Which States Have the Largest Population of Whitetail Deer?

As of 2024 Here are the States with the Largest Population of Whitetail Deer

Estimating whitetail deer populations is a complex task, with numbers constantly fluctuating. These numbers are estimates and can vary depending on the source. Remember, deer populations are constantly changing due to factors like predation, habitat loss, and severe weather or environmental events.

Texas boasts the largest whitetail deer population in the United States at more than 5 million deer. More than 3-4 times the next most populous whitetail deer states of Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi and Wisconsin.

Important to note, that population does not equal trophy success. When it comes to record book whitetail deer, a few states consistently rise to the top. Here's a breakdown of the states boasting the most Boone and Crockett Club (B&C) entries:

Where the big boys hail from:

1. Wisconsin: The undisputed champion, Wisconsin reigns supreme with over 1,800 total B&C whitetail deer entries.
2. Illinois: A close contender, Illinois boasts over 1,300 entries in the Boone and Crockett record book.
3. Iowa: Not known for population, Iowa is known for Booners, with more than 1,100 B&C whitetail entries. The best Booner per deer ratio in the top 5 by a hefty margin.
4. Minnesota: Minnesota comes in at number four with over 900 entries in the Boone and Crockett record book.
5. Ohio: Rounding out the top five, Ohio has over 800 B&C whitetail entries.

Here's a breakdown of whitetail deer populations in each state with a very rough estimated population range (as of 2024):

States with Abundant Whitetail Deer (over 1 million):

• Alabama (1.5 - 1.8 million)
• Georgia (1.2 - 1.3 million)
• Illinois (500,000 - 700,000) Note: While not exceeding 1 million, Illinois has a very dense and significant whitetail population.
• Indiana (600,000 - 1 million)
• Kansas (500,000 - 750,000)
• Kentucky (800,000 - 1.1 million)
• Michigan (1.5 - 2 million)
• Minnesota (800,000 - 1.2 million)
• Mississippi (1.5 - 1.8 million)
• Missouri (1.2 - 1.5 million)
• New York (800,000 - 1.2 million)
• North Carolina (800,000 - 1.3 million)
• Ohio (500,000 - 750,000)
• Pennsylvania (1.2 - 1.5 million)
• South Carolina (500,000 - 800,000)
• Tennessee (600,000 - 900,000)
• Texas (4.5 - 5.5 million) Note: Texas boasts the highest whitetail deer population in the US.
• Virginia (700,000 - 1 million)
• Wisconsin (1.3 - 1.6 million)

States with Moderate Whitetail Deer Populations (500,000 - 1 million):

• Arkansas (800,000 - 1.1 million) Note: While potentially exceeding 1 million, Arkansas falls within the moderate range in some estimates.
• Florida (400,000 - 700,000) Note: Estimates for Florida vary greatly due to habitat variations.
• Louisiana (400,000 - 550,000)
• Maryland (200,000 - 300,000)
• Oklahoma (500,000 - 750,000)

States with Lower Whitetail Deer Populations (under 500,000):

• All remaining states generally have populations under 500,000 with variations depending on specific habitat and hunting pressure. Some notable examples include:
  • Arizona (less than 100,000)
  • California (less than 200,000)
  • Colorado (less than 200,000)
  • Iowa (300,000 - 450,000)
  • Montana (less than 100,000)
  • Nevada (less than 100,000)
  • North Dakota (less than 100,000)
  • South Dakota (less than 350,000)
  • Wyoming (less than 100,000)