Montana hunters know we have some pretty gnarly whitetails roaming our river bottoms, fields, ranches, and even in the mountains. From the Milk River to the Yellowstone, there’s no shortage of heavy-racked deer for folks willing to put in the time.
Key Takeaways
- Boone and Crockett’s newest Records of North American Whitetail Deer compiles more than 17,000 trophy whitetail entries.
- The nearly 700-page record book highlights which states consistently produce the biggest bucks.
- Wisconsin leads the nation with 1,822 entries, followed by other proven whitetail states across the Midwest and beyond.
- Several “bonus” states also stand out thanks to monster bucks and strong county-level production.
- For Montana hunters considering a road trip or future out-of-state tag, the data shows plenty of places where a true giant is realistic.
But if you’ve ever thought about branching out beyond your home state, the latest edition of Records of North American Whitetail Deer from the Boone and Crockett Club shows there are plenty of other destinations where truly giant whitetails call home.
The nearly 700-page record book breaks down more than 17,000 trophy whitetails and highlights the states that consistently produce the biggest bucks. Leading the list is Wisconsin with an incredible 1,822 entries, followed by powerhouse whitetail states like Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, and Kansas.
A few bonus states—like Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee—also stand out thanks to monster bucks and impressive county-level production.
For Montana hunters dreaming about a road trip or a future out-of-state whitey tag, the data makes one thing clear: there are plenty of places across the country where chasing a true giant is more than just wishful thinking.
Photo of a Montana whitetail by Angela Maxwell
FAQ: Trophy Whitetails, Record Books, and Where Giants Come From
What does Boone and Crockett’s whitetail record book track?
It compiles trophy whitetail entries recognized by the Boone and Crockett Club, with the latest edition breaking down more than 17,000 trophy whitetails.
How big is the latest Records of North American Whitetail Deer edition?
The record book is described as nearly 700 pages.
Which state leads the Boone and Crockett list for trophy whitetails?
Wisconsin leads the list with 1,822 entries.
Which other states consistently produce giant whitetails?
The book highlights states like Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, and Kansas as major producers.
Are there any “surprise” or bonus trophy whitetail states?
Yes. Texas, Arkansas, and Tennessee stand out in the data thanks to monster bucks and strong county-level production.
Does Montana produce trophy whitetails too?
Yes—Montana hunters commonly see heavy-racked deer in river bottoms, fields, ranches, and even mountainous areas, including country from the Milk River to the Yellowstone.
What’s the main takeaway for Montana hunters who want to travel for a big buck?
The record book data suggests there are plenty of destinations across the U.S. where chasing a truly giant whitetail is more than wishful thinking.
Does the record book focus only on state rankings?
No—the text notes it also highlights impressive county-level production in some states.
