The Hunted

Deer

The Kansas statues have historically made it very difficult or impossible to obtain a non-resident license to hunt Kansas deer. That has been and continues to change as an evolving political issue.

For the first time we have submitted applications for the landowner to non-resident transferable bow deer tags to hunt in the fall of 2005.

Most of Ringneck’s guide staff have held Kansas Commercial Guides licenses and own or operate properties that have a potential to harvest an excellent specimen.

Check with us about opportunities in Mitchell and Lincoln counties of Kansas.

Kansas Deer Information

White-tailed deer are the most common deer species in the state. They are most numerous in traditional timbered habitats of eastern Kansas but have adapted well to treeless farm habitats in the west. Mule deer inhabit roughly the western half of the state. While muleys may occasionally be seen in eastern counties, they are best adapted to the open range and farmlands typical of western Kansas.

Reflecting the diverse nature of deer habitats within the state, Kansas is divided into 19 deer management units. Mule deer are far less prolific that whitetails and are also easier to hunt. Because of this, nine western Kansas units have been designated as mule deer management units, and harvest is limited. This allows the department to regulate mule deer harvest while more aggressively controlling the white-tailed deer population.

Specific seasons are offered for muzzleloader, archery, and centerfire equipment.

For Kansas residents, Statewide Archery and Whitetail Either Sex permits may be purchased over the counter. Nonresident antlered deer permits and resident Any-Deer permits must be obtained through a drawing. Whitetail Antlerless Only Deer Game Tags are available over the counter to both resident and nonresident hunters. Nonresidents must submit antlered deer applications in May. Resident Any-Deer permit applicants must apply in early July.

The Kansas deer herd is well known for its quality and number of mature bucks. Kansas ranks high nationally for the number of trophy bucks entered each year in the Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young scoring records.

Some information is from KDWP's Kansas Outdoor Review.