Parsing the states' rankings

Across six metrics, deer hunting strengths and challenges in the states of the Big Ten Conference.

Total deer harvest, harvest per 100 deer hunters, and hunter success rankings are based on 2022 data. Hunters per 1,000 population ranking is based on 2021 licensure data, with population estimates for those aged 10 and over in each state. Hunter success ranking is based on the percentage of hunters who reported harvesting at least one deer. Trophy bucks ranking include typical and non-typical whitetail and mule deer from 2012 through 2022.
C.J. Sinner and Joe Rull , Star Tribune Source: National Deer Association, Backcountry Chronicles (public land analysis), Boone & Crockett Club, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates