Out-of-State Hunting Tips
Hunting out of state can certainly be overwhelming at times, especially if you are doing it for the first time. Each state has different rules and regulations you have to follow. You need to do your research to know what is or isn't allowed in the states you are looking to hunt. The two states that I'll be referencing for the most part, are Kansas and Wisconsin. I will reference these two states as my examples due to the fact that I have experience hunting there, as well as my home state of Minnesota. I have compiled a few tips that I have learned over the last couple years hunting. These are just some key points to think about to help insure you are able to punch your tag and make your trip as smooth as possible when you are hunting out of state.
Determine the county in the state of your choosing, and/or the unit you have drawn or that you, yourself, have selected. Once this is established, the research begins.
How many deer can I shoot? In Kansas, I was allowed to shoot 1 buck and 1 doe. In the county I was hunting in Wisconsin, I was allowed 1 buck and 3 does. There are several factors that are considered when the limits are set. How big is the deer population in the area? Is it a CWD zone or not? Those are a couple of examples.
Is there a restriction on how many points a rack has per side, or is there a specific number of points that make it a legal buck? Keep in mind that this restriction or lack thereof can be altered from year to year. You need to keep up on the latest rules where you hunt. Neither Kansas nor Wisconsin have had restrictions on points where I have hunted thus far. So, I have been able to pull the trigger on whatever buck I chose to punch my tag with. These rules are set for a reason but just make sure you are comfortable with the restrictions in the spot you want to hunt. I had a buddy that was hunting in a point restricted area and he was unable to make a shot on a monster six pointer due to this restriction.
So, you have harvested a deer, how do you report it? In the majority of states, you can just call it in. However, there are always exceptions, and in some states, you have to go to a designated location to tag the deer, keeping the hunters honest. Wisconsin allowed me to call it in. My home state of Minnesota does the same. When I hunted Kansas, I reported my harvest to a specific website. I had to input the time, date, and county of my kill, as well as a photo of the deer with the tag on it. My personal opinion is that it is too easy to just call it in. There is more room for unethical behavior in this scenario than if you are required to have a photo of the deer with the tag.
Do you plan to gut or quarter the deer on the spot? If you plan on doing this you need to know what is legal and what isn't in regards to the remaining carcass. In Wisconsin, I was required to dispose of the remains, and I had to find a location where I had permission to drop off the carcass. So, doing this in advance saved a lot of stress and last-minute issues. The reason for this, in the location I hunted, was because it was a posted CWD area. I will talk more about that as my next point.
CWD Zones. Do you plan to hunt in a state with one of these zones? If so, you have to be up to date on the laws for CWD zone hunting. I haven't done any hunting in a CWD zone in Kansas, but in Wisconsin, I have. When harvesting, you are required to bring them to a designated station for testing. These stations are open sporadically. So, it is essential to know the days and hours of operation for these sites in advance, so you don't run into a bind. If you live a fair distance away and you find yourself with a harvested deer with a closed station, you may indeed have a problem. Every deer shot in these zones are tested for Chronic Wasting Disease. This is to keep a handle on the spreading of the disease. The lymph nodes are sent in for testing which takes about 5 business days to get the results.
Do I plan to transport my deer across state lines? For a new hunter or someone just starting to hunt in other states, this is a topic that may not even be considered beforehand. However, it is something to research. You need to beware of the laws in the various states you will travel through. What do they allow to cross through their borders? You could have your deer confiscated if a rule is broken, and there goes the whole trip! My path from Minnesota to Kansas and back again was pretty straightforward. The laws weren't too strict. The main thing was not to transport the deer spine or brain state to state. So, I was allowed to carry the antlers, hide and meat. Being aware of these regulations where you will be traveling, in advance, will alleviate many stresses that could potentially arrive later in the trip.
Research a reputable taxidermist in the area that you will be hunting. If you are not a seasoned hunter, or even if you are, you may not know how to cape your own deer and you will need a professional to take care of this for you. You will not want to go around frantically looking for one after the fact. You'll want to research and find one with experience and good ratings. You may even want to have a one-on-one chat prior to hunting season. You will also need to know their business hours.
Lastly, but certainly high on the list of importance in my book, where will I sleep and what will I eat? So, you did your research and found the honey spot to hunt! Now you need to dig deeper and search the surrounding areas for accommodations. To each their own. You may be the type to want a hotel, or you may be that person who wants to camp or stay at a rest stop. Whatever your poison, research and find what you need before you start your trip. I personally am the hunter that wants to be frugal. I look for a truck stop or gym to shower. I look for a few options of fast food and a local Walmart for food and or emergency supplies. I was fortunate to have found a town within 30 minutes of both my hunting spots out of state in Kansas and Wisconsin.
Doing your homework prior to your hunting trip will make things more organized and run smoothly. It will make for a much more enjoyable venture all around. This process will free you up to focus on your mission, landing your prize buck!
-Dillon Lee, Fall Obsession Pro Staff