The refuge manages native grasslands to benefit white-tailed deer, turkey, quail, migratory songbirds and small mammals. If I had a choice of hunting Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri or IllinoisKentucky would be my last pick. 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. All stands are community so you get to hunt the full 16000 acres. 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. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife owns, leases, or manages more than 85 wildlife management areas (WMAs) for public use. They're well equipped to fill buck tags at the time of year when antlered deer are most vulnerable. Hiwassee and Yuchi wildlife refuges have growing deer herds the state would. Most of Kodiak Island is public (Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge) and accessible by plane or boat. Total Harvest 2020: 79 Bucks: 56 Does: 23, Terrain: Moderate to Hard; Most hunting areas consists of hills and ridges. http://fw.ky.gov/pdf/1112huntingguideentire.pdf, Food Preparation, Camp Cooking and Recipes. 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* Some of these governments allow the use of hunting equipment such as firearms, crossbows, and bows within their boundaries. This WMA is vast, covering more than 16,000 acres in Osage County. Breckinridge and Grayson Counties are also known as two of the best counties in the state. Ask Perry (PBeyer). While some hunting is allowed, some animals are protected, including turtles, crawfish and bullfrogs. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Hunting during rifle season, or late muzzleloader, will likely be the easiest path to finding a big buck at Kentucky Ridge Forest. My best advice would be to go to the area and scout it before you hunt..after reviewing the maps. Question on West Point WMA deer restrictions. 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. Do your own research and scout some of the places you come up with. CLOTHING - Get 10% off Legendary Whitetails gear w/code THP18 http://bit. If you head out to Rich WMA this season, dont sit back and wait. i think you guys would have to best chance there. I didnt include Kleber WMA on this list because it is not underrated. Parts of Doug Travis are closed from November 1-March 15. Dont rely on info strangers on the internet give you. View 40 photos, read details, and contact the seller. State Park Deer. 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. Because of that, I prefer to hunt Rich. As a reminder, results are missing for several 2017/2018 & 2018/2019 seasons hunts. 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 Kentucky river wma in Henry co is really good. Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. Map reading is probably one of my best qualities in bowhunting.(served 8 years in the army). Early season is the key here. I bowhunted 10 days in a row there last year and saw 4 deer. The Deer Tour has begun! 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Kentucky Guided Hunting Trips Most of the SRO Crew Contact us today! 8Z on Kodiak Island was second with 4,797. Terrain: Moderate; Hill country, with steep ridges in places. Tim Young remembers, "Man, he looked big." The report *will be* updated to include results for bear-only and bear/deer hunts at a later date. Its also home to the No. 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. I think I may get drawn this coming season. I will once again be maintaining a report detailing the results for WMA Deer hunts for the 2022/2023 season. Dr. James Kroll and Haynes Shelton explain why it's important to know your neighbors when operating a smaller deer property. Hopefully by archery season you will have a game plan that will give you the best chance to get one with a bow. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. And get this: Nearly all of the hunters heading afield then are carrying scoped centerfire rifles. I got drawn for a quota here and have never been there.Does anybody know anything about this place any help is appreciated. It's a question a lot of wildlife biologists and trophy hunters in other states probably have asked themselves. 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. They have tons of deer as well. You are using an out of date browser. It gets hit pretty hard! How are they doing the gun hunt in West Ky this year? WMA located approximately 10 miles west of Henderson, KY, consists of 6 units. Additionally, hunt data for most Redlands WMA hunts . 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. In this edition of "Big Buck Profile," Gordon Whittington talks with young whitetail hunter Reid Crawford about his trophy buck taken in 2017. There were tracks that were open to hunting and others closed to hunting. In February, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources bought nearly 1,200 acres along the Pond River to add to the Peabody For me, its just another reason to go. Changing the big game license to individual licenses for deer and turkey. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Antler restrictions at the Cumberland Plateau site have limited the harvest for the. Lace your boots up and put some time in now. Hunters in Crittenden took 3,033 bucks during the 2013 season. Photo Gallery See all Photos Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. 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. The grouse season in Kentucky runs from November to February, varying based on zone, with the permission of hunting ruffed grouse. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This year, we visited the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention in Nashville, and we were able to get a close-up, hands-on look at [], Photo by Ron Foltz Kentuckys spring squirrel season will be open May 15 June 18. GEORGIA. Western Kentucky normally produces bigger bucks. "Also, deer population density averages about 20 animals per square mile. 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. Or you could shoot 216 does and no bucks. The hunter tipped off his local game warden after tracking down the poached deer's gut pile deep in Idaho backcountry. Y outh Seasons and Youth Lottery Hunts. 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!! Kentucky Hunting is the leading online community for outdoors enthusiasts to discuss hunting, fishing, archery, and life in Kentucky. No vehicles/ATV's. No permanent stands, etc. i would come sooner if possible. Deer. 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. Western Kentucky normally produces bigger bucks. or one of the WMAs that are open without a draw. Try Fort Campbell. Every year hunters from around the state enter their names into a draw to waterfowl hunt at Doug Travis, but based on conversations Ive had, I believe its an underrated spot for some early season deer hunting. $61,810. 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. Access is available in all areas of Rich WMA. If you're going to hunt in November, one of those would be better due to no gun hunters. Food Preparation, Camp Cooking and Recipes. Likely, youll find them with their backs to the water and their vantage points set to access areas or popular walking routes. Hunters can hunt squirrel, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and resident Canadian geese during the specified seasons. Good deer, turkey, waterfowl and small game hunting. hope that helps. Oct 20, 2004 #2 G glenmorebuckman 6 pointer Dec 20, 2003 468 Glenmore, Ky, USA. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Deer and Small Game Hunting and Trail Cams. I'd think the WMA that lists incentives for killing a bunch of does would be the ones with the highest density. The Pennyrile State Forest is the largest public land area on this list and that is why it is at number one. Make sure your deer is 15in wide or it will cost you. However, I just love the moment to be with my father as we try and tag out. 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. Heard something about an open hunt. Terrain: Hard; You can experience a big change in elevation when hunting this area. According to Benton County Sheriff Kenny Christopher, 55-year-old. (10) If a hunter has purchased the appropriate permits, a hunter may take unlimited antler-less deer in: (a) The West Kentucky WMA gun hunt; (b) WMA quota hunts in Zone 1; and (c) State Park quota hunts in Zone 1, except as established in Section 8 of this administrative regulation. 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. Food Preparation, Camp Cooking and Recipes. NOTE: Some of the below hunts may be by pre-application lottery. All Rights Reserved. Where to Hunt Deer in Alaska Unit 4Z saw the highest blacktail harvest in 2021, with 6,579 animals. 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. That's where i'd hide if I was a deer! You are using an out of date browser. "Catoosa is one of the more popular public hunting areas in the state for big deer," according to Ratajczak. All rights reserved. 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. For one thing, the state doesn't limit buck tags in any way. I did see a lot of deer when I hunted it though. I would hunt in area 4 right across the road from the A area. Our deer and turkey hunting are both the best in the nation, far as I'm concerned. Kentucky abounds with deer-hunting opportunities, and many would consider it a sleeper state for the DIY hunter. Total Harvest 2020: 25 Bucks: 13 Does: 12. ", 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. Im hoping those bucks made it through the season and they come back bigger and better, but its not likely when hunting public land. 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. Can anyone tell me when archery season will open in West Ky? According to the biologist, some biologists in the agency also believe the advent of affordable digital trail cameras has played a big role. 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. | I did see an absolute monster on a quota hunt but did not get a shot at him. Similar hunts are held on West Kentucky WMA each year. But I had so much property off base it was just easyer to hunt around Clarksville or Oak Grove. But, this will keep a lot of hunters away because they do not want to wade through the waise (or chest) high weeds and grasses to get to a prime hunting spot. 2022 Commonwealth of Kentucky. Description Livingston County Wildlife Management (WMA) and State Natural Area in Livingston County features bluff habitat in three tracts near the confluence of the Cumberland and Ohio rivers. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Good luck. 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. Find entry trail and be there come opening weekend. U are right and it looks good from what I have seen. But, the most important memoryis being with my father and making memories. You must log in or register to reply here. You are using an out of date browser. Subscriber Services. You must log in or register to reply here. One of the better areas for quail hunting in the state. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Deer: Balancing Expectations for Small Properties, Get to Know Your Neighbors for Better Deer Herd Management, Big Buck Profile: Reid Crawford Kansas Buck, Choosing Correct Magnification for Rifle Scope, Big Buck Profile: Troy Metzger's East Illinois Giant. Whatever the reason, Kentucky has indeed managed to find the "sweet spot" of hunting opportunity for trophy deer. Look forward to hearing how y'all do! This allows them to keep an eye out for any predator or hunter that may enter the bedding area. Dog-Deer 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. 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!!!!! There is a lot of good places to hunt. Easy access in most areas. Only one antlered deer per hunter may be harvested statewide, regardless of zone, method or season. 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. "Open" hunt to be Nov. 22-23, Shotgun or Muzzle loader only. Kind of an eerie place with all the nuclear signs and fall out shelters. Mike Clerkin heads to Buffalo County, Wisconsin to bowhunt whitetails. Rich WMA is often an overlooked public land hunting area because it is the next-door-neighbor to Kleber WMA, a hotbed for deer. 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! Good wma not much pressure and a lot of places for a big buck to hide. One of the reasons Pennyrile sustains a nice deer herd is because hunting access to the park is not easy. It's that you have to be at least 14 years old in order to ride an eBike on the public road. "There's a selective mindset among many hunters and landowners, which results in most small bucks getting a free pass.". Deer were trapped and moved all over the state, so "our deer are quite genetically homogenous," Yancy said. Like another said just head to nearest wma and scout. Deer Hunting West Kentucky WMA gung Oct 20, 2004 Oct 20, 2004 #1 gung 8 pointer Jan 29, 2004 690 Graves County I got drawn for a quota here and have never been there.Does anybody know anything about this place any help is appreciated. I do agree.that first time will be more learning than success. Since 2010, the hottest counties for P&Y entries (white stars on map) have continued to reflect a broad pattern. 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. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife conducts quota hunts for deer, pheasant and migratory birds (waterfowl and mourning doves). To the west of this area, farm fields are larger and cover more restricted, making bucks more vulnerable to harvest by gun. For more on record-class bow bucks from Kentucky and across North America, visit Pope and Young Club. Gordon Whittington talks with 13-year-old Troy Metzger about the 2016 hunt that landed the young man a monster non-typical buck on this edition of Big Buck Profile. Grant WMA Morgan, Putnam 3C Balls Ferry SP Wilkinson 3D Bartram Forest WMA Baldwin, Wilkinson 3E Camp Thunder VPA Upson 3F Cedar Creek WMA Jasper, Jones, Putnam 3G Clarks Hill WMA Lincoln, McDuffie, Warren, Wilkes 3H Clybel WMA Jasper, Newton 3I Collins Road VPA Burke 3J Di-Lane Plantation WMA 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! Mostly wooded but has some ag fields on the wma. These 2 areas combined offer more than 46,000 acres giving archery hunters lots of space to roam. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Selected hunters may bring a hunting party totaling no more than 10 members, including the administrator and designated co-administrator. At most wma's you need to scout a lot & then travel deep to the perfect spot. With an official net score of 246 0/8 non-typical, Austin Musselman's megabuck is an example of Kentucky quality. Whatever the reason, Kentucky has indeed managed to find the "sweet spot" of hunting opportunity for trophy deer. I heard they might be having an open hunt on Nov 22-23. Find season dates and bag limits here. 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. They are categorized into high, moderate and low management levels. For a long time it's been a consistent producer of quality bucks on both public and private land. Instead of in-person signups, registration will be by phone and email only. Hopkins leads the way with a recorded harvest of 2,542 deer during the 2013 season. 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. He lives near there & knows the area pretty well. 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. If I remember right, the WMA list on kdfwr has what you can kill, limitations etc. But a clearly defined chunk of Kentucky is a great place to start your search. Any info would be greatly appreciated. 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. I have hunted down there prbably 7 or 8 times. The end result is that we only harvest about 49 percent of the available antlered deer each year.".