The essentials for hunting Kansas

Kansas is world famous for simply top-notch deer and upland hunting. Kansas is synonymous with big antlers and big bucks under them, and huge roosters cackling as they explode out of the CRP and try to outfly a load of sixes. It is one of the best places in America to hunt, if not the best place to hunt. Generous bag limits, hunting licenses that are affordable and its central location make Kansas a beloved hunting destination.

All that said, there are some things you can do to make your hunt in Kansas the best ever. Think about these ideas that will be of help to you with any hunt in our great state.

1. Bring flexible clothing. "If you don’t like the weather in Kansas," the saying goes, "hold your breath, because it will change." Mornings that start bitterly cold can find the afternoon comfortably warm. A wind can spring up that changes a mild day into a miserable one, particularly if it clouds up to add to the chill. That means layers and a parka that can be traded for a jacket can be a great idea. Waterproof boots are a must. Lots of the best hunting involves going where things are wet, damp or swampy – and if you want to get a shot you’ve got to go in there. Cold feet aren’t any fun, so be ready to protect your toes! In short, come ready for just about any kind of weather because in Kansas you can expect the unexpected.

2. Get a guide. Kansas does have public hunting in the state sponsored Walk in Hunting program. Want the truth? These lands are over hunted and by the end of opening weekend the crowds have pushed the birds right off of them on to private lands. Folks who imagine they can show up in Kansas and have farmers invite themselves on to prime private hunting lands probably think they can hit roosters with a handgun too! A guide should put you on private land that has been managed for habitat and wildlife. That’s their job (and what we do best at the Double K).

3. Bring some HeviShot. The ballistic requirements for deer are subject to great debate, but there is no question what your shotgun needs to carry for our big ringnecks: HeviShot. If you don’t know about HeviShot, here is the lowdown. It’s a specialized tungsten-iron mix that was developed as a non-toxic alternative to lead shot for waterfowlers. Turns out it is heavier than lead and hits like a ton of bricks. We’ve shot lead shot and copper-plated shot and everything in between and nothing drops birds like HeviShot. Nothing. Few believe it but one of our guides dropped a pheasant at eighty yards and the bird hit the ground dead on the spot. Eighty yards! We’ve found that because it is so dense and heavy you can shoot number six shot instead of four, getting the quantity of sixes and the lethality of fours. It is an incredible combination: a big cloud of pellets that hit like flying hammers. Granted, HeviShot is not inexpensive. But if you’ve come a long ways for the hunt of a lifetime why not load your gun with the shot that will give you the best chance at dropping that rooster?  We have a link to HeviShot's website in our links section.  Think about visiting there before you visit here.

4. Knock the rust off your shooting before you come. Remember, the best guide can only put you in contact with game. He cannot pull the trigger for you. There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing that trophy buck step out of the morning mist, pause right in your cross hairs . . . and then you’re the only damage your shot does is to his hearing, as the bang startles him and he runs away safely.  What about when the dogs lock down hard, there is that moment of absolute stillness and then a rooster fires out, clawing the air and screaming for altitude, and you swing your trusty shotgun ... and don’t even ruffle a feather? After all the talk about how hunting is about being outdoors, and watching the dogs work, and just experiencing nature and all the rest, eventually as hunters we want a shot on game and we want to make that shot. A little warm up at the gun club back home before you come up can pay big dividends in Kansas.

Kansas hunting is awesome and needs to be your home base for hunting. However, your best hunt can’t happen unless you come ready for great hunting. With the right gear and the right guide you can expect a Kansas hunt you will never forget!