Kansas is at the top of the list for many whitetail enthusiasts. Why? Because big bucks are most often produced in the Midwest, and Kansas has done an excellent job of managing its whitetail herd for decades. However, tag quotas are decreasing slightly and application numbers are continuing to increase, making it more difficult to draw a whitetail tag. Non-residents can no longer apply for a tag in late April and be guaranteed to draw. In fact, with 0 points, first-time applicants can expect drawing odds to be less than 70%. Purchasing a whitetail preference point is now highly recommended.
- Deadline to Apply: April 25.
- Draw Post Date: Mid-May.
- WTA TAGS Species: Whitetail Deer.
- Youth: Any age, but must have hunter’s safety.
- Hunter’s Safety: Required if born after July 1, 1957.
- Point System: Kansas has a preference point system for whitetail tags. First-time applicants (with 0 points) have an ~60% chance of drawing for any weapon (archery, muzzleloader, or rifle). Applicants with 1 preference point will have a 100% chance of drawing for any weapon (archery, muzzleloader, or rifle). Preference points last for 5 years.
Applying for the Kansas whitetail draw with one preference point guarantees a permit is obtained. Some of the best outfitters are now only accepting bookings from clients who have one point. An advantage of Kansas’ system is that once a preference point is earned, it’s good for five years. Purchasing a point now ensures opportunities down the road.
Kansas offers a muzzleloader hunt in September, an archery/crossbow hunt during the November rut, and a rifle hunt in early December. Each of these weapons/hunts offers advantages and disadvantages.
Muzzleloader Pros and Cons
The September muzzleloader hunt offers clients a first-in experience. These deer have been unpressured throughout the entire summer and are still very patternable come September. A good outfitter understands this and can take advantage of this situation.
The con? The weather is usually still extremely warm in September and the deer often move after dark. Most of the hunting occurs in the evening. A seasoned outfitter will not risk bumping a deer by entering a stand before daylight, because once a mature whitetail is pressured during this phase, he will break his bedding/feeding pattern and go completely nocturnal.
Archery/Crossbow Pros and Cons
Obviously, the pro here is the Kansas archery/crossbow season falls in November, coinciding with the rut when whitetails are at their most vulnerable. Crossbows are legal in Kansas, another pro!
There aren’t many cons to hunting whitetails in November, except that you may not be an archer or crossbow hunter. Also, catching a warm weather week can suppress the rut and put deer on a rutting-at-night pattern. Lockdown can be another frustrating phase of the November rut.
Rifle Pros and Cons
The pro that stands out most is that you have a longer-range, extremely-accurate weapon allowable during the hunt. Also, hunting with a high-powered rifle is user-friendly and less frustrating. Hunting with a rifle is fun!
The con is that the Kansas rifle season takes place in December. By then, the herd has been hunted with muzzleloaders and bows. And most noteworthy, the bucks are no longer in rut and are more nocturnal.
Kansas is a state that all serious whitetail hunters should experience for themselves. WTA TAGS has a network of the very best outfitters in the state. These outfitters have all been vetted and time-tested. Our post-hunt reports are simply outstanding.
Remember, obtaining a whitetail tag in Kansas, whether it be for muzzleloader, archery, or rifle, requires drawing a tag. The deadline to apply for a tag or to obtain a preference point is April 25. Give us a call today and ask to speak to a TAGS consultant. We can assist you with purchasing a preference point or booking with a high-quality outfitter. This conversation will begin your quest to hunt one of the most sought-after big-game species in North America, a giant midwestern whitetail!
