I think I would decide what I wanted and what type of terraine I intend to hunt. Mid-west deer are noted for those hugh racks, as does South Texas. The upper-midwest and Northeast brags about their deer size. It depends on what you really intend to shoot, the areas you like to hunt, accomodations, regulations, (shotgun only etc). Good Luck and one last comment...I think Texas with over 3 million deer has the largest population. I know they number also includes mule deer, so I'll have to check.