no bucks. I also missed 1 of the 2 bucks I have shot at with a bow in that small strip of woods. Most of Kodiak Island is public (Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge) and accessible by plane or boat. There is alot of deer down there. Most areas are open to archery and crossbow hunting for deer except during the Dec. 12-13 quota gun hunt. And that public land is found throughout the state, in areas big and small. they did close a bunch of areas due to 9-11, so maybe all the deer moved into those areas.. hope you have better luck than we did!! The Blue Grass Region is the best area in the state of Kentucky for deer hunting, with Owen county leading the pack. Likely, youll find them with their backs to the water and their vantage points set to access areas or popular walking routes. There are some WMA's, like the dam/Peninusula area at Barren River Reservoir that are primitive weapons only. I'd hunt Illinois. I would hunt in area 4 right across the road from the A area. The area offers waterfowl, turkey, deer and small game hunting along with fishing and hiking. Being a Zone 4 county, does are not allowed to be taken during rifle season, which is one of the main reasons the doe count is so low. But, I also do not think I was nearly aggressive enough in pursuing a mature buck on the property. Hunting there in early September can be tough until it is mowed before the youth hunting weekend. Now Kentucky taxidermists stay plenty busy mounting big bucks. Antler restrictions at the Cumberland Plateau site have limited the harvest for the. Ask Perry (PBeyer). | West Tennessee Wildlife Management Areas (Region 1) *The numbers for each WMA and on the map correspond to the numbers in the hunting guide. "No, not really," he says. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. Bring your knee boots to reach secluded areas: Fertile bottomlands dotted with the oak trees and row-crop agriculture that keep deer in top nutritional shape are broken up by many bald cypress sloughs. You may be able to find areas in which multiple hollers converge into one open bottom, as well. In some areas, a user permit is required. Signups will not be accepted once all slots have been filled. Off Market. To hear many serious trophy bowhunters tell it, Kentucky must be a figment of someone's fertile imagination. Take bowhunters advice and scout if you get a chance. Location: west Kentucky Missouri's metropolitan areas are a complex mix of municipal and county governments, each with its own jurisdiction and set of laws. The refuge manages native grasslands to benefit white-tailed deer, turkey, quail, migratory songbirds and small mammals. This is just another reason why Kentucky public land deer hunting is among the best. I think I have 2 priority points. Western Kentucky normally produces bigger bucks. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. 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. Check kdfwr website for harvest results over several years. Areas designated as no hunting (pink areas on the maps) are open to year-round visitation. In the eastern half of Kentucky deer numbers tend to be much lower, with far less acreage devoted to row crops. . That has been several years ago on the youth mentor hunt. Total Harvest 2020: 79 Bucks: 56 Does: 23, Terrain: Moderate to Hard; Most hunting areas consists of hills and ridges. A hunter can register a party of up to five hunters but must provide the name, fish and wildlife customer ID number and phone number for each member in the party. With nearly a third of the area covered in water, you can bet that youll find bucks bedded near some swampy, nasty places. Several years back the population was much better than it is now. CARRY PROOF Hunters who buy their license or permit by phone or internet must carry while hunting: picture ID and proof of purchase (an authorization number, a paper license or a computer printout). The changes are necessary to ensure the health and safety of hunters and WMA staff. But, the most important memoryis being with my father and making memories. Terrain: Hard; You can experience a big change in elevation when hunting this area. A drive through the access points may afford some glassing during early August and give you a good idea of what youre dealing with. The 10-day firearms season in early November is popular with out-of-state hunters, but bowhunters will find pressure light. In this edition of "Big Buck Profile," Gordon Whittington talks with young whitetail hunter Reid Crawford about his trophy buck taken in 2017. This will be some of the most difficult terrain to hunt in Kentucky. Selected hunters may not exceed their personal bag limit or a total of 5 bears per hunting party during the hunt. Other than that, put on a good pair of boots, pack light, and give it your best shot. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Good luck. Additionally, hunt data for most Redlands WMA hunts . Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. I heard they might be having an open hunt on Nov 22-23. That makes the hunting tougher for with bow or gun. The fishing is outstanding, and the waterfowling is at least acceptable. U are right and it looks good from what I have seen. Food Preparation, Camp Cooking and Recipes. If I had a choice of hunting Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri or IllinoisKentucky would be my last pick. Yes it was. These areas range from a few hundred acres to the 22,000-acre Rich Mountain WMA in northwestern Georgia. I bowhunted 10 days in a row there last year and saw 4 deer. they are all hard to hunt blind. With a little research and hard work, metro hunters can successfully . Look forward to hearing how y'all do! West Kentucky WMA offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including horseback riding trails, a skeet range, a mobility impaired archery range and hiking trails. Instead of in-person signups, registration will be by phone and email only. Most hunters will use the roads that lead to parking areas. Participating hunters must use Telecheck, the departments phone-in or online reporting system, to register their deer harvest. James Kroll and Haynes Shelton talk about being realistic when it comes to managing a smaller deer property in this edition of Dr. Opportunities are abundant in this state, with a population of around 900,000 deer and about seven hunters per square mile. GEORGIA. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. One of the better areas for quail hunting in the state. If you want to set yourself apart from other hunters, using a kayak or boat to get to more remote locations will give you a better chance at bagging a mature buck. Will take first (300) hunters that show-up and sign in. Jonathan A.,Oct 11, 2018 Jonathan A.,Oct 11, 2018 #1 Oct 12, 2018#2 bowhunter26912 pointer 3,973 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. West Kentucky Whitetails, LLC offers free range deer hunts in Western Kentucky. For details, see individual WMA schedules, contact any Field Office, or visit our website at www.wlf.louisiana.gov. I know they are there. No vehicles/ATV's. Tract 1, Tract 4 and Tract 4A, Tract 5, Other. when you hunted was the wma divided into tracts? I do agree.that first time will be more learning than success. By the time the rut rolls around in early November, the density of the woods will start to dwindle and youll have clearer paths through the ridges and hollers that will make for easier hunting. I will once again be maintaining a report detailing the results for WMA Deer hunts for the 2022/2023 season. Ballard Wildlife Management Area Location: west Kentucky Size: 8,600 acres ZIP: 42056 Ballard has the best buck-to-doe ratio of any By The deadline to register by phone is 3:30 p.m. (CST) on Jan. 5. Heard something about an open hunt. You must log in or register to reply here. Most hunting and fishing opportunities align with Kentucky state seasons and bag limits. However, I just love the moment to be with my father as we try and tag out. They are strict on their rules, so read up. Where's the best place to go looking for one of these big guys in bow season? Western Kentucky normally produces bigger bucks. Ballard has the best buck-to-doe ratio of any public hunting area in the state at one buck for every two does, Yancy says, and it also has an excellent age-class structure that features a lot of older bucks. Starting this year, more sportsmen will be able to take advantage of these numbers. Speaking from experience. Mostly wooded but has some ag fields on the wma. Oct 20, 2004 #2 G glenmorebuckman 6 pointer Dec 20, 2003 468 Glenmore, Ky, USA. Published Oct 24, 2007 6:19 PM EDT, Ballard Wildlife Management Area