Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?

[trophyhunt]

I figure I can do some research, but with so many guys/gals with experience on this site, I thought I'd come here first.  If I was to reward myself with the best chance at getting a real trophy whitetail for my retirement, where should I look?  Always hear the Saskatchewan area is best, but I'd rather not go through the hoops involved with Canada.  Staying in country sounds good to me, but will consider anything for a 180+ class buck.  Mule deer seems like it would take too long to draw for a real trophy, otherwise I'd really go for one of those, I figured a whitetail hunt would be easier to obtain.  Anyway, just thought I'd throw this out there, and yeah, I know a 180" for whitetail is a monster, realistically I'm sure a 160+ would work but I like to dream!!   Thanks all
Edit:  I realize what the internet has done to hunting and in no way would I want or ask for people to post specific units or areas.  General info and PM’s are great!

[erronulvin]

If I had the choice to go for once in a lifetime trophy mule deer or whitetail id go to Canada, spend the $$ on a quality guide and enjoy your time. Depending on time of year or weapon type you want to do but I think you would be happy for the quality of bucks you would have an opportunity at harvesting up north but thats just my opinion

[trophyhunt]

I’d stick with rifle, and would want a late season rut hunt for the most fun and opportunity

[tonymiller7]

I'd go to Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

[Kingofthemountain83]

You couldn't go wrong with a guided wt or md hunt in Canada imo... Could hire a guide and do a md hunt in the states if that's an option... If it is I'd look onto Utah... Nevada...

[jjhunter]

Alberta whitetail are legit.  I wasn’t impressed with the current state of mule deer.

And mule deer are ridiculously overpriced for what you get.

[Whitpirate]

I'm gonna be unconventional but Kansas has some giant bucks. 

[trophyhunt]

I was waiting for some US states to get on board!

[vandeman17]

South Dakota has some tanks too

[baker5150]

For cost, ease of getting a tag, and the quality you are wanting, I'd be looking up North.

If money is not an issue, I'd be looking into Muley guides down in Mexico...

[pbg]

This buck scored 153 and is from Texas

[pianoman9701]

Indiana holds the record for whitetail taken by Dustin Huff. All of the midwest states have some healthy, corn and wheat-fed whities. Maine has some monsters, too but the population is a lot lower because the moose eat the forage that's in reach for the smaller deer.

[kentrek]

Big whitetails are expensive
 

Alberta dark horn
BBD outfitters
Iowatrophyhunts
Trophyridge
Sagebrushhunts

[trophyhunt]

very nice buck pbg!

[greenhead_killer]

Last time I was up in Canada. 2019. I think I’m going back in 2028 with another member. You are hunting genetics up there and you will be fooled. I passed on deer most would shoot and should have shot others that I misjudged. If you can sit still for 10hours a day and you don’t get cold, that’s where I’d go. If my wife wouldn’t divorce me, I’d hunt late season Canadian whitetails every year. I love that style of hunt

[trophyhunt]

The MASS on that pig!!!  dayyyymmn.  Did you do the 6 or 8 day hunt?  What did that score?   Would they give you crap if you wore electric socks???  lol

[greenhead_killer]

Hahaha, no electric socks! I suffer the old way. He went in the mid 160s as a 4pt but my goal that trip was a mass buck, regardless of score. He had 39 7/8” of mass. No brainer for me. That was the 8 day and I shot him day 7. 2015 I was up there. Had a nice 5x5 at 150 yards or so. Heavy heavy deer. I passed on him cause he looked short. The mass was deceiving. He would have probably gone in the 170s in hindsight. I ended up shooting a small one a few days later, thinking he was bigger. It plays with your mind after looking at Wa deer for 30 years ha. But you’ll know big when you see it. If it’s heavy, you just shoot it. 

[trophyhunt]

That’s awesome!!  My toes are about the only thing I can’t keep warm, gonna try the socks this turkey season!! I just won’t tell them if I go up there!

[greenhead_killer]

If you’re in a blind, they’ll throw a buddy heater in for you old guys 😂😂. I always raw dog it and I love it! Hahaha

[Kingofthemountain83]

My dad got a battery heated vest one year it got single digits in Winthrop during modern deer... I woke up and peeled my sleeping bag off my face... Froze on my beard cause the condensation... The thermometer said 4 degrees... 

[Jpmiller]

If it was just score your chasing Texas would be my go to if you don’t want Canada. Most Midwest states have some great deer opportunities but Canada has the best. Plus their deer have the biggest bodies. Got a family member who’s into big deer and travelled for them for a while so I’m just parroting him.

[HntnFsh]

Just curious how those big whitetails from Canada eat?

Ive been thinking about a whitetail hunt up there. Would love big horns. But also edible venison.

[greenhead_killer]

I’ve shot giant bodied deer in Wa, Id, and Canada. I have never not had a great eating deer. IMO, it always comes down to field care. Even long pack outs I’ve never had a bad one. I know someone mentioned Kansas and also South Dakota, two states that are also on my radar.