Best Whitetail States Based on the Record Books
Our picks for the best counties to hunt giant bucks based on Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young records
We’re living in the good old days of deer hunting right now. Boone & Crockett (B&C) and Pope & Young (P&Y) recorded not one, but two world record deer in the last few months, and many considered those non-typical marks nearly unbreakable. Moreover, hunters across the nation are re-writing state record books with jaw-dropping bucks on an almost-annual basis.
Of course, killing a book buck should never be the reason for any deer hunter to hit the timber, but let’s be honest; it’s fun to dream, and we all love to ogle big antlers. Plus, we should all celebrate it when a fellow hunter kills a dandy whitetail or muley. Mature bucks are indicators that not only are deer herds in good shape, but our brothers and sisters are enjoying some awesome opportunity. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of where the best bucks are coming from, with a look at historic record book deer, plus an update on the top trophies from the last five seasons.
Scroll through, or use the links below to a specific state:
Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
ALABAMA
Top B&C typical (all-time): Picked up, 186 ⅜”, Lee Co., 1986
Top B&C typical (recent): W. Darrell Pennington, 171 ⅝”, 2013
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Jon G. Moss, 259 ⅞”, Perry Co., 1989
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Leonard Jarett, 210 2/8″, Madison Co. 2017
Top P&Y typical (all time): George Mann, 170 2/8″, Lee Co., 1980
Top P&Y typical (recent): Erica Gates, 156 ⅛”, Pickens Co., 2014
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Randy Coffey, 222 6/8″, Lawrence Co., 2000
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Andy Cobb, 170 4/8″, Madison Co., 2013
**The lowdown: **One of the South’s perennial mature buck producers, Alabama shows few signs of slowing down. While many of the state’s top-end deer were tagged (or found) a few years back, there are still some great trophies being taken. One cool aspect of ‘Bama deer hunting is that there are a couple of different rut peaks; one during November and another in late January, depending on area, and a pair of public areas offering good hunting during each of those periods. The Barbour Wildlife Area hunts best late, while The Black Warrior WMA peaks during mid-November. Hunters willing to scout to find prime habitat and food could meet up with a dandy.
Your best shot: The top county for tagging a B&C typical since 2000 has been Lamar, with two entries. Choctaw, Clarke, Lawrence, Madison and Morgan have all notched a single record. For non-typs, Fayette, Jacskon, Lawrence and Madison have all produced a single entry in the same period.
ARKANSAS
Top B&C typical (all-time/recent): William Lloyd, 200 ⅛”, Lee Co., 2018
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): William Dooley, 238 ⅜”, Prairie Co., 1999
Top B&C (recent): Charles Marcum, 218 ⅞”, Lonoke Co., 2014
Top P&Y typical (all-time/recent): Scott Arnold, 183″, Carroll Co., 2018
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time/recent): Ryan Sullivan, 212 ⅛”, Mississippi Co., 2013
The lowdown: Arkansas has, for the last several years, been quietly sliding up the scale of top southern states to kill a giant whitetail. Last fall’s hunting season put an exclamation point on the rise, when William Lloyd took the state’s first 200-inch typical (the Lee Co. giant ranks 18th in B&C) and Scott Arnold broke the state typical archery record with a 183-inch monster. The state’s management strategies have paid huge dividends, with 68 percent of harvested bucks 3.5 years old or older; only Mississippi can boast a higher statistic. Even better, there’s plenty of public land in the Razorback State, and, for hunters willing to work hard, many of those acres could cough up a trophy buck.
Your best shot: Since 2013 the top county to tag a B&C typical has been Phillips (five entries) followed by Cross (3), Desha (3), Jefferson (3), Lee (3), and St. Francis (3). The top counties for non-typicals in the same period have been Phillips (3), and Monroe (2).
COLORADO
Top B&C typical (all-time): Eddie Kinney, 192 ⅛”, El Paso Co., 2003
Top B&C typical (recent): Gary Harders, 182 ⅜”, Boulder Co., 2014
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Michael Okray, 258 2/8″, Cheyenne Co., 1992
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Robert Brown, 220 ⅜”, Kit Carson Co., 2016
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Stuart Clodfelder, 194″ Logan Co., 1981
Top P&Y typical (recent): Gary Harders, 182 ⅜”, Boulder Co., 2014
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Ron Kammerzell, 230 6/8″, Weld Co., 2001
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Brandon Armitage, 194 ⅛”, Yuma Co., 2015
The lowdown: Colorado whitetails might take a backseat to their muley cousins—both in hunters’ minds and the record book—but don’t think for a second that Centennial State whitetails aren’t worth the effort. Draw a tag for the whitetail-rich eastern counties or mountain foothills, and you could encounter the buck of a lifetime, and chew up some of the country’s best scenery in the process.
Your best shot: Since 2000, Yuma County has produced the most B&C typicals with five entries. Right behind it were Morgan (4), Baca (3), Prowers (3), Pueblo (3), and Bent (2). Logan County has been the non-typical leader in the same period with three bucks, followed Kit Carson with two animals.
DELAWARE
Top B&C typical (all-time): Herbert Milam, 185 4/8″, Sussex Co., 1978
Top B&C typical (recent): John Connell, 171 6/8″, New Castle Co., 2014
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Keith Lee, 208 4/8″, Sussex Co., 2005
Top B&C non-typical (recent): none
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Donald Betts, 181 6/8″, Sussex Co., 1989
Top P&Y typical (recent): Jordan Elliot, 151 ⅜”, Sussex Co., 2017
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Nick Pruitt, 201″, New Castle Co., 2010
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): none
The lowdown: While Delaware hunters can tag a pair of bucks each fall, at least one must have an antler spread of 15 inches or more. This Antler Point Restriction (APR) should have a significant impact on the number of mature bucks in the future; in states with healthy or abundant deer numbers, APR’s have often resulted in higher doe harvests and an increase in older bucks. Deer numbers are strong throughout the state, and a long archery season with an early opener creates some fantastic opportunity for bowhunters.
Your best shot: Since 2000, Sussex has claimed the top county for tagging a B&C typical with six entries, while New Castle has added three and Kent a single. For non-typicals in the same period Sussex also reigns with four, while Kent and New Castle have chipped in a pair.
FLORIDA
Top B&C typical (historic): none
Top B&C typical (recent): none
Top B&C non-typical (historic): Clarke Durrance, 201 ⅜”, Wakulla Co., 1941
Top B&C non-typical **** (recent): none
Top P&Y typical (historic): Robert Ballard, 153 4/8″, Columbia Co., 1980
Top P&Y typical (recent): Sid Tingen, 137 ⅞”, Pasco Co., 2018
Top P&Y non-typical (historic): Brandon Alday, 165-⅞”, Jackson Co., 2010
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): none.
The lowdown: If you associate Florida with stellar Osceola turkey hunting (or worse yet, Mickey Mouse ears) instead of top-notch deer hunting, well, sadly, you’re right. Despite the shocking performance of Clarke Durrance in ’41 (and Henry Brinson, who killed a 186 ⅛-inch Jackson County giant in 1959) you have a far better chance at a lightning strike than killing a Florida booner. You can, however, enjoy some great bowhunting for some beautiful P&Y-class deer which rut pretty much every month of the year. It’s a fact: The closer you get to the equator, the less photoperiod plays in rut timing, so you could kill a dandy chasing does in August, assuming you can handle the heat and the bugs.
Your best shot: We turned to the P&Y book to sniff out the best counties for the Sunshine State. Pooling all data, historic and recent, Alachua County took the prize for top spot to arrow a record book deer, with 5 entries. Second place was a tie between Brevard, Escambia, Pinellas, and Putnam counties, which have all placed a pair of bucks in the P&Y book.
GEORGIA
B&C top typical (all-time): Buck Ashe, 191 4/8″, Monroe Co., 1962
B&C top typical (recent): Roger T. Price, 186 2/8″, Brooks Co., 2018
B&C top non-typical (all-time): John L. Hatton, 240 ⅜”, Monroe Co., 1973
B&C top non-typical (recent): John S. Sledge, 200 ⅜”, Worth Co., 2016
P&Y top typical (all-time/recent): Emmanuel Kaloyannides, 177 ⅛”, Dekalb Co., 2018
P&Y top non-typical (all-time): Jay Maxwell, 213 4/8″, Fulton Co., 2007
P&Y top non-typical (recent): Kevin Carnes, 195 2/8″, Dekalb Co., 2015
The lowdown: Mature bucks (3½ years and older) make up a respectable chunk of the state harvest (35 percent) every fall, and the non-typical bucks shot in the last handful of years prove that Georgia has got what it takes to be a record book star. Savvy hunters should check out areas hit by recent hurricanes, which have impacted hunter access/success and should create stellar habitat in the years to come.
Your best shot: Brooks County has produced more B&C typicals (8) since 2000 than any other, but Worth (5) isn’t far behind, and Cook, Dougherty, Lee, Turner, and Wilcox have all chipped in three Booners. For non-typicals, Worth leads all comers with three entries.
IDAHO
Top B&C typical (all-time): Ronald McLamb, 186 ⅞”, Bonner Co. 2001
Top B&C typical (recent): Steven Disterhaupt, 170″, Bonner Co., 2014
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Herman Lunders, 267 4/8″, Idaho Co., 1955
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Larry Stillwaugh, 192 6/8″, Shoshone Co., 2014
Top P&Y typical (all-time/recent): Cal Lindsay, 168 2/8″, Bingham Co., 2013
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Dean Weyen, 197 ⅞”, Latah Co., 1992
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): none
The lowdown: Many western hunters, obsessed with elk or muleys, ignore places like Idaho for whitetails. Big mistake. While the books aren’t peppered with a pile of Idaho whitetails, the ones that are there are pretty special. Even better, some fantastic hunting can be had on public land for hunters willing to work hard for a whopper mountain whitetail.
Your best shot: Since 2000, the top counties for producing a B&C typical have been Nez Perce with five entries, followed by Bonner (3), Shoshone (3), and Boundary (2). The only county producing more than a single B&C non-typical in the same period is Bonner, with four entries.
ILLINOIS
Top B&C typical (all-time): Mel Johnson, 204 4/8″, Peoria Co., 1965
Top B&C typical (recent): Rex McMorris, 189 4/8″, Tazewell Co., 2013
Top B&C non-typical (all-time/recent): Luke Brewster, 327 ⅞”, Edgar Co., 2018
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Mel Johnson, 204 4/8″, Peoria Co., 1965
Top P&Y typical (recent): Jim Thome, 193 2/8″, Fulton Co., 2015
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time/recent): Luke Brewster, 327 ⅝”, Edgar Co., 2018
The lowdown: Illinois is special no matter how you slice it. The Prairie State boasts two of the biggest non-typicals ever killed by hunters (seriously, two 300-inch-plus whitetails from the same state?!) In addition to Luke Brewster’s 2018 giant, Jerry Bryant used a crossbow to kill a 304 4/8″ Fulton Co. monster in ’01. It gets better, when you consider Illinois is also home to one of the longest-standing whitetail records ever; Mel Johnson’s P&Y world record typical, which has reigned for 53 seasons. While many thought Illinois’ best days were behind it, Brewster’s 2018 monster non-typical and Jim Thome’s (yes, the retired pro baseball slugger) 2015 whopper typical prove that no one bets against this state with anything but pocket change.
**Your best shot: **Ogle County is the Prairie State’s top producer of B&C typicals since 2013 with four. Right behind it are Adams, Knox, and Marshall, with three each. Five counties (Clark, Fulton, Jefferson, McHenry, and Mercer) have produced three non-typicals each since 2013.
INDIANA
Top B&C typical (all-time): Dave Roberts, 195 ⅝”, Indiana Co., 1985
Top B&C typical (recent): Eric Pettit, 189 4/8″, Jennings Co., 2016
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Timothy Beck, 303 ⅞”, Huntington Co., 2012
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Richard Eldridge, 262″, Miami Co., 2016
Top P&Y typical (all-time): B. Porter, 190 4/8″, Parke Co., 1985
Top P&Y typical (recent): Justin Bussabarger, 184 ⅞”, Floyd Co., 2017
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Tim Jungblutt, 233″, Hamilton Co., 2011
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): George Custer Jr., 208 ⅝”, Vigo Co., 2014
The lowdown: Only a fool could ignore the Hoosier State’s reputation for producing big whitetails, and much of that reputation has been established within the last decade. Like its nearby neighbors of Illinois and Ohio, Indiana seems the perfect place to grow big non-typical whitetails, and the state’s bow and gun hunters have jumped on that happy fact. Also like those neighbors, while there are a few Indiana hotspots, the truth is this; a world-beater whitetail could come from almost anywhere in the state.
Your best shot: Delaware County was the top B&C typical producer since 2013 with seven entries, followed by Jasper (5), Jennings (5), Parke (5), Knox (4), and Wayne (4). Jefferson produced the most B&C non-typs with four, followed by eight counties that registered three; Daviess, Fountain, Greene, Newton, Noble, Parke, Sullivan, and Switzerland.
IOWA
Top B&C typical (all-time): David Breniger, 202″, Wapello Co., 1969
Top B&C typical (recent): Austin Pontier, 194 ⅛”, Clarke Co., 2016
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Tony Lovstuen, 307 ⅝”, Monroe Co., 2003
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Deric Sieck, 282 2/8″, Fayette Co., 2016
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Lloyd Goad, 197 6/8″, Monroe Co., 1962
Top P&Y typical (recent): Shawn Hornberg, 186″, Boone Co., 2016
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time/recent): Deric Sieck, 282 ⅝”, Fayette Co., 2016
The lowdown: Like its neighbor Illinois, Iowa has a jaw-dropping mix of historic and recent trophies. While the Hawkeye State’s top typicals were killed decades ago, a recent string of whopper non-typicals proves that Iowa is in the running for the best whitetail state in the nation. Interestingly, the best counties seem to be split between the southern tier that borders Missouri, and the northeast.
Your best shot: The top county for yielding B&C typicals since 2013 has been Winneshiek with five, followed by Decatur (4), Madison (4), Adams (3), and Clarke (3). Warren County is clearly dominant for recent B&C non-typicals with nine, but don’t ignore Lucas (5), Harrison (3), Henry (3), or Louisa (3).
KANSAS
Top B&C typical (all-time): Picked up, 199 2/8″, Kansas DWP, 1999
Top B&C typical (recent): Stephen Marone, 186 ⅝”, Douglas Co., 2018
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Picked up, 295″, Marshall Co., 2012
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Douglas Lewis, 246 ⅝”, Wabaunsee Co., 2016
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Brad Henry, 193 ⅞”, Wabaunsee Co., 2001
Top P&Y typical (recent): Robert Dieball, 187 2/8″, Pottawatomie Co., 2014
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Dale Larson, 264 ⅛”, Pottawatomie Co., 1998
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Jordy Crimmins, 239 ⅛”, Clay Co., 2016
The lowdown: Another breadbasket state with an unquestionable reputation, Kansas continues to load up the record books. Most of the top-end bucks come from the eastern half of the Sunflower State, but never ignore the southern and western counties, where trees are less abundant, but mature bucks are common. Find a creekbottom in any stretch of prairie, and the buck of a lifetime could wander down it on any given November day.
Your best shot: Chase County is the top producer of B&C typicals since 2013 with four entries, while Dickinson, Kiowa, Marion, and Riley counties have each entered three. Pottawatomie County has pumped out six B&C non-typicals in the same period, with Reno(5), Riley (5), Osage (4), Clay (3), and Nemaha (3) close behind.
KENTUCKY
Top B&C typical (all-time): Robert W. Smith, 204 2/8″, Pendleton Co., 2000 (5th all-time)
Top B&C typical (recent): Kenneth Zimmerman, 184 ⅝”, Casey Co., 2013
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Picked up, 271 6/8″, Henry Co., 2004
Top B&C non-typical (recent): David Howard, 250 2/8″, Todd Co., 2014
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Tim Raikes, 188 2/8″, Marion Co., 1996
Top P&Y typical (recent): Stephen Young, 182″, Warren Co., 2015
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time/recent): David Howard, 244 ⅞”, Todd Co., 2014
The lowdown: Bluegrass State hunters share something in common with their compadres in other big-buck states; they’re not afraid to shoot does (more than 50 percent of the annual harvest is comprised of antlerless deer), and they’re limited to one buck per season. That combination equates to plenty of mature bucks in the herd, and (again) a significant proportion of the state’s hunters are content to wait for one. While great bucks can come from anywhere, EHD outbreaks in the eastern counties might cause a drop in trophy production there for a year or two.
Your best shot: Ohio and Pulaski counties tied for the most B&C typicals recorded since 2013 with seven entries, followed by Breckenridge (6), and Grayson (5), while Bath, Hart, Meade, Owen, and Shelby all have four. When it comes to B&C non-typicals since 2013, Todd County leads with five, while Bullitt, Harrison, Ohio, Pulaski, Wayne, and Webster counties all registered three.
LOUISIANA
Top B&C typical (all-time): John Lee, 184 6/8″, Madison Co., 1943
Top B&C typical (recent): Donald S. Forbes, 173 ⅛”, E. Baton Rouge Parish, 2015
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): James McMurray, 281 6/8″, Tenses Parish, 1994
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Amanda F. Smith, 226 2/8″, Avoyelles Co., 2018
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Shannon Priesley, 175 2/8″, St. Mary Parish, 1981
Top P&Y typical (recent): Grady Brown Jr., 161 ⅝”, East Carroll Parish, 2016
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Alton McLeod, 206 ⅝”, Madison Parish, 2012
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): none
The lowdown: It’s not a situation you hear about often, but flooding is going to have a significant impact on the Pelican State’s buck production. Prolonged flooding of the Mississippi River bottoms, traditionally some of the state’s best whitetail habitat, has affected productivity and displaced deer. It could be a few years before this region makes a comeback. Meanwhile, hunters in upland habitat or western areas of the state should enjoy some good whitetail hunting, particularly if they time their efforts to the rut (which exhibits several peaks, depending on location).
Your best shot: Since 2000, the top B&C counties for typicals are Avoyelles with three entries, while Clairborne and St. Landry each have two. For non-typs, Red River Parish has spit out a pair entries, while enough counties have entered a single non-typical to prove that a southern giant could come from anywhere conditions and management are in place.
MAINE
Top B&C typical (all-time): Ronnie Cox, 193 2/8″, Aroostook Co., 1965
Top B&C typical (recent): Eugene Doughty, 182 6/8″, York Co., 2017
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Hill Gould, 259″, Washington Co., 1910
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Jeffrey Simmons, 193 ⅛”, Somerset Co., 2016
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Kelly Gasler, 166 2/8″, Piscataquis Co., 1995
Top P&Y typical (recent): Robert Grondin III, 151 ⅜”, Cumberland Co., 2015
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Bill Gardner, 178″, Cumberland Co., 2005
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Cory Dale, 172 ⅞”, Oxford Co., 2018
The lowdown: Maine continues to produce giant big woods deer for hunters willing to work for them. Still, recent concerns about loss of wintering habitat had hunters worried that whitetail numbers might drop. With another tough winter in 2018-19, hunters will have to work to find those small pockets of big deer in huge country.
Your best shot: Since 2000, the top counties for tagging a B&C typical have been Aroostook and Penobscot (seven entries), followed by Oxford (6), Franklin (3), and Washington (3). Penobscot County has produced four B&C non-typicals in that same period, followed by Waldo, with two.
MARYLAND
Top B&C typical (all-time): Kevin Miller, 194″, Kent Co., 2002
Top B&C typical (recent): Thomas Wingate, 172 ⅝”, Wicomico Co., 2016
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Donza Watson, 248 ⅞”, Charles Co., 2007
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Jordan DuHammell, 223 ⅜”, Cecil Co., 2013
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Petey Councell, 183 ⅜”, Talbot Co., 1994
Top P&Y typical (recent): Patrick Mullin, 171 ⅛”, Baltimore Co., 2013
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time/recent): Jordan DuHammell, 223 ⅜”, Cecil Co., 2013
The lowdown: Sure it’s got some of the country’s best waterfowling, but Maryland has also been busy cementing its reputation as one of the Northeast’s (if not the country’s) top whitetail states. With management strategies that result in a solid mature buck component (over half of the bucks harvested are 2½ years or older) and plenty of great habitat, that rep isn’t fading anytime soon. And hey, you can hunt free-range Sika deer there, too!
Your best shot: Since 2000, the top B&C typical county has been Wicomico with eight entries, followed by Prince George’s (4), Cecil (3), Kent (3), while Anne Arundel, Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, St. Mary’s, and Talbot have all produced two. The top non-typical county for the same period has been Charles (four entries) followed by Kent, St. Mary’s, and Wicomico, with three apiece.
MASSACHUSETTS
Top B&C typical (all-time): Kajeten Sovinski, 193 2/8″, Franklin Co., 2002
Top B&C typical (recent): Scott Thurston, 175 ⅞”, Hampshire Co., 2013
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Craig Luscier, 200 ⅝”, Berkshire Co. 2012 (former state record)
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Andrew Healy, 218 ⅝”, Hampshire Co., 2018
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Jim Colburn, 179 ⅞”, Essex Co., 2010
Top P&Y typical (recent): Scott Thurston, 175 ⅞”, Hampshire Co., 2013
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time/recent): Richard Lincourt, 187 6/8″, Berkshire Co., 2017
The lowdown: Big bucks can come from anywhere in Massachusetts; the deer-rich eastern counties, which consist largely of private land, or on the other side of the state in counties like Berkshire, which lies on the state’s western edge and consistently adds bucks to the books. As in many states with sizable public land blocks, hunters who consistently wrap tags around trophy antlers are the ones who understand food, habitat, and the need for hard work.
Your best shot: Since 2000, the top county for B&C typicals is Worcester with four, followed by Berkshire, Essex, Hampden, and Hampshire, which have all tallied two. For B&C non-typicals, Berkshire leads with two, while Franklin Hampshire, Norfolk, and Worcester all contributed a single.
MICHIGAN
Top B&C typical (all-time): Troy Stephens, 198″, Jackson Co., 1996
Top B&C typical (recent): Michael Wood, 178 6/8″, Monroe Co., 2016
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Picked up, 246 2/8″, Lenawee Co., 2010
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Chester Kulikowski, 213 ⅜”, Livingston Co., 2016
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Craig Calderone, 193 2/8″, Jackson Co., 1986
Top P&Y typical (recent): Scott Hunter, 173 ⅝”, Branch Co., 2016
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Bruce Heslet, 219 6/8″, Cass Co., 2000
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Chris Evenhouse, 196 2/8″, St. Joseph Co., 2014.
The lowdown: Another state with potential greater than its trophy production, Michigan has a thriving hunter population (a great thing) and lots of private land in the areas with the best habitat. As more hunters work together to pass mature bucks and focus on doe harvest, the Wolverine State will make an even greater mark on the record books.
Your best shot: Berrien and Monroe counties tied for the B&C typical lead since 2013 with six bucks each. Cass and Washtenaw counties produced four typicals apiece. For recent B&C non-typicals look to Livingston and Washtenaw counties, with two bucks each in the last five seasons.
MINNESOTA
Top B&C typical (all-time): John Breen, 202″, Beltrami Co., 1918
Top B&C typical (recent): Mike Chamberlain, 188″, Washington Co., 2014
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Mitch Vakoch, 268 ⅝”, Norman Co., 1974
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Stan Kreidermacher, 248 ⅝”, Winona Co., 2014
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Curt Van Lith, 197 6/8″, Wright Co., 1986
Top P&Y typical (recent): Mike Chamberlain, 188″, Washington Co., 2014
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time/recent): Joshua Rauser, 236 ⅝”, Red Lake Co., 2018
The lowdown: The Gopher State’s southeast corner has been a stalwart of trophy production over the years, but look for that to change. The DNR response to CWD in that region has been to increase the quota from one buck per hunter to three, so bluff country’s best trophy days are likely in the rearview mirror. Look for Minnesota’s top counties for mature whitetails to be split between suburban units and the transition zone in the central part of the state.
Your best shot: Ottertail County leads the state in B&C typical production with seven bucks registered since 2013. Right behind it is Winona (6), Anoka (5), Houston (5), Fillmore (4), and Todd( 4). Ottertail is also Minnesota’s top non-typical producer, with six B&C entries since 2013. Right behind are Becker (5), Todd (5), Houston (3), and Morrison (3).
MISSISSIPPI
Top B&C typical (all-time): James L. Saunders, 184 6/8″, Adams Co., 2011
Top B&C typical (recent): Earl Stubblefield, 181 2/8″, Lafayette Co., 2016
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Tony Fulton, 295 6/8″, Winston Co., 1995 #8 all-time
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Lucius S. Earl, 209 6/8″, Franklin Co., 2013.
Top P&Y typical (all-time/recent): Earl Stubblefield, 181 2/8″, Lafayette Co., 2016
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Tracy Laird, 236 ⅛”, Adams Co., 2003
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Austin Ashley, 199 6/8″, Smith Co., 2016
The lowdown: The Magnolia State has been on fire for a number of years, leading recent QDMA roundups as the state with the highest percentage (75%) of mature bucks (3 ½ years or older) in the harvest. Five of the state’s top six typical bowkills have been taken since 2010, and Tony Fulton’s state record non-typical is ranked No. 8 in the B&C all-time non-typical book. Combine a strong deer herd with hunters willing to wait on a mature deer, and you’ve got a recipe for monster bucks for many years to come.
Your best shot: Coahoma and Bolivar counties have each yielded three B&C typical bucks in the last five seasons, while four counties (Madison, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Yazoo) have all produced two. Franklin and Tallahatchie counties have each entered a pair of B&C non-typicals since 2013.
MISSOURI
Top B&C typical (all-time): Larry Gibson, 205″, Randolph Co., 1971
Top B&C typical (recent): Chase Cooper, 197 2/8″, Henry Co., 2017
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Picked up, 333 ⅞”, MO Dept of Conservation, 1981
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Picked up, 269 ⅜”, St. Charles Co., 2013
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Eugene Bausch, 188 4/8″, Macon Co., 2001
Top P&Y typical (recent): Richard Allen, 180 ⅝”, Putnam Co., 2017
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Randy Simonitch, 269 ⅞”, Pike Co., 2000
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Ben Cameron, 235 ⅞”, Bates Co., 2016
The lowdown: Its neighbor to the north (Iowa) may get more attention, but make no mistake; Missouri bucks can hold their own with any Midwestern state. In addition to owning the B&C world record non-typical, the Show-Me State also boasts the No. 3-ranked typical of all time. Add a slug of more recent giants, and you’ve got a bonafide world-class whitetail Mecca. The northern tier of counties are perennial trophy producers.
Your best shot: St. Charles county has produced four B&C typicals since 2013, while Callaway, Howard, Lincoln, and Scotland each claim three. St. Charles also claims four B&C non-typicals in the last five seasons, and no less than eight counties have coughed up three (Benton, Callaway, Cass, Chariton, Dallas, McDonald, Mercer, Moniteau).
MONTANA
Top B&C typical (all-time): Thomas Dellwo, 199 ⅜”, Missoula Co., 1974
Top B&C typical (recent): K. Richard Rose, 172 2/8″, Sanders Co., 2015 (#15 in state
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Frank Pleskac, 252 ⅛”, Hill Co., 1968
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Kevin Perreault, 196 ⅝”, Treasure Co., 2018
Top P&Y typical (all-time): James Hershberger, 176 4/8″, Lincoln Co., 1994
Top P&Y typical (recent): Kara Koelzer, 160 2/8″, Gallatin Co., 2017
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Todd Jensen, 210 ⅞”, Teton Co., 1986
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): R.C. Peters, 203 2/8″, Garfield Co., 2015
The lowdown: Some tough winters and EHD outbreaks have affected Montana’s trophy production from historic highs. But things might be looking up. While deer numbers in the northeast got whacked by winter the last couple of years, bucks in the central and eastern counties fared better and should have the energy to pour into antler growth.
Your best shot: The counties since 2000 for tagging a B&C typical are Flathead, Prairie, Rosebud, which have all produced two. For non-typicals, Park, Philips and Powder River, Powell, Treasure and Valley counties have all yielded a B&C entry in the same period.
NEBRASKA
Top B&C typical (all-time): Vernon Virka, 199 2/8″, Saunders Co., 1983.
Top B&C typical (recent): Kyle Newcomb, 190 ⅛”, Hitchcock Co., 2016
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Wesley O’Brien, 284″, Richardson Co., 2009
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Jacob Gipson, 239 2/8″, Lancaster Co., 2017
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Robert Vrbsky, 189 ⅛”, Kearney Co., 1978
Top P&Y typical (recent): Eric Lilleholm, 171 ⅛”, Washington Co., 2017
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Del Austin, 279 ⅞”, Hall Co., 1962
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Adam Stohs, 218 4/8″, Gage Co., 2015
The lowdown: The Cornhusker State has packed the record books with great trophies, both historic and recent. The Del Austin buck remains one of the best non-typical bowkills ever, and Vernon Virka’s monster typical is still ranked No. 21 in B&C. Add to those iconic trophies some absolute whoppers tagged in the last decade, and it’s no long shot to believe Nebraska will keep producing world-class bucks for years to come.
Your best shot: No less than a half-dozen counties have produced at two B&C typicals in the last five seasons; Brown, Furnas, Gosper, Lancaster, Lincoln, and Scotts Bluff. The top B&C non-typical county in that same period was Gage with four, followed by Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, and Richardson, which all yielded two.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Top B&C typical (all-time): John Klucky, 187 2/8″, Merrimack Co., 2006
Top B&C typical (recent): Joseph Fillion, 161 6/8″, Strafford Co., 2017
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): John Gravelle, 222 ⅞”, Grafton Co., 1950
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Joseph Jacques, 193″, Strafford Co., 2000
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Scot Chevalier, 175 4/8″, Rockingham Co., 2004
Top P&Y typical (recent): Daniel Scott, 148″, Merrimack Co., 2013
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Glen Townsend, 208 2/8″, Rockingham Co., 2000
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): none
The lowdown: Last winter was a tough one in the northeast, so antler growth might be affected in northern areas. Of course, any buck from the big woods is a trophy, but if you want pure antler score, Rockingham County, in the southeast corner (and packed with people) has a solid reputation for producing the state’s best bucks. Gain access there and you’ve got a really good shot.
Your best shot: Hillsboro and Rockingham counties have each coughed up three typical Booners since 2000, with Grafton yielding a pair. For non-typicals, Rockingham and Strafford counties have each produced a B&C buck in that time frame.
NEW JERSEY
Top B&C typical (all-time): Scott Borden, 189 4/8″, Monmouth Co., 1995
Top B&C typical (recent): Michael Carr, 160″, Somerset Co., 2016
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Darrell T. Capps, 203 ⅜”, Cumberland Co., 2000
Top B&C non-typical (recent): James W. Bills, 202 ⅛” Monmouth Co., 2014
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Scott Borden, 189 4/8″, Monmouth Co., 1995
Top P&Y typical (recent): Barrett Miller, 160 2/8″, Monmouth Co., 2016
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Darrell Capps, 203 ⅜”, Cumberland Co., 2000
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Brian Nee, 182 6/8″, Monmouth Co., 2013
The low-down: Small and densely-populated, Jersey is largely under private ownership, which is good and bad news for prospective trophy seekers. Accessing even a small parcel might be difficult, but get in and the chances for a mature buck are reasonable. Tip; get a bow in your hands, and be willing to shoot some does for landowners struggling to control populations.
Your best shot: Best B&C counties since 2000 have been Somerset (2), Hunterdon, and Monmouth (one each). For non-typicals look at Monmouth (2), Cumberland and Somerset (one each).
NEW YORK
Top B&C typical (all-time): Roosevelt Luckey, 198 ⅜”, Allegany Co., 1939
Top B&C typical (recent): William G. Stewart, 178 ⅝”, Saratoga Co., 2016
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Homer Boylan, 244 2/8″, Allegany Co., 1939
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Craig Phytila, 197-⅛”, Tompkins Co., 2016
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Richard Johnson, 180 ⅜”, Westchester Co., 1998
Top P&Y typical (recent): Gary Sweetlend, 160 4/8″, Madison Co., 2016.
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Michael Giarraputo, 209 6/8″, Suffolk Co., 2011
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Vincent Inzone, 189″, Suffolk Co., 2016
The lowdown: I don’t care that most of New York’s record book rep is historic. Think of this; in the fall of 1939, Roosevelt Luckey shot one of B&C’s top typicals of all time, and in the same county, Homer Boylan killed a 244-inch non-typical. How does that happen? Forgive that trip down memory lane though, and focus on some pretty awesome whitetails that have been shot in the Empire State since 2016 (see above), proving there’s hope for the future. I’m a big believer in genetic potential, and any spot where young bucks can catch a break could cough up some great trophies going forward.
Your best shot: The best B&C counties for a typical since 2000 are Onondaga with four entries, followed by Chautauqua, Genesee, Jefferson, Monroe, and Orleans, all with three. For non-typicals, Suffolk has three entries, and Niagara, Ontario and Wayne counties each have a pair.
NORTH CAROLINA
Top B&C typical (all-time): Terry Daffron, 181 ⅞”, Guilford Co., 1987
Top B&C typical (recent): John Tuttle, 171 ⅞”, Rockingham Co., 2015
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Don Rockett, 228 4/8″, Person Co., 1998
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Picked up, 187″, Caswell Co., 2013
Top P&Y typical (all-time/recent): Tim Watkins, 170 ⅛”, Stokes Co., 2013
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Jonathan Marbrey, 176 ⅞”, Halifax Co., 2005
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Todd Lowe, 175 ⅜”, Davie Co., 2014
The lowdown: The Tarheel State is great deer country, but doesn’t enter many discussions about where to kill a big whitetail. That may be changing. Last fall, buck limits were reduced to two and antlerless limits were bumped up top four. This should shift some harvest pressure off young bucks and onto does, which should allow North Carolina to flex its trophy-producing muscles in a bigger way in the future.
Your best shot: North Carolina’s top counties for B&C typicals from 2000-2018 were Rockingham (4), and Stokes (4), followed by Forsyth, Moore, and Orange, with two apiece. For non-typicals, Caswell, Montgomery, and Rockwell counties each banked a Booner in that time frame.
NORTH DAKOTA
Top B&C typical (all time): Kevin Bruner, Pierce Co. 195 2/8″, 1994
Top B&C typical (2013-2018): Casey Peisar, Ward Co. 179 ⅜”, 2017
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Roger Ritchie, Stanley Co. 254 6/8″, 1968
Top B&C Non-typical (recent): Kyle Hass, Burke Co., 221 4/8″, 2017
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Jeffery Mudel, 189 2/8″, Kidder Co., 2012
Top P&Y typical (recent): Casey Peisar, 181″, Ward Co. 2017
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Bruce Bosse, 218 ⅞”, Sargent Co. 2007
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Jeff Keller, 189 5/8″, McLean Co., 2017
The lowdown: Another Midwestern state that often flies beneath the radar of many whitetail nuts, North Dakota is a solid performer in the record books, with some dandy top-end bucks shot in recent years. Rifle tags are on a draw basis, which allows biologists to adjust quotas according to population trends, and inadvertently results in more mature bucks. Archery tags are over the counter, and with an early opener, some dandy velvet trophies have been tagged.
Your best shot: Top B&C counties for a typical whitetail in the last five seasons have been Grand Forks and Richland, with two each. For a non-typicals look at Wells, Burke, GrandForks, and Sheridan counties.
OHIO
Top B&C typical (all-time): Bradley Jerman, 201 ⅛”, Warren Co., 2004
Top B&C typical (recent): Timothy Wilson, 188 4/8″, Warren Co. 2017
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Picked up, 328 2/8″, Portage Co., 1940
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Daniel Coffman, 274 ⅝”, Fairfield Co., 2015
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Tim Reed, 198 ⅜”, Muskingum Co., 2004
Top P&Y typical (recent): Nicholas Dirr, 183 ⅝”, Hamilton Co., 2016
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Michael Beatty, 294″, Greene Co., 2000
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Daniel Coffman, 287 ⅝”, Fairfield Co., 2015
The lowdown: Let’s get this out there; if you want to kill a Booner non-typical, Ohio is the place to go. While the Buckeye State ranks fifth in all-time non-typical production (410 entries), if you look at the last five years Ohio soars to the top, with 116 animals (Kansas is a distant second, with 96). Even better, the Ohio non-typicals populating the record books are truly jaw-dropping critters; Mike Beatty’s 294-inch buck is the former P&Y world record non-typical, and bowhunters have tagged three non-typs that have scored 249 or better since 2013. Then of course there’s the Jonathan Schmucker buck (295 ⅜-inch, 2006) and the Hole-in-the-Horn, which remains the second-biggest non-typical in the B&C book. Oh, and let’s not forget Brad Jerman’s 201-inch typical, which ranks 11th in B&C….
Your best shot: As noted, the B&C books are packed with Ohio non-typs. The most productive county in the last five seasons has been Adams (7), followed by Licking (6), Brown (5), Muskingum, Sandusky, and Summitt, which have all produced four. Top counties for typical Booners are Butler and Muskingum (six entries), with Adams, Highland, Meigs, and Stark not far behind with five Booners apiece.
OKLAHOMA
Top B&C typical (all-time): Jason Boyett, 192 ⅝”, Pushmataha Co., 2007
Top B&C typical (recent): Bryan Bayless, 185 ⅛”, Ellis Co., 2017
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Bill Foster, 247 2/8″, Johnston Co., 1970
Top B&C non-typical (recent): John S. Everett, 245 ⅞”, Logan Co., 2017
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Larry Luman, 185 6/8″, Bryan Co., 1997
Top P&Y typical (recent): Andrew Hall, 176 ⅝”, Garfield Co., 2014
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time/recent): Travis Ocker, 245 2/8″, Comanche Co., 2016
The lowdown: The Sooner State has been on record book fire lately and should be viewed as one of the top states to tag a trophy whitetail. Twelve of the state’s top 20 B&C typicals and a dozen of the top 20 non-typicals have been killed since 2000. There have been 19 typicals and 35 non-typicals’s entered in B&C from the state in the last five years.
Your best shot: Top recent counties for B&C typicals are Beaver and Garfield. But you might stand an even better shot at tagging a whopper non-typical; the top non-typical county is Hughes, (with five entries since 2013), followed by Pontotoc (4), Logan (3), and McCurtain, Osage, Potawatomie, and Seminole with a pair each.
PENNSYLVANIA
Top B&C typical (all-time): Fritz Janowsky, 188″, Bradford Co., 1943
Top B&C typical (recent): Ronald Shaulis, 184 4/8″, Westmoreland Co., 2017 #3 in state
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Michael Ambrosia, 230 2/8″, Lawrence Co., 2001
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Eric Carns, 228 6/8″, Clearfield Co., 2016 (rank #2)
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Michael Nicola Sr., 178 2/8″, Allegheny Co., 2004
Top P&Y typical (recent): Joe Amick, 164 2/8″, Blair Co., 2017
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Gerald Simkonis, 209 ⅛”, Allegheny Co., 2007
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Douglas Briody, 185 ⅞”, Lehigh Co., 2013
The lowdown: One of America’s most iconic whitetail states, Pennsylvania has produced some dandy bucks in recent years. This is especially impressive given the hunting pressure, but a combination of state management and hunter restraint has shifted pressure away from yearling bucks.
Your best shot: The best recent counties for tagging a B&C typical in recent years have been Beaver (3), Mercer (2), and Warren (2). Top non-typical counties since 2013 are Clarion and Westmoreland, which have each coughed up a pair of Booners.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Top B&C typical (all-time): William Wyatt, 176″, Pickens Co., 1994
Top B&C typical (recent): Woody Sweeney, 167 ⅝”, Anderson Co., 2015
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): John M. Wood, 205 ⅝”, Beaufort Co., 1971
Top B&C non-typical (recent): none
Top P&Y typical (all-time): A. Gaskins, 170 ⅝”, Williamsburg Co., 1998
Top P&Y typical (recent): Donnie Poplin, 144 4/8″, Fairfield Co., 2015
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time/recent): Dennis Tate, 156 ⅞”, Abbeville Co., 2013
The lowdown: There’s no shortage of whitetails, or potential, in the Palmetto State, but long seasons and a multiple-buck bag limit crops off a pile of future monsters every fall. Of course there are pockets where killing a dandy is possible, and with an early opener each fall, South Carolina is one of the nation’s best places to tag a velvet buck.
Your best shot: Top B&C counties for tagging a typical in the last five years are Anderson with three entries, while Calhoun, Marion, Orangeburg, and Pickens counties each have one. For non-typicals, Anderson, Beaufort, and Edgefield counties have produced a single since 2013.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Top B&C typical (all-time/recent): Michael Mettler, 194 ⅛”, McPherson Co., 2014
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Francis Fink, 256 ⅛”, Marshall Co., 1948
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Austin Earley, 241 ⅝”, Brookings Co., 2015
Top P&Y typical (all-time/recent): Michael Mettler, 194 ⅛”, McPherson Co., 2014
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time/recent): Austin Earley, 241 ⅝”, Brookings Co., 2015
The lowdown: While “pheasant” is the word that pops to mind when most hunters think of South Dakota, “Booner” is what savvy deer hunters say in the word association game. There’s been a string of giant bucks killed here in recent years, including a bowkill that ranks 11th in the P&Y book and 70th among typicals registered in B&C. Quotas on firearms buck tags reduce the pressure on immature animals, and of course that same cover that can hide and feed a rooster pheasant is perfect for growing an old whopper whitetail.
Your best shot: The best B&C county for tagging a typical since 2013 is Hyde, with three, followed by Jones, McPherson, and Stanley with two apiece. The top counties for a non-typicals are Clarke, Gregory, and Tripp, which have all produced two Booners in the last five seasons.
TENNESSEE
Top B&C typical (all-time): W.A. Foster, 186 ⅛” Roane Co., 1959
Top B&C typical (recent): Anthony Bledsoe, 177 2/8″, Williamson Co., 2015
Top B&C non-typical (all-time/recent): Stephen Tucker, 315 ⅛”, Sumner Co., 2016
Top P&Y typical (all-time): C. Altizer, 172 6/8″, Sullivan Co., 1984
Top P&Y typical (recent): Wesley Kennedy, 164 ⅝”, Davidson Co., 2013
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Charles Brewster Sr., 176 6/8″, Loudon Co., 2001
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Robert Thompson, 173 4/8″, Lincoln Co., 2018
The lowdown: What can you say about Tennessee? While it takes a backseat to neighboring Kentucky in the record book long haul, Stephen Tucker had something to say about that situation a couple years back. Hunting with a muzzleloader, Tucker killed what was then the largest hunter-taken non-typical in history (that buck was beaten by an Illinois giant last year), proving that the Volunteer State is no slouch in producing whopper bucks.
Your best shot: The best B&C counties for producing non-typicals since 2013 are Davidson, Shelby, Sumner, with one entry each. For a B&C typical, focus on Wiliamson and Bedford counties.
TEXAS
Top B&C typical (all-time): Tom McCullough, 196 4/8″, Maverick Co., 1963
Top B&C typical (recent): John Beasley, 185 ⅛”, McMullen Co., 2014
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Unknown, 284 ⅜”, McCollough Co., 1892
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Mark Lee, 259 ⅜”, Houston Co., 2013
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Thomas Friedlein, 187 6/8″, Dimmit Co., 2005
Top P&Y typical (recent): Glenn Thurman, 170 4/8″, LaSalle Co., 2015
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): A. Downs, 256 ⅞”, San Jacinto Co., 2012
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Chad Jones, 233 ⅞”, Collin Co., 2018
The lowdown: Everything’s big in Texas, including its presence in the record books. In addition to a long history for producing giant whitetails, Texas continues to hold its own with any state in the union in recent years; the Lone Star State is ranked #9 for non-typical Booners in the last five seasons (55 entries), and #5 in the typical category (94 entries) in that same time frame.
Your best shot: There are so many great counties in Texas, it reminds me of star-laden basketball team that also has a great bench. While Webb County has led the typical books in recent years with 17 entries, it has plenty of company from Maverick (16), LaSalle (10), Dimmit (9), Kleberg (5), and Hemphill (4). The top county for recent B&C non-typicals has been Lasalle (7) followed by Kleberg (5), Dimmit (4), and Collin, Cooke, Houston, and Maverick, which have all produced three Booner non-typicals.
VERMONT
Top B&C typical (all-time): Picked up, 181″, Rutland Co., 1971
Top B&C typical (recent): none, though there was a 162 6/8″ picked up in Bennington Co., in 2012.
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): George Tice, 190 6/8″, Essex Co., 1938
Top B&C non-typical (recent): none.
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Kevin Lamere, 143 4/8″, Orleans Co., 2000
Top P&Y typical (recent): George Schaffer, 140 ⅜”, Rutland Co., 2014
Top P&Y non-typical (historic): none
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): none
The lowdown: Well, Vermont may not be home to many record book bucks, but it certainly has the coolest deer hunting county name (Rutland) going. With that lame joke aside, the state’s Fish & Wildlife Department just instituted some of the most sweeping hunting rules changes in recent memory, changing the timing of the muzzleloader season from December to October, dropping antler point restrictions for archers (who can now use crossbows), and broadening antlerless hunting opportunity across the board. The state is struggling to control the deer herd in many units, while hunter numbers are dwindling. Whether these changes will result in more mature bucks in the state is uncertain, but herd management seems to be the prudent course right now.
Your best shot: As with Florida, we relied on the P&Y records to discern where the best whitetails in Vermont lived. Benton and Orleans counties tied with three bow-killed trophies each, followed by Rutland (2) then Chittenden, Franklin, and Windham with a trophy apiece.
VIRGINIA
Top B&C typical (all-time): Jerry L. James, 189 ⅞”, Buchanan Co., 1999
Top B&C typical (recent): Melanie D. Long, 179 ⅝”, Fauquier Co., 2015
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): James S. Smith, 257 4/8″, Warren Co., 1992
Top B&C non-typical (recent): James B. Boney, 210 6/8″, Greensville Co., 2016
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Dwayne Webster, 182 6/8″, Roanoke Co., 1999
Top P&Y typical (recent): Mason Story, 154 4/8″, Southampton Co., 2015
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Anthony Hodges, 197 ⅜”, Henry Co., 2006
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Wayne Mills, 172 6/8″, Rappahanock Co., 2016
The lowdown: Virginia is a bit of a sleeper state in the region. Though not known for top-end deer, the number of mature bucks is definitely trending upward, and it wouldn’t surprise us if a jaw-dropper or two come from the Old Dominion.
Your best shot: Fauquier and Madison counties have each produced a pair of B&C typicals recently, with Albemarle and Botecourt responsible for a Booner each. Non-typicals have come from Brunswick, Greenville, Henry, and Sussex counties.
WASHINGTON
Top B&C typical (all-time): James Cartwright, 200 ⅜”, Stevens Co., 1992 (#13 in BC)
Top B&C typical (recent): Travis Goldsmith, 160″, Spokane Co., 2016
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Unknown, 242 6/8″. George Gretener, 236-⅝”, Pend Oreille Co., 1931
Top B&C non-typical (recent): Gary Lydin, 197 ⅞”, Ferry Co., 2014
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Michael McBride, 175 ⅛”, Spokane Co., 1999
Top P&Y typical (recent): James Carvalho, 161 ⅝”, Stevens Co., 2017
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): J. Baker, 224 ⅜”, Stevens Co., 1987
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Gary Lydin, 197 ⅞”, Ferry Co., 2014
The lowdown: In addition to having a strong historical reputation (James Cartwright’s 1992 typical is ranked #13 in the B&C books), Washington has produced a strong showing of dandy bucks in recent years. The Evergreen State has diverse habitat and plenty of places where a buck can grow old, making this one of the absolute top western states to tag a jaw-dropper.
Your best shot: Stevens County has coughed up three B&C typicals and as many non-typicals since 2000. Hunters in Spokane County have tagged two typicals and a pair of non-typicals in the same period. Keep an eye on Columbia and Ferry counties, which are also known for producing good deer.
WEST VIRGINIA
Top B&C typical (all-time/recent): Chad Scyphers, 188 ⅞”, McDowell Co., 2014
Top B&C non-typical (all-time): Charles McLaughlin, 231 ⅝”, Wayne Co., 1991
Top B&C non-typical (recent): John E. Robinson, 202″, Mason Co., 2013
Top P&Y typical (all-time/recent): Jessie Hatfield, 175 ⅜”, Logan Co., 2017
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Daniel Light, 195″, Fayette Co., 2012
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Donny Baisden, 182 ⅝”, Logan Co., 2018
The lowdown: The Mountain State has coughed up some awesome whitetails, especially for bowhunters, in recent years, and the new B&C typical state record eclipsed a record that had stood since 1976. Four West Virginia counties (Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming) are now bowhunting-only, which should mean plenty of mature bucks on the landscape for archers for years to come. With miles of rugged and mountainous habitat to search, serious hunters who know where to find mast should also find big deer.
Your best shot: Logan is the state’s top B&C county for typical bucks in the last five years with three, followed by Fayette and Kanawha with two. Fayette, Logan, and Mason counties have all produced a non-typ Booner in the last five seasons.
WISCONSIN
Top B&C Typical (all-time): James Jordan, Burnett Co., 206 1/8″, 1914
Top B&C Typical (2013-18): Adam Hupf, Dodge Co., 191 6/8″, 2014
Top B&C Non-typical (all-time): Elmer Gotz, Buffalo Co., 253″, 1973
Top B&C Non-typical (2013-18): Mike Nelson, Richland Co., 235″, 2017
Top P&Y non-typical (All-time/recent): Jim Baker, Waukesha Co., 249 5/8″, 2013
Top P&Y typical (All-time/recent): Adam Hupf, Dodge Co., 191 6/8″, 2014
The lowdown: Wisconsin’s place in the record books surprises some; though the Jordan buck held the B&C typical world record for decades, the Badger state recently took a backseat to other states that were producing top-end bucks. But make no mistake, in terms of sheer numbers, no one can touch Wisconsin when it comes to B&C and P&Y production. In fact, the top B&C county in the nation is western Wisconsin’s famed Buffalo, which lies hard against the Mississippi River.
Your best shot: Buffalo is the top B&C county in the nation for a reason. Twenty-two typical B&C bucks have been registered there since 2013. But big deer are coming from all over the Badger State of late: Marathon and Richland counties each produced nine B&C typicals, followed by Chippewa, Crawford, and Vernon with eight each. Fifty Wisconsin counties have coughed up at least one typical Booner in the last five years. For non-typicals, Crawford and Dodge counties lead the pack with five apiece, followed by Marquette and Trempealeau (4), while Green Lake, Iowa, Manitowoc, Richland, and Sheboygan, all have three.
WYOMING
Top B&C typical (all-time): 191 ⅝”, Robert Ross, Albany Co., 1986
Top B&C typical (recent): David Barber, 162 6/8″, Lincoln Co., 2014.
Top P&Y typical (all-time): Shane Sanderson, 170-⅜”, Fremont Co., 2012
Top P&Y typical (recent): Tyler Henry, 158-⅛”, Park Co., 2013
Top P&Y non-typical (all-time): Flint Smith, 181-⅛”, Hot Springs Co., 2009
Top P&Y non-typical (recent): Frank Amos, 178-⅛”, Crook Co., 2013
The lowdown: Whitetails will always take a backseat to mulies in Wyoming, which is as it should be. But hunters willing to find the right habitat and put in the time can get on a great whitetail.
Your best shot: With the whitetail harvest (and record book entries) relatively low we went back to 2000 for a look at the strongest B&C counties in Wyoming. For typical bucks the leader was Fremont (2), followed by Lincoln, Natrona, Washakie, which all produced one. For non-typs, Carbon, Goshen, and Natrona all coughed up a single non-typical.
