Close Menu
Gun Recs
  • Home
  • Gun Reviews
  • Gear
  • Outdoors
  • Videos
What's Hot

Does this Modern Rimfire Deserve a Second Look?

Introducing: Blood Trails | MeatEater Podcasts

This Is What Subsonic Rifles Should Have Always Been

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Gun Recs
  • Home
  • Gun Reviews
  • Gear
  • Outdoors
  • Videos
Subscribe
Gun Recs
Home»Outdoors»Best Whitetail State: Wisconsin vs. Iowa
Outdoors

Best Whitetail State: Wisconsin vs. Iowa

Gunner QuinnBy Gunner QuinnOctober 2, 2025
Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Telegram LinkedIn Tumblr Email Copy Link
Follow Us
Google News Flipboard
Best Whitetail State: Wisconsin vs. Iowa
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Copy Link

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!

We’re on the second round! Jake’s pick of Iowa beat out Spencer’s pick of Kentucky with a close 57%. Janis’ choice, Wisconsin, smoked Steve’s choice, Alaska, with a whopping 97% of the votes (to the great surprise of all the dedicated whitetailers of Alaska). Who will come out on top in this round? That’s up to you to decide.

“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
Public Lands: 6.6 million acres or 17% of the state’s land
Avg. Annual Antlered Bucks Harvest: 153,678
Avg. Annual Antlerless Harvest: 165,389
Bucks Harvested Per 100 Hunters: 27
Tag Price: $24 resident, $200 nonresident

“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
Public Lands: 1,576 square miles or about 2.8% of the state’s land
Avg. Annual Antlered Bucks Harvest: 46,725
Avg. Annual Antlerless Harvest: 58,432
Bucks Harvested Per 100 Hunters: 28
Deer Tag Price: $33 resident, $498 non-resident

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!

Read the full article here

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Copy Link
Previous ArticleThe Best 22 Rifle For The Money: Ruger 10/22 Magpul Hunter X22 First Shots
Next Article 3 In-Season Trail Camera Mistakes That Will Cost You a Buck

Related Posts

Does this Modern Rimfire Deserve a Second Look?

October 23, 2025

Introducing: Blood Trails | MeatEater Podcasts

October 23, 2025

Trail Cam Mistakes

October 23, 2025
Latest Posts

Introducing: Blood Trails | MeatEater Podcasts

This Is What Subsonic Rifles Should Have Always Been

How to Evade a First World Military Thermal Drone

Springfield’s New Pocket Beast? Hellcat .380 Review

Trending Posts

The Glock 18 Machine Pistol

October 23, 2025

Trail Cam Mistakes

October 23, 2025

Henry Repeating Arms Expands Spirit of the Corps Rifle Series

October 23, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter
© 2025 Gun Recs. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.