Since its first season in 1965, Kansas deer hunting has changed dramatically.  The early years of Kansas deer hunting were a frustrating time for many hunters.  Due to the size of the Kansas deer herd, Kansas deer hunters had two major challenges.  First, they had to be lucky enough to draw a deer tag through the state’s lottery system.  Second, they had to find a place to hunt that might actually have a deer or two living on it.  On top of that, Kansas hunting was only available to Kansas residents.

Kansas deer hunting has changed dramatically since those early years.  Today, due to the success of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks early management of the deer herd’s population, a resident of Kansas can purchase as many as six deer tags in a single season.  Only one of the deer taken by a hunter can be an antlered buck, but due to the prolific nature of deer and lack of natural predators in the state, Kansas deer hunters are now encouraged to harvest as many as five does per season as well in order to keep populations in check.  Non resident hunters who wish to experience Kansas deer hunting are now welcome in the state also.  Non resident hunters are required to submit an application and have their name drawn for a tag, however, their odds of getting a tag are very good as many parts of the state have permits leftover from the drawing.

The challenge of finding a place to go Kansas deer hunting has also changed a great deal.  While still a challenge in some ways, finding a piece of land that has a deer or two living on it is not one of them.  Some might say it would be tough to find a piece of land in Kansas that doesn’t have deer living on it.  The rise of the Kansas deer population has also led to a huge increase in the popularity of Kansas deer hunting.  The increasing number of hunters in the state has led to a lot of competition in acquiring a place to hunt.  Most landowners are in favor of Kansas deer hunting, are only willing to allow access to a limited number of hunters due to safety concerns as well as for herd management.

Kansas deer hunting has evolved into a great tradition for many hunters.  Many families and groups of friends have come together every season since the first one back in 1965.  The kids who hunted that first Kansas deer season are now taking their grandkids deer hunting and relating stories from over 40 years of time spent in deer camps.  In doing so they are building the excitement and hopes in the hearts of these young hunters that will keep Kansas deer hunting traditions alive for countless generations.

Kansas deer hunting has had a positive economic impact on the state.  Kansas deer hunting has boosted retail sales in many small communities.  Kansas deer hunting has created jobs in taxidermy, meat processing, guiding and outfitting, real estate, and  even land management.