Kansas deer hunters are privileged to hunt some of the biggest bucks in the nation. In fact, several deer prognosticators believe the Sunflower State could produce the next world-record buck.

Mick Bowman waited near a soybean field to take this Pope and Young trophy deer. In December, look for bucks in tight cover near food sources. They'll be hunkering down and putting pounds back on after the rut. Photo courtesy of Mick Bowman.

Serious buck chasers are flocking to the state now in droves, just for a chance at one of the giant bucks that inhabits the varied landscapes.

However, if you're an archer, I've got even better news for you. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has done several things to help stack the odds in your favor. They have a one-buck limit, and allow only archers to hunt during the November rut -- that factor alone has made the biggest impact in the size of headgear the bucks are wearing!

Remember, there are three factors necessary to produce a monster buck -- nutrition, genetics and age.

First off, with the rich agricultural areas dotting the state, the vast majority of bucks grow huge bodies.

Second, the genetics for huge antlers are already present, statewide.

Third, with the state going to a one-buck limit, the odds are higher that more bucks will reach older age-classes. So, rejoice deer hunters, the good ol' days are now!

If you're an archer you have the longest season -- beginning Sept. 21 and running until Dec. 31. Archers have the rut all to themselves, and some will no doubt encounter some enormous love-crazed bucks that will throw caution to the wind. Many bragging-size bucks will be arrowed in November.

Gun season begins Dec. 1 and runs for 13 days. Undoubtedly, some gun-toters will get a crack at a rut-worn monarch trying to recover from the November love fest. After gun season ends, most hunters will stow their gear away until next season. But archers are still in the game: There's still some good bowhunting still going on.

DEER SUPERMARKETS
Whitetails adore acorns and other tender orbs strewn about the forest floor. But you can bet by late season, these delectables will be gone. When whitetails can't feed within the security of the forest canopy, they are forced outside to other food sources and become more vulnerable to hunters.

Though whitetails feed a considerable amount at night, nonetheless, when deer are on their feet in the daylight they are opportunistic feeders.

In December, deer must turn to food sources for energy to endure winter. That is when automatic corn feeders, like Moultrie or American Hunter feeders, can be real assets. Those insatiable yellow nuggets supply nothing more than a carbohydrate fuel, to give them short bursts of energy.

Feed fields are usually invaded by whitetails in December to rebuild lost mass expelled during the rut. It is not uncommon for a 300-pound buck to lose 70 pounds while he is chasing does. The most common feed fields are alfalfa, corn, wheat, soybean and oats just to name a few.

EXPERT ADVICE FOR LATE-SEASON ARCHERS
Shawn Stratton of Republican Valley Whitetails said bowhunters who keep hunting through December get good opportunities.