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Every Kansas deer hunter probably hopes to shoot a nice buck during fall season, but
when it doesn’t happen, plenty of opportunities await to fill unused tags. January antlerless
seasons provide good hunting opportunities when deer often assemble in numbers on winter
feeding areas. High deer numbers can cause unwanted crop
damage and habitat destruction, along with increased deer-automobile accidents on roadways.
Extended January seasons can help control and stabilize deer populations in defined
areas while extending the chance to stock a freezer with tasty and healthful venison.
The statewide January antlerless season is open right now through January 9. Any unused
2010 deer tag may be used to take any white-tailed deer without a visible, polished antler. Unit
restrictions listed on the permit apply. Kansas antlerless deer season continues from January
10th through the 16th in units 7, 8, and 15 only; and then an extended archery antlerless
season runs through January 31 in Unit 19 only.
Though it’s not illegal to shoot “bald” bucks that have shed their antlers before
these seasons end, many hunters try to avoid it. Bucks are often larger and their foreheads
often appear swollen where antler pedicels are healing. Does normally travel together
with other deer, while bucks may feed and travel alone.
Now that traditional deer season is behind us, antlerless white-tailed deer permits may
be purchased without first having a permit for an antlered deer. Permits are available
through the day prior to the end of each extended season, online or wherever licenses are sold.
All permits can be used through January 31 in appropriate units only. These are listed
on the tag. Hunters may use any legal deer hunting weapon to take antlerless deer through
January 16, but further hunting in Unit 19 is restricted to archery only.
Brave the cold and enjoy Kansas January deer hunting.
I’m Mike Blair for Kansas Wildlife and Parks.