“You’re going where to hunt whitetail deer? Don’t they have them around here?”

I get this reaction a dozen times a year as I discuss my fall hunting plans. Golfers relish the chance to play a new course, hikers can’t wait for the next horizon, and travelers continually seek new destinations even when the last one was “the best ever.” So why can’t we? After all, deer hunters enjoy the same challenges: new environments, new circumstances, and the chance to try new tactics.

In some cases, if a big buck is your goal, then new horizons are a must. States such as Illinois, Ohio, Kansas, and Iowa have an environment that generates a continual supply of big deer, thanks to genetics, wildlife management, and hunting restrictions that allow bucks to grow to maturity. Best of all, after playing on a new course, you may find that your home game improves as well. Deer hunting is fun… so get out there and enjoy it.

Tell us your favorite places to hunt in the comments section below.