Recipe: Venison Bacon Burgers

Iowa stands alone when it comes to trophy-class whitetail hunting. Thanks to a nonresident draw system and carefully managed habitat, the state consistently yields some of the biggest free-range bucks in the nation. WTA TAGS specializes in guiding hunters through Iowa’s draw process and connecting them with the most reputable outfitters in the state. Whether you’ve been building preference points for years or you’re just getting started, now is the perfect time to plan your Iowa whitetail hunt.

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.

A big bull elk is at the top of nearly every hunter’s bucket list. But the chance to acquire this regal trophy often comes with a hefty price tag, comparable to a new vehicle, or requires decades of bonus points to draw. The solution? Montana. The Big Sky State has impressive bulls and tags that can be drawn within four to six years, or often with some luck, even sooner. Not only do these expansive private ranches offer world-class elk hunting, but the opportunities for mule deer and whitetail deer are equally noteworthy.