White-tailed Deer Hunting

Indiana is the No. 1 Big Buck State!

Yes, you read correctly.

Based on Boone & Crockett records, Indiana has been the top trophy white-tailed deer state per square mile since 2016.

There are several reasons why Indiana is such a great place to hunt for trophy bucks. First, the state has a large and healthy deer population. The Indiana DNR manages the deer herds in each county with the goals of providing ample opportunities for hunters to harvest deer and ensuring that white-tailed deer populations are sustained every year. The bag limit of one buck per season helps the buck population age and grow larger antlers, which provides greater opportunities for hunters to harvest a buck they want.

Along with successful population management methods like hunting, habitat management and research, Indiana’s trophy buck hunting is supported by excellent deer habitat. The state‘s mixture of forests, fields, and wetlands provides ideal habitat for white-tailed deer. While the forests provide cover, the excellent soil in the fields and wetlands provides food. Indiana’s extensive network of small roads, fields, and other open areas in forests also create edge habitat that attract deer.

The vast amount of land available to hunt in Indiana also provides many opportunities to hunt trophy bucks. Between state DNR-managed lands and federally managed land, more than 1,000 square miles of public land is open to hunting in Indiana. Along with public land, there is also plenty of private land available for deer hunting through the Indiana Private Lands Access (IPLA) program.

Here are some tips for hunting trophy bucks in Indiana:

• Hunt during the rut, the time of year when deer are most active and looking for mates.
• Find the areas with the best deer habitat and hunt them.
• Make sure you have the proper gear, comfortable clothing, and snacks.
• Be patient. Hunting for trophy bucks is challenging. Harvesting one is often a once-in-lifetime event. Be prepared to put in the time and effort required.

If you're looking for a great place to hunt for trophy bucks, Indiana is the place to go.