Out of State Whitetail Hunt-Planning Stages

[adamm88]

I would like to Try and Hunt out of state with my Son(12) next year for Whitetail, We live south central pa close to the Md border for reference. I'd love to backpack in and Camp/Hunt on State ground if possible while rifle hunting. Or camp close to

I would like it to be a Rifle Hunt and be able to hunt Sunday if Possible Probably either Maryland or Virginia, Maybe New York, If we go to Maryland it would either be a late Hunt(like January 2026 Maybe), I know VA and NY both have Mid November Rifle Openers. I have some success in pa but now my son is older adventure is calling.

For those that DIY Public land how do you research or the DCNR websites? I have on x but only PA im willing to switch to two states to research, Any other tips and tricks for research? Its over a year plus away but i want to start getting a game plan together if this will happen.

 

[ElkArcher918]

I would look to parts of Oh for some decent public land hunting. Doable drive from where you live. If you do your research and stay away from large population centers, decent hunting can be had, especially during bow season. Need to work Hard to put your buck in the truck. Consider doing some turkey hunting in the Spring to get the lay of the land prior to Fall deer. No need to backpack in but enough land to set up a cozy central basecamp or rent a cabin nearby. Enough said. Feel free to PM me if you have ?s.

 

[adamm88]

I would look to parts of Oh for some decent public land hunting. Doable drive from where you live. If you do your research and stay away from large population centers, decent hunting can be had, especially during bow season. Need to work Hard to put your buck in the truck. Consider doing some turkey hunting in the Spring to get the lay of the land prior to Fall deer. Enough said. Feel free to PM if you have ?s.

Thanks, Iv thought about Ohio, The goal is to gun hunt to increase a chance at something, Oh is straighwall or Muzzleloader so Id need two guns or another inline. But ill definitely keep that in mind.

 

[Glendon Mullins]

plenty of places to camp and hunt round where i live, plenty of national forest

 

[adamm88]

plenty of places to camp and hunt round where i live, plenty of national forest

That is one plus for VA that i have seen, What is the success like? Not that it has to be successful but Pa public can be rough at times. Seeing something makes is successful in my mind

 

[birdhunter]

If Ny is on your list the best place that would fit your needs would be the Northern Zone(Adirondack Mts) but deer densities are low.Most of NY southern zone with the exception of the Catskill Mtns.is suburban and farmland mostlyG private with lots of hunters opening week.Good luck with everything.

 

[Long Cut]

Best advice is to start now and locally. Do some 1-2 day camping trip & hunts or scouting missions. Get your “system” down and ready to roll. Know what you need and don’t need, or what to improve.

Same thing but scouting missions/turkey hunt where you plan to hunt this Spring. OnX, drop pins etc so whenever you decide to hunt, you’re somewhat familiar with the area, where to camp, setup, hunt etc…

 

[Glendon Mullins]

That is one plus for VA that i have seen, What is the success like? Not that it has to be successful but Pa public can be rough at times. Seeing something makes is successful in my mind

If you hunt hard for a week and somewhat know what your doing you will have a chance at a mature mountain 8 point.