K Still, it's worth asking: Does the biologist feel the top areas for bowhunting trophy bucks are likely to change any time soon? After our interview with Settle, we were confident that his story was true. Kentucky also stocked deer brought in from Wisconsin. Thats why the Boone and Crockett's current scoring system was created in 1950, and thats why it exists today. I took my backpack off, got a drink of Coke, and just settled in. Either way, the numbers certainly show that whitetails in the Bluegrass are alive and well -- and plentiful. Or else it was time to restock the freezer from the big harvest two years before. Outside the top spot, Bluegrass Region counties occupy all the rest of the first 10 slots for highest numbers of deer per square mile. The Kentucky record for a non-typical deer is 271-7/8 inches, officials say. Taken in Pushmataha County, this deer is nearly 2 inches bigger than the previous record. Select a kill date range from 1830 to 2021. Hunters must have a valid hunting license and follow all other state and federal hunting laws. Derek Settle solo hunted a monster buck thats sure to make the record books and is quite possibly the biggest buck ever taken in Kentuckya state that is known for its booners. Likewise, Casey and Cumberland counties also nearly broke the 1,000-mark harvest club. For more on record-class bow bucks from Kentucky and across North America, visit Pope and Young Club. I made a wonderful shot, a double-lung shot.. Before we interviewed Settle, we confirmed with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife that the buck had been checked in as being killed and tagged in Kentucky on telecheck. The following year, a total of 3,814 deer were killed, shattering the previous record. By then, the secret is out. A hunter with a permit may hunt within the state of Kentucky without having to obtain a Hunter Education Certificate for a period of one year from the date of purchase. They offer extremely limited habitat, compared to other more rural counties in this region. We are investigating this story and will continue to publish updates as we learn more. This indicates that these three counties are knocking on the door of having much improved herd numbers, say, over just five years ago -- despite having less-than-ideal habitat for deer to thrive in. "There's a selective mindset among many hunters and landowners, which results in most small bucks getting a free pass.". His daughter was born more than a week early. A written test and live-fire session are both available as part of the classroom course. The 2022-2023 hunting seasons are open to hunters who have a permit. Published Sep 15, 2021 6:00 PM EDT. Im waiting, and Im seeing double. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. In terms of trophy buck hunters, Kentucky is currently ranked 10th in the country. Everything in my body at that moment wanted to give up, he says. The countys largest non-typical on the Pope and Young record books measured 167 1/8, and Boone and Crocketts largest for the county measured 204 inches. Because Louisiana is a popular stop-over for migratory birds, there is plenty of waterfowl hunting in the state. To keep the number of animals taken in check, hunters set bag limits for each game animal. In the eastern half of Kentucky deer numbers tend to be much lower, with far less acreage devoted to row crops. Kentucky's Deer Restoration - Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. On the County Search page, youll see two kinds of search options: a State/County Search and a Top County Visualizer. (High fence deer in Kentucky do not have to be checked in.) For $50, you get access to the entire Boone and Crockett record system, including Classic Trophy Search, County Search, Trophy Combinator and the Method Visualizer OR or become a B&CAssociate to get it for $40. B&C's New County Search Tool Can Help You Find Your Next Trophy Anyone born on or after January 1, 1975 who is at least 12 years old and holding a Hunter Education card is required to carry a Hunter Education card when hunting. Have a question? Overcrowding means less food and smaller antlers. Deer hunting is plentiful throughout Kentuckys Blue Grass Region. The white-tail deer, the most abundant deer species in North America, is native to Kentucky and most of the country. Perhaps one of the most significant reasons for Kentuckys big bucks involves the age of the animals. By 4:25 p.m. Mooney was perched in a tree along a hardwood ridge. I was just elated with joy. Hunters obviously found a good deal more success in the Kentucky woodlands last season. Simpson County Recorder of Deeds (Franklin, KY - 20.2 miles) Warren County Recorder of Deeds (Bowling Green, KY - 20.3 miles) Barren County Recorder of Deeds (Glasgow . The deer population in Kentucky is growing, and this is clearly visible by the number of deer harvested and the size of deer. Send us your best photos for a chance to be featured. Whether it's a game harvest, catch of the day or just a nature shot, we want to show it off! Last night, Field and [], Erin is interested in your profile! Then, they write articles and tell their clients about the hotspots. The hunting of game animals necessitates a different license and permit depending on their species. ), It took me a long time to get over to the deer, he says. During the 2006 deer season, Kentucky whitetail hunters returned with a bang to post a near-record harvest of 122,233 animals -- just shy of being 10,000 more than the previous season. The buck was a non-typical that scored 200 7/8 on the Pope and Young scale, the second highest Pope and Young Club entry from Kentucky. Gordon Whittington goes home to central Texas armed with a modern flintlock rifle, with a twist. Sage Marshall Louisville Public Media | There are several reasons why Kentucky produces big bucks. On Target: Are AR Rifles a Good Option for Whitetail Hunting. The 2023-24 deer season will open Sept. 2 for archery hunters, youth and seniors hunting with crossbows. If youre into that sort of thing, why not let the records help you in your search? If you live in Kentucky and intend to hunt on your own property, you, your spouse, and your dependent children do not need to obtain a deer permit or a license. Ky Deer Harvest Comparison By Month - Kentucky According to its ear tag, it was the same buck that he captured on the Lake Cumberland park's tennis courts. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. An 8-point bumped the dominant buck in the rump. The buck was bedded down. Sep 25, 2002 12,105 Savoring the smoke. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. In some counties, bear bear seasons are divided into zones, or regions. Do I need a license to hunt? During modern firearm seasons such as the modern gun, muzzleloader, and youth firearm deer seasons, hunters and their companions are required to wear solid, unbroken hunter orange color visible from all sides of the head, back, and chest during any hunting shot. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Contents 1 County Information 1.1 Description 1.2 County Courthouse 1.3 Allen County, Kentucky Record Dates 1.4 Record Loss 1.5 Boundary Changes 1.6 Populated Places 1.7 History Timeline Before heading out, be sure to check the zone regulations and make sure you have the proper licenses and permits. So clear your At the peak of the market-hunting era, waterfowlers Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. 449 S 12th St.Tampa, Florida 33602United States, Designing Lanyards for Corporate Events: Dos and Donts, Unlock The Benefits Of Stabilized Binoculars: Discover Why You May Need Them And Which Ones Are Best For You. "While continued slow growth in deer numbers in Appalachian Kentucky should lead to even more trophy entries being taken from the poor deer habitat in the eastern third of the state, our west-central counties should continue to be tried-and-true producers of trophy bucks into the foreseeable future.". Just about any county can produce a Boone and Crockett deer, says Tina Brunjes, who oversees deer herd management for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. By, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Surveillance Data Shows White-Tailed Deer Exposed to SARS-CoV-2, Crossbow Season For Deer Extended In Kentucky This Year, Kentucky Commission Proposes Longer Deer Season to Thin Herd. Gordon Whittington gets technical with his TenPoint crossbow, specifically relating to space awareness. The statewide deer permit is an excellent choice for those who want to take a few deer, as well as those who want to help out with the hunting season and give back to the community. 2023 County Office. About Us Contact Us However, deer can overpopulate an area if their numbers are not kept in check. In the Species search bar, select typical whitetail deer and non-typical whitetail deer. To take more than four deer, a deer permit must be purchased in addition to the four deer permitted per individual. That year, the weather was quite warm early in the season. Settles biological father, Terry, passed away earlier this year. Since 1958, more than 600 of Kentuckys white-tailed deer have made the record books for their trophy-sized antlers and been listed in the Boone and Crockett Club, which tracks and scores big game animals. Muhlenberg County in Kentucky had the highest harvest total (622), followed by Logan County (606), Christian County (553), Pulaski County (530), and Hart County (521). Bowhunting is just one of those things that I used to love when I was growing up, Settle adds. Get in touch. But a clearly defined chunk of Kentucky is a great place to start your search. During either of these hunts, firearms are not permitted to be used by adults accompanying children on deer hunting trips. Photo Gallery | KDFWR Where's the best place to go looking for one of these big guys in bow season? Last year, Kentucky hunters harvested 21,233 deer on Saturday and 8,553 deer on Sunday of opening weekend, for a total of 29,786. You do not need a license or a deer permit to hunt deer on your own property if you live in Kentucky and hunt with your spouse, dependent children, or other family members. Credit: trips4trade.com. The Allen County Recorder of Deeds, located in Scottsville, Kentucky is a centralized office where public records are recorded, indexed, and stored in Allen County, KY. The buck wasnt going anywhere, he decided, but if it did, it would walk left, right, or under the stand. Turns out, he was right. A good way to use the county search is to narrow down areas that are not producing entries as well. The deer population has increased naturally, and the hunting opportunities provided by these counties have increased as well. When I saw him on the ground, Ive never really acted like that in my adult life, says Settle. For our example, lets say youre on the hunt for a record-book whitetail. Allen County, Kentucky Genealogy View map of Allen County Recorder of Deeds, and get driving directions from your location. Natalie Krebs Best Spots for Bowhunting Kentucky Trophy Bucks Browsing for acorns and nosing some Sugar Beet Crush attractant, the whitetail slowly stepped closer to the stand. A deer permit and a hunting license are required for anyone over the age of 16, as are proof of purchase of an annual hunting license. Privacy Policy Dr. James Kroll is in Kentucky hunting the rut. He was looking over his back at me. With that book and the County Search tool, you can spend many a wintry evening planning your next fall hunt. I immediately put my hand up to reach for my bow, but he walked out into the open.. Restore Clarity And Brightness: Get Your Steiner Binoculars Recoated! Subscribe and receivecomplete web-basedaccess to B&C's Records of North American Big Game database. To the west of this area, farm fields are larger and cover more restricted, making bucks more vulnerable to harvest by gun. All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Unless they are accompanied by solid-colored hunter orange on the head, back, and chest, camouflage orange patterns are not permitted. County Office is not affiliated with any government agency. In Kentucky, deer hunting is regulated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Then he started pulling those long legs out from under him to stand up. Where To Deer Hunt In Ky Translate Page You will have the opportunity to share your hunting grounds with others in addition to collecting a permit fee for each hunting season. Reach millions of readers across the Commonwealth by sharing your business or product with people who care about the same things you do. The set up wasnt quite right and he was strapped for time, so Mooney tweaked his position by bringing in a climber. Celebrating the energy of your community. During the license year, one (1) deer with visible antlers may be taken by hunters. Now Kentucky taxidermists stay plenty busy mounting big bucks. Sunday is gonna be good. Kentucky's Top Deer Counties - Part 1 - Game & Fish Don't Leave! Then, the buck started to turn. In 2013, the county set a new record for deer kills, with 4,069 being taken, which was more than any other. So how can Kentucky keep cranking out Pope & Young bucks? The Bluegrass State's production of older bucks quickly began to rise. Mike Clerkin offers advice for hunting whitetails with a pistol. Last season, if you recall, in Kentucky's toughest region for deer hunting, one lone county topped the 1,000 deer-per-county harvest minimum we use to help determine the better places to find numbers of whitetails. Lewis comes in just shy of three deer per square mile, and Carter and Lawrence fall in between the highs and lows out of this bunch. Every 5,000 acres enrolled in Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, the agency will issue one permit. Kentucky Bowhunter Shoots Monster 200+ Non-typical Whitetail Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. You may take as many deer as you want in each zone. one lone county topped the 1,000 deer-per-county harvest minimum we use to help determine the better places to find numbers of whitetails. If youre interested in taking advantage of the states exceptional hunting opportunities, its simple to obtain a hunting license. I hadnt really realized what Id done because the hunt was so intense. In this region, the top five counties all saw good increases in harvest over the previous year, a sign of the excellent 2006 season throughout Kentucky. State by State Whitetail Records I felt like my dad was with me like an angel on my shoulder, he says. solo hunt on his property, By Subscriber Services. All Rights Reserved. Scottsville, KY (Address, Phone, and Fax) - County Office Hunters got on track and took very nearly the minimum 125,000 deer that KDFWR biologists would like to see harvested each season. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. The whitetails 27 scoreable points taped 230 1/8 inches non-typical Pope and Young (gross green score). Whatever the reason, Kentucky has indeed managed to find the "sweet spot" of hunting opportunity for trophy deer. Settle steadied the bow. But while there are approximately 1.8 hunters for each antlered buck, only around 35 percent of our hunters take a deer each year and nearly 50 percent of those are antlerless. Hunting applications can be downloaded from the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at www.ky.gov/hunt. They'll likely top the 1,000 mark again this season, and perhaps be joined Morgan or Boyd counties, which narrowly missed the list last year. Published Oct 22, 2014 8:32 PM EDT. They loaded it up on a small ATV and brought it home. Winchester's Nathan Robinson talks features with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Mooneys knees eventually stopped shaking. Find GIS Maps, Land Records, Property Records, and Tax Records related to Allen County Recorder of Deeds. He sat there, frozen and ready to draw, but the buck stood facing the tree without presenting a shot. With an unofficial green net score of 196 inches the buck should smash the state's crossbow typical record (currently 179") and rank among Wisconsin's best typicals ever. Hunting without a license is punishable in Kentucky by a $300 fine for the first offense, a $1,000 fine for the second, and a $1,000 fine and/or year in jail for the third or subsequent offense. You get really excited, because thats what youre there for, Mooney says. Kentuckys production of trophy white-tailed deer now ranks fifth in North Americaa little less than Ohio, but more than Saskatchewan, Canada. He says it was one of the most intense moments of his life. Read The Next Article: 22 Great Bucks from Deer Season 2022. Last year, then, more than a third of Kentucky counties produced harvests of 1,000 deer or better. What could be better than a deep-fried nugget? Perhaps the hop up from 2005 to 2006 of about 10,000 animals was likewise a little unusual. The full story of how Derek Settle put it all together to take this buck of a lifetime on a D.I.Y. Western Whiskerfish: Trophy Flatheads, Channels, Even Blues, Make Crawfish Part of Perfect Summertime Meal, DIY: Earthworms Can't Hide When 'Grunters' Are Hunting, Exotic Fishing Paradise Awaits in South Florida, Euro Nymphing 101: Trout Tactics from Across the Pond, Awesome Start to Minnesota Turkey Hunting, Bass Crash Course: How to Properly Tune a Baitcasting Rig, Winchester Big Bore: Backcountry Bear Protection. Advertisement. I dropped the phone and steadied my bow. Genetics also play a role: records dating back to the World War I era show that Kentucky imported deer from Michigan and New Jersey to bolster the herd. For this article, were focusing on how to scout with the County Search tool. Certification can be obtained by enrolling in an instructor-led course or by participating in an online course and a range day. The goal of this user interactive map is to give fellow hunters an idea of where to find the best regions to hunt the biggest Kentucky whitetails. Or just the county by county deer records that were included. In the video above, Matt Willson of Ruger highlights the features with Game & Fish's John Taranto. From all indications, the 2007 season should give hunters the same opportunity to be successful, reach that magic mark and help keep the herd in balance and in check. In 2006, the Northeast Region reported more than 16,000 deer taken, which was also an increase over the previous season. This zone has a longer deer season than the other zones, running from September 7th to January 12th. Hunters beat the 10-year average, but fell short of the all time record of nearly . He just disappeared, Settle says. As the accompanying map illustrates, no single county has them to itself. A good way to use the county search is to narrow down areas that are not producing entries as well. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife continues to monitor for Chronic Wasting Disease, but did not detect it among the more than 5,200 deer and elk samples submitted for testing since March of last year. Every big game animal entered and accepted into the Club's Records Program from 1830 to present are available through this searchable database. "We want every entry to have the most precise harvest or find location as possible," says Justin Spring, the Club's director of big game records. All of the remaining counties listed using 2005 season data stayed on the list after 2006 data was calculated. Kentucky State Big Game Records | Boone and Crockett Club Stealth presentations for up-close encounters with bass hiding in cover. I went down to him, and I dropped to my knees, grabbed hold of his rack, and told Dad, Have you ever seen such a deer?. With the help of hunters, Kentucky can keep its trophy deer ranking high. It is possible that this is the best place in the country to catch a velvet whitetail. The rack is still in the drying phase before it can be officially scored B&C. Last season, more than 20 counties reported harvests of over 400. Youll find four states with more than 200 entries. Were off to a great start for the 2021 deer season in Kentucky. So perhaps it really is the combination of scouting technology and having just one buck tag that results in a far more selective hunting public. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. The permits are limited and will be sold out quickly, so hunters should act quickly if they want to obtain one. The organization of firearms seasons, hunter ages, and hunting zones in deer deer seasons is determined by a number of factors. These Major League Fishing pros share the best tips and advice they've ever received. Kentucky is one of only a few states in the country where you can hunt from your own home without first obtaining permission from the land owner. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources nuisance species plan is available here. These two counties are tops in Kentucky for producing large numbers of white-tailed deer. Why bother with using County Search yourself? Hows this for a year of accomplishments? Total Harvest Results. What may have been a great county for entries in the 1990s may not be a great county today. The deer was so big, and I was about to lose it., The first thing that came to my mindand I think it helped me keep calmwas, This deer looks fake. Hes so big, and so unique looking, he didnt look real. I mean, these guys are so tricky and sneaky.. The table will reveal an alphabetical list of states. It may surprise you that hunters took nearly half those deer over the past seven seasons alone. Whats now known as the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources led successful restoration efforts over several decades. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Terms and Conditions. To apply for a permit, you must first submit an application with a $50 check or money order. Harvest Results by Region. Ironically, that region also carries some counties such as Bourbon, Fayette and Jessamine that lie right at the bottom of the list. I had no shot whatsoever.. All open seasons, including special deer seasons, provide opportunities for children to hunt deer. But nothing prepared Settle for the buck he started getting trail cam pictures of in July 2020 at one of his mineral plots. Instead, he relied on attractants like the Sugar Beet Crush. "In much of western and central Kentucky we have fertile land with a good balance of cover and crops," the biologist says. Note that the counties with the best densities aren't necessarily the counties with the highest harvests. They also offer tips on safety and regulations. Turn the legs and thighs of a freshly killed gobbler into comfort food for a chilly spring night. Incredible 57-Point Whitetail Buck Shot in Kentucky - Field & Stream In 2014 Justin Mooney, of Dixon, Kentucky, has taken first place in an Archery Shooters Association state tournament, finished in the top 10 at a national ASA tournament, and celebrated the birth of his first child. ", As part of the Boone and Crockett Clubs record verification process, a hunter must list, as precisely as possible, where the animal was taken. Any home, abandoned railroad tracks, graveled roads, or hiking trails within 100 feet of it are all within 200 feet of you hunting. Harvest Maps - Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Hunt Harvest Maps The number below each species is the total statewide harvest result for a year (row). You may hunt four deer with the permit, each of which is an antlered, three anterless, or four antlerless. If your favorite hunting area close to home is within a county that isnt producing big animals, at least you can temper your expectations. He thought it probably had a 14 or 16 point rack. Since 2010, the hottest counties for P&Y entries (white stars on map) have continued to reflect a broad pattern. When the wind is blowing toward his home, he knows that its a good time to hunt from the blindlike it was on Saturday, September 11, 2021, when Settle decided to go hunting around 2:30 p.m. PublishedJanuary 29, 2023 at 9:48 AM CST. There are over 1.5 million acres of public land available, but much of it is under pressure from developers. In 2005, the significant drop in the kill back to 112,000 or so didn't seem to fit the upward trend. Harvest Maps - Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Kentucky's 2021-22 white-tailed deer season opens with archery hunting on September 4 and state wildlife officials are optimistic."I expect another great season here in Kentucky," said K . If you want to allow public hunting on your property, you should apply for a hunting permit. Of the top 20 Kentucky counties, eight show a density of 10 deer per square mile, while all the other 12 have better than seven deer per square mile. ! The deer is never where you think hes supposed to be.. In 1989, about 80 percent of the bucks taken in Kentucky were less than 2 years old. Gordon Whittington offers tips on ensuring your weapon is accurate while traveling. It's a question a lot of wildlife biologists and trophy hunters in other states probably have asked themselves. | Hunters took 144,506 deer last season, at least 7% of which were harvested using muzzleloaders, like modern versions of the same firearms used by the Continental Army to fend off the British. So we must and we will.". Because youre reading this at the Boone and Crockett Clubs website, we assume youre familiar with the records-keeping system. Kentucky wasn't always the big buck factory that it has become. Once again, Bracken County is tops in the Northeast in terms of highest deer density, holding 7.66 deer per square mile.