Which state has the best whitetail deer hunting in terms of deer numbers, quality, generous seasons/bag limits, publice land availability, etc? Thanks.
There is that old saying, " You can't eat your cake and have it,too."
Texas has the largest deer population and long seasons with good bag limits. The unfortunate thing is that there is little free hunting or public land. Unless you know someone very well or own land there, you will pay. Also, the deer in the Lone Star State aren't all that large. Yes they have some antlers but my friend shot a buck in Massachusetts dressed out at 272 pounds. You will not get that in Texas. Also, he didn't have to pay any sort of lease fee. In Massachusetts, if land is unposted you can hunt on it.
Maine has a lot of open land to hunt and there are always some deer that appoach the 300 lb dressed mark each season. But the deer density where the trophies are, is not very high. Hunter success rates are 10% or less.
The same could be said of New Hampshire or Vermont. Again, you can have fun but it isn't perfect.
I hear some good stories about Michigan. I wouldn't mind going there one day to experience it.