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Q&A · Hunting

Does Kansas have a trophy deer program?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Kansas has a trophy white-tailed deer program, known as the "Buckmaster's Trophy Whitetail Program," which recognizes and rewards the largest and most impressive deer harvested in the state.

Program Details

The Buckmaster’s Trophy Whitetail Program is administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) in partnership with Buckmasters Whitetail Trophy Records. To qualify, deer must meet specific criteria, including minimum antler scores, and be harvested in Kansas during the regular firearms deer season. For whitetail bucks, the minimum antler score is 125 inches for typical racks or 145 inches for non-typical racks.

Antler Scoring

Antler scoring is a crucial step in determining eligibility for the program. The KDWPT uses the Boone and Crockett Club’s scoring system, which evaluates antlers based on their circumference, length, and overall mass. To qualify, deer must meet the minimum antler score, and measurements are taken to the nearest eighth of an inch. Hunters can submit their deer for scoring through a certified measurer or by submitting photos and measurements to the KDWPT.

Benefits and Recognition

Deer that meet the program’s criteria are recognized and rewarded through various publications and media outlets, including Buckmasters Whitetail Trophy Records and the KDWPT’s website. Hunters who successfully enter their deer into the program receive a certificate and a recognition package, which includes a Buckmasters Whitetail Trophy Records award. The program also provides a way for hunters to share their deer and hunting experiences with others, promoting conservation and appreciation for Kansas’s whitetail deer population.

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