Great bucks may be taken in every part of New England, from southern Connecticut to the wilds of northern Maine. Several new state records were recently set, and many Boone and Crockett bucks scoring over 200 gross were recorded.

In 2007 and 2008, bucks of 160 inches or better fell in Tolland, Hartford, New London, Windham, Middlesex and New Haven counties. The largest buck of 2007 was a 184 5/8-inch muzzleloader buck killed in Tolland County, while in 2008 it was a 190-class buck taken in Middlesex County.

Here's a look at the potential in all six states, pinpointing areas and methods in each state that are most likely to produce the trophy buck of your dreams!

MASSACHUSETTS
Over the last five seasons, the Bay State has produced more NBBC record-book bucks than any other New England state, with more than 500 new entries to the NBBC record book.

In 2008 a 180-class muzzleloader buck came from Worcester County, and 170-class bow and shotgun bucks were taken in central and eastern parts of the state.

In 2007, a new state-record archery non-typical fell in the eastern part of the state (179 gross Pope and Young) a year after a new state record archery typical (185 7/8) fell in central Massachusetts. A new state-record muzzleloader non-typical (190 1/8) was taken in the Berkshires, and a giant shotgun buck (194 7/8) was taken in eastern Massachusetts.

There has been a noticeable shift in hunting pressure (and deer kills) from west to east. The center of the state, Worcester County (deer management zones 8, 9 and 10) perennially produces more trophy bucks each year than any other county in southern New England.

Zones 8 and 9 are always hotspots, and hunters who gain access in northern Zone 10 (Essex County) could also expect a shot at a trophy. In recent years, bowhunters have really cleaned up in southeastern Zone 11 (Plymouth and Bristol counties).

It is interesting to note that Norfolk County (near Boston) was responsible for this year's new state-record archery non-typical, as well as for a 210-inch road-killed buck that was found in October 2004.

To the west, towns in and around the Connecticut River Valley are showing signs of returning to their productive days. Several 170- to 200-inch bucks have been taken in this area in the last few years.

For more information about big bucks in the Bay State, contact the Northeast Big Buck Club, 390 Marshall Street, Paxton, MA 01612; call (508) 752-8762, or visit the club's Web site at www.bigbuckclub.com.

CONNECTICUT
The Constitution State is New England's "sleeper state" for big bucks. It offers great trophy opportunities for deer hunters with extended early and late archery seasons sandwiched around a peak-rut gun season and an early December muzzleloader season. The state's liberal bag limits allows hunters to both fill the freezer and put a trophy on the wall, especially for hunters who obtain permission to hunt private land.

Several outstanding trophy bucks defined the past five seasons. While archers account for many of the state's best bucks each year, recent seasons have produced 170-class or better bucks in both the muzzleloader and firearms segments as well.

Nearly 500 bucks in the past five years have qualified for entry in the NBBC record books, and almost 100 of the bucks scored 150 or better. The top five bucks during that five-year span scored over 180.

So, where do we find deer like that in the Nutmeg State?

A close look at the NBBC's records indicates that big bucks literally come from every county. During the past five seasons, more 150-class or better bucks came from Tolland County than any other. Many other counties produced several 150-class bucks, including Middlesex County toward the center of the state, Fairfield (south western), Windham (eastern), Litch­field (western), Hartford (central) and New Haven (central) counties. That pretty much covers the entire state!