Best state for hunting horns

[PrairieShot9]

Are you guys hunting only in Illinois? Thinking about a second state for hunting, but not sure which one would be the best for horns.

 

[solbuilds]

If you like Illinois, add Iowa for shed hunting, their public lands have tons of big whitetails dropping antlers in February. Better odds than staying in one state, and less crowded than Colorado.

 

[HarborLight]

Kentucky is underrated for horns, river bottoms full of them, and OTC access without draws.

I find 10-15 sets a weekend there, way more than Illinois draws.

 

[PrairieShot9]

If you like Illinois, add Iowa for shed hunting, their public lands have tons of big whitetails dropping antlers in February. Better odds than staying in one state, and less crowded than Colorado.

I was actually thinking about Iowa. I am planning a family trip there. In this case, I will probably extend it so I can have some time for hunting.

 

[Dobeman2000]

Are you talking about shed hunting, or actually hunting for big bucks? I'm assuming hunting for big bucks. I hunt IA almost every year (where I grew up). Archery tags are very difficult to get-usually takes around three years, depending on the zone you are applying for. I usually can get gun tags each year for the zone I hunt. South Eastern IA is the mecca of deer hunting, but there are monsters from Des Moines to the east. Very expensive however- about $125 for a hunting license and then $500 for an E/S tag and a doe tag (they only way they come for non-residents). Plenty of states have big bucks however. If I didn't have friend's and family in IA with private land I would be going to Kentucky for sure. Kansas is another big buck state, but I think the draw can be tough there too, not certain.

 

[PrairieShot9]

I meant shed hunting for horns. Iowa sounds pricey for non-residents, but that SE area has some monsters. I might scout public land near the Mississippi River in winter. Kentucky is on my list too, since OTC tags make it easy to hit those river bottoms for fresh sheds.