RE: why do deer get bigger in some states?
Lots of agricultural land to feed the deer a good diet, long term quality deer management practices, steep or hilly terrain that makes it difficult for hunters to get to, in effect making sanctuaries for the deer to hide during season, I think Iowa has lower hunting pressure (specifically non-resident hunting), rifle seasons that are shorter and do not coincide with the peak of the rut prevent more good bucks from being shot... lots of reasons.