Out-Of-State Whitetails Part 1: The Big Picture

How do you take your whitetail skills to a new state and find success?

This is the first episode in a series about how to take the skills you've honed in your whitetail woods and apply them to out-of-state hunts. We discuss everything from choosing the right terrain and state, to planning based on deer population, hunting pressure, and price. Whether you're hunting close to home or heading to new territories, this episode will help you plan for success.

Catch the full discussion here

James: Let's start with the basics. Why focus on white-tail deer hunting?

Jared: White-tail deer hunting is really our bread and butter, James. To be honest, it's pretty much the only thing I've ever done. We grew up hunting with our dad, so it's what we know best. I'm not going to give you a detailed hunt about elk hunting or the best places to go in Colorado – I just don't know that. Deer hunting is the majority of my hunting experience, and it's the most fun for me.

James: That makes sense. There's something special about deer hunting in your own backyard, isn't there?

Jared: Absolutely. There's just something about October 1st rolling around, setting up trail cameras, and putting the puzzle together in your own backyard. It's pretty cool. But we also love taking these skills on the road for out-of-state hunts.

James: When planning an out-of-state hunt, where do you begin?

Jared: The first step is to decide what kind of experience you want. Before you even start thinking about where to go, you really want to focus on what you want to do. Do you want to do a white-tail or mule deer spot-and-stalk hunt on the plains? Are you interested in big woods hunting? Or maybe you prefer hunting in agricultural fields?

James: Can you give us an example of how you've applied this approach?

Jared: Sure. We're currently planning a trip focused on river bottoms. It's a really cool habitat we wanted to try, so now we're focusing on finding a river float opportunity on some public land. Defining your ideal hunt is crucial before choosing a location.

James: That sounds exciting. Once you've decided on the type of hunt, how do you choose a state?

Jared: Several factors come into play when selecting a state:

1. Deer population density in the area
2. Trophy potential – I like to look at Pope and Young harvest counts
3. Licensing system – some states are over-the-counter, others are draw systems
4. Tag prices for non-residents
5. Terrain and hunting style opportunities

It's important to research these aspects for each state you're considering. Some states, like Iowa, require you to accumulate preference points over several years before you can hunt there. I just started putting in points for Iowa, and that's something people need to plan for.

James: How much does price factor into your decision?

Jared: Price is definitely a consideration, but it shouldn't be the only factor. Non-resident tag prices can vary significantly between states. For example, here in Michigan, it's around $300-400 for a non-resident tag, while states like Kansas, Iowa, or Nebraska could be in the $600-700 range.

If you're going out of state for a white-tail hunt and the price difference is only a couple hundred bucks, I wouldn't make it the determining factor. However, you're not going to want to hunt opening day bucks with a $1,000 tag if you can get the same experience with a $500 tag.

James: That's a good point. What resources do you use to research potential hunting areas?

Jared: I rely on several sources:

1. State DNR websites for harvest reports and deer population data
2. Local DNR officers – sometimes you can talk to them and get good harvest reports from the previous year
3. Mapping apps like onX or HuntWise for property boundaries and general data
4. Online forums to gauge hunter experiences in specific areas
5. Real estate listings in the area – this might sound odd, but if they're selling deer property, they often include trail camera pictures

James: That last one is pretty creative! How about hunting pressure? Do you look into that as well?

Jared: Absolutely. You generally want to go to a state that has a high deer population, but you also need to consider the hunter population per acre. Most of the time, if you go to the local DNR or just the government website of these states, you can get a pretty good idea of how many hunters were registered in the county you're interested in.

James: Is there an ideal time of year you prefer for these hunts?

Jared: Without a doubt, it's got to be the rut. Specifically, I want to be in the stand the first week of November. It might sound cliché, but it's when the action really heats up. I've shot my biggest bucks on November 3rd and 4th. During this period, you often see bucks cruising all over the place on the trail cameras.

James: Any other times that are particularly good?

Jared: The pre-rut, around Halloween, can also be an exciting time to hunt in some areas. You start to see deer running around in late October and early November. It really depends on the specific area and the timing of the rut there.

James: This is all great information, Jared. Any final advice for someone planning their first out-of-state deer hunt?

Jared: Don't overlook the adventure factor. When choosing a state or area to hunt, consider what unique experiences you can have beyond just the hunt itself. I like to factor in a little adventure when I'm choosing a state. I want to know what kind of experience I can have when we go on this hunt.

Sometimes, the journey and the new challenges are just as rewarding as the harvest. And remember, thorough planning and research are key to a successful out-of-state hunting trip. Take the time to really dig into the details of each potential location, and don't be afraid to reach out to local resources for more information.

Catch the full discussion here