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Author Topic: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?  (Read 4550 times)

Offline trophyhunt

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Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« on: April 09, 2026, 06:54:37 AM »
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!
« Last Edit: April 09, 2026, 08:13:59 AM by trophyhunt »
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Offline erronulvin

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2026, 07:21:20 AM »
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

Offline trophyhunt

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2026, 07:44:40 AM »
I’d stick with rifle, and would want a late season rut hunt for the most fun and opportunity
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Offline tonymiller7

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2026, 08:26:39 AM »
I'd go to Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

Offline Kingofthemountain83

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2026, 08:32:23 AM »
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...
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Offline jjhunter

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2026, 02:03:51 PM »
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.

Offline Whitpirate

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2026, 02:25:20 PM »
I'm gonna be unconventional but Kansas has some giant bucks. 

Offline trophyhunt

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2026, 02:35:02 PM »
I was waiting for some US states to get on board!
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Offline vandeman17

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2026, 02:44:24 PM »
South Dakota has some tanks too
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Offline baker5150

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #9 on: April 09, 2026, 02:53:40 PM »
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...


Offline pbg

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #10 on: April 09, 2026, 03:13:29 PM »
This buck scored 153 and is from Texas

Offline pianoman9701

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #11 on: April 09, 2026, 03:27:11 PM »
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.
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Offline kentrek

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #12 on: April 09, 2026, 04:08:45 PM »
Big whitetails are expensive
 

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Offline trophyhunt

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #13 on: April 09, 2026, 04:27:28 PM »
very nice buck pbg!
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Offline greenhead_killer

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Re: Best state for trophy whitetail or Canada?
« Reply #14 on: April 09, 2026, 07:43:44 PM »
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

 


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