Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

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Ontario Savage
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Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by Ontario Savage »

Fellas, looks for some opinions, pointers,etc
I live in southern Ontario and am hoping to hunt for white tails in the USA perhaps this fall or next on a 5-6 day public land hunt using my crossbow.

I've heard good things about Ohio (over the counter non res tag, lots of public land,close drive from ontario) but also heard the public gets pounded...

Do any of you whitetail enthusiasts have any other states you would recommend I look at? (Wisconsin and Kansas also appeal to me)

I'm not looking to shoot a giant just looking for a great experience. Also not afraid to walk a mile or two to get away from pressure.

If you've had a great out of state experience or can share any pointers feel free to comment or PM me. Thanks. Mike.
Stepnoutnb
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by Stepnoutnb »

Ontario Savage wrote:
Fri Jun 21, 2019 5:41 pm
Fellas, looks for some opinions, pointers,etc
I live in southern Ontario and am hoping to hunt for white tails in the USA perhaps this fall or next on a 5-6 day public land hunt using my crossbow.

I've heard good things about Ohio (over the counter non res tag, lots of public land,close drive from ontario) but also heard the public gets pounded...

Do any of you whitetail enthusiasts have any other states you would recommend I look at? (Wisconsin and Kansas also appeal to me)

I'm not looking to shoot a giant just looking for a great experience. Also not afraid to walk a mile or two to get away from pressure.

If you've had a great out of state experience or can share any pointers feel free to comment or PM me. Thanks. Mike.
https://youtu.be/r6qv0inSC-o

Well I’m Hoping this YouTube video might show you some numbers regarding deer per hunting license per state. I’m new to crossbows and while searching the net for as much info as possible I found this Death by Bungie Chanel on YouTube. In my little mind I find the owner of this channel to be a very intelligent, well spoken, and ethical crossbow hunter. His videos are quite realistic as I would think the average hunter’s experiences would emulate. His channel is varied and I can only assume most folks would find entertaining and or educational.
In this video he discusses the ratio of deer per hunters per state.Sadly the study did not include 2 important states. I hope you are able to take something helpful away from this video.
Sounds like a great trip to be planning good luck.
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robertyb
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by robertyb »

Ontario Savage wrote:
Fri Jun 21, 2019 5:41 pm
Fellas, looks for some opinions, pointers,etc
I live in southern Ontario and am hoping to hunt for white tails in the USA perhaps this fall or next on a 5-6 day public land hunt using my crossbow.

I've heard good things about Ohio (over the counter non res tag, lots of public land,close drive from ontario) but also heard the public gets pounded...

Do any of you whitetail enthusiasts have any other states you would recommend I look at? (Wisconsin and Kansas also appeal to me)

I'm not looking to shoot a giant just looking for a great experience. Also not afraid to walk a mile or two to get away from pressure.

If you've had a great out of state experience or can share any pointers feel free to comment or PM me. Thanks. Mike.
I believe that you already answered your main question. Every state with decent whitetail hunting on public land gets pretty much "pounded" by hunters mostly in the beginning of the season, weekends and during the rut. When hunting public areas I have always found that if I am willing to go off the beaten path I can pretty much get away from 90% of the pressure. Most "hunters" never get over about a half mile from a road or trail through the woods. One area I used to hunt a lot was covered up as it was a quota hunt area but when I got about a mile off road I rarely saw another hunter and when I did they were usually lost and trying to get back to the road.
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xcaliber
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by xcaliber »

If it's just deer hunting you want to do, and you don't mind taking a doe, and or a small buck, Indiana non resident fees are hard to beat. There are many public places with good deer populations, and opportunities. Willow Slough still has camping on the property as well as several others.

Good luck with your quest!

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vixenmaster
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by vixenmaster »

X2 on In. also IL. W Va. n Oh. Mi is decent also
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Ferguson Outfitters
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by Ferguson Outfitters »

Its a long way to travel but the most liberal quota states without regard for tag draws and crap are in the South.
longbow joe
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by longbow joe »

Ohio close, crossbow friendly.. .big big deer my first choice. .Tons a big deer here in se pa. I will give you a lesson on how to sneak in places lol.Lots of state game lands in north pa.
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XB I GO
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by XB I GO »

South Carolina for a buck in velvet! Very few places you can do that. And you can get two bucks, two does and hogs if you are interested in more meat.
grouse
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by grouse »

Missouri passed a 1/8 % sales tax for conservation in the late 1970s and bought lots of small tracts for public land in the years since. I deer hunt on private land so I don't know a lot about pressure, but I do some bird hunting on public land and haven't noticed many archers where I have gone. North of the Missouri river, Missouri is primarily agricultural and is similar to Iowa, Illinois etc. It is probably underrated compared to neighboring states because there are lots of deer including big corn belt bucks, but gets less mention than the other states ( a good thing as far as I'm concerned).
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nchunter
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by nchunter »

Good Grief! If you live in Canada, why would you not go to Saskatchewan??? That beats anyplace in the US!
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Carnivorous
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by Carnivorous »

I hunt state land in Michigan.

I can be in my stand in 2.5hrs on a good day! :)

We hunt there for the Doe's and to get the meat supply started for the season. This season will be different though because baiting is banned now.. :thumbdown:
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Timbrhuntr
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by Timbrhuntr »

nchunter wrote:
Sun Jun 23, 2019 4:20 pm
Good Grief! If you live in Canada, why would you not go to Saskatchewan??? That beats anyplace in the US!
He probably doesn't want to remorgage his house lol

PLus already missed appling to the draw I believe.
Same for Kansas draw already missed for this year.
Timbrhuntr
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by Timbrhuntr »

Carnivorous wrote:
Mon Jun 24, 2019 9:25 am
I hunt state land in Michigan.

I can be in my stand in 2.5hrs on a good day! :)

We hunt there for the Doe's and to get the meat supply started for the season. This season will be different though because baiting is banned now.. :thumbdown:
Unless you go to the UP lol
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janesy
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by janesy »

The "one and done" rule currently in the majority of Ontario is definitely helping to drive outside business
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Re: Deer hunting out of state - where to go?

Post by Ontario Savage »

Timbrhuntr wrote:
Mon Jun 24, 2019 9:27 am
nchunter wrote:
Sun Jun 23, 2019 4:20 pm
Good Grief! If you live in Canada, why would you not go to Saskatchewan??? That beats anyplace in the US!
He probably doesn't want to remorgage his house lol

PLus already missed appling to the draw I believe.
Same for Kansas draw already missed for this year.
Saskatchewan is a far drive from Ontario...would rather prefer driving south...you are correct I missed the Kansas draw this year so that's out of the question...thanks for all the feedback guys.
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