If you are thinking about taking a hunting trip anywhere in North America, read our guide of helpful hints and the best locations.
Table of Contents
Before You Go Hunting
Before you embark on your hunting trip there are a couple of things you should familiarize yourself with.
Ethical Hunting
The concept of ethical hunting has been around for some time. It is important that all hunters have an understanding of its principles and practise these when in the field.
Ethical hunting means that a person knows and respects the game hunted. Follows the law and behaves in a way that will satisfy what society expects of a hunter. Ethical hunters are familiar with the places they hunt. The wildlife that live there and the way they should behave when hunting.
Practicing ethical hunting techniques in the field will ensure that you get the most out of your hunting experience. It will assist to secure the future of your recreational activity.
There are three key aspects to ethical hunting:
- knowing and respecting the game: understanding the deer and their habitat, and treating them fairly and with respect;
- obeying the law: laws and regulations have been introduced to ensure that hunting is conducted in a safe, responsible and sustainable manner; and
- behaving in the right manner: hunter behaviour has a direct impact on public opinion; remember your actions may impact on the future of deer hunting.
Benefits of Hunting
Scientifically-based and regulated hunting has never led to threatened or endangered wildlife populations, ever! Hunting funds, specifically dollars generated from application fees/hunting permit/stamp sales, have helped many game and non-game species recover. They help with dwindling numbers through public lands acquisition. Furthermore, they help with habitat improvement and maintenance, research, public information/education, and wildlife law enforcement work. As an example, in 1907, only 41,000 elk remained in North America. Thanks to the money and hard work invested by hunters to restore and conserve habitat. Currently there are more than 1 million elk!
Herds of elk once common across all of Nebraska became extinct by 1900. In the 1960s a few elk came to Nebraska. In 1986 the state had its first modern elk hunting season. Since then, elk and have expanded into hills and rivers of western Nebraska. The annual passage of young bulls through eastern Nebraska is a common occurrence. Hundreds of elk have been harvested since the first season in 1986. The return of elk to Nebraska is due to the tolerance of landowners and the work of biologists. Subsidized by hunters, but also to the endeavors of hunters themselves. Hunting organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The bottom line: Hunters pay more for overall wildlife conservation than any other user or advocacy group.
Wildlife Management
Hunting is a vital wildlife management tool. It keeps nature at a healthy balance of which the available habitat can support (carrying capacity). For many wildlife species, hunting also helps to maintain populations at levels compatible with human activity and land use. Wildlife is a renewable natural resource with a surplus and hunters harvest that surplus! This harvestable surplus is never exhausted. Hunting serves as an integral part of preserving native biodiversity and has a legitimate place in modern society. Hunting keeps the Wild wild
Best Places to Hunt
Alaska
For truly big game, Alaska is a treasure trove for America’s hunters. Grizzly bear, black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, Alaska-Yukon moose, caribou, muskox, bison, and various mountain sheep and goat species are all on the hunting menu. Plus wolves, wolverines, various small game. Of course the incredible salmon and halibut fishing (but that’s a story for another time).
Game
Brown/grizzly bears are found throughout Alaska. Except on the islands south of Frederick Sound in southeastern Alaska. The islands west of Unimak in the Aleutian Chain, and the islands of the Bering Sea. The monster-huge Kodiak brown bear, sometimes called the Alaskan brown bear, inhabits the islands of the Kodiak Archipelago. It is one of the two largest bear species in the world, the other being the polar bear.
Black bears are found in the majority of the interior of the state and southern coastal areas. However, not along the western coasts and islands (where brown bear dominate).
Moose range all over Alaska. Moreover, they are especially abundant on timberline plateaus. Additionally, along the major rivers of south-central and interior Alaska. Recently burned areas that have generated dense stands of willow, aspen, and birch shrubs.
The black-tailed Sitka deer is native to the coastal rainforests of southeast Alaska. The range has been expanded to include populations near Yakutat, in Prince William Sound, and on Kodiak and Afognak Islands. Mule deer and white-tailed deer have migrated into the eastern portion of the state via Canada. Mule deer are now legal to hunt in certain areas (year-round, and without a bag limit; see below).
Alaska Laws on Hunting
Alaska has large areas of public land that are open to hunting, managed by the state and federal governments. Most national parks are closed to hunting, although national preserve areas may be hunted.
You will need to purchase non-resident permits. Assuming you’re traveling to Alaska and don’t already live there. They can be pretty pricey, ranging from $60 for a wolf permit up to $2,200 for muskox. Deer tags are $300, black bear $450. Elk and goat $600, caribou $650, moose $800, bison $900, and brown/grizzly bear $1,000. This is not an insubstantial amount of money, but as they say, everything is more expensive in Alaska.
And don’t forget to factor in the price of an outfitter or guide, if that’s your bag. However, for the free spirits out there, Alaska allows non-resident hunting of black bear and moose. Many other species, other than brown/grizzly bear, Dall sheep, or mountain goat) without a guide. Check the local regulations to confirm before booking your hunting trip, though.
Non-Residents
All nonresidents hunting big game species that require an Alaska-licensed guide should check. Specifically, to see if their hunt requires a guide-client contract. The may be in place before or at the time of applying for draw hunts.
Nonresidents (i.e., non-US citizens) must be personally accompanied by an Alaska-licensed guide to hunt ANY big game animal in Alaska. Including black bear, brown/grizzly bear, bison, caribou, Dall sheep, deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, muskox, wolf and wolverine.
Also be aware that in many regions of Alaska, bag limits affect the next several years of hunting. After a bear is taken, you may need to wait between one and four years to hunt bear in Alaska again.
Hunters may not take any bear cubs or sows with cubs. You are required to salvage both the hide (with claws and evidence of sex naturally attached). The skull of a grizzly bear killed anywhere in Alaska (for non-resident hunters).
And in case you’re wondering, no, you can’t hunt polar bears in Alaska. Unless you’re classified as part of the Alaska native population, and only if the activity is not wasteful. The polar bear population remains healthy.
If you happen to want to drive through Canada to get to Alaska; and want to take your hunting guns with you, we recommend you think twice. Canada border agents are notoriously finicky about firearms, even if you follow all the rules. It’s best to fly to Alaska. Follow all TSA and airline regulations about transporting firearms and ammunition legally. Even consider shipping your guns to your guide, or to yourself, where legal.
Texas
The major native game animals in Texas are: white-tailed deer, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, gray or cat squirrel. There is also red or fox squirrel, collared peccary or javelina, and alligators. Yes, alligators; head to east Texas to earn your ‘gator boots.
Native white-tailed deer grow biggest in the south Texas plains, basically from San Antonio south to the “tip.” This is also where the most epic Texas dove hunting is found.
Texas’s highest alligator populations occur along the eastern portion of the Gulf Coast between Houston and the Louisiana border. However, a respectable number of gators live in the coastal prairies down towards Corpus Christi, as well as scattered locations throughout east Texas where there are lots of rivers.
However, the real story about hunting big game in Texas for many people has to do with African game that has been transplanted by Texas ranches to either supplement their cattle production or lure in hunters from around the world.
Texan Laws
More than 95% of the land in Texas is privately owned or managed so understanding Texas hunting laws is important. Non-residents need to get permission from the landowner to hunt as a guest or pay the landowner to hunt on that land.
A hunting license is required of any person, regardless of age, who hunts any animal, bird, frog, or turtle in Texas (except furbearers, if the hunter possesses a trapper’s license). No license is required for nuisance fur-bearing animals, depredating hogs, or coyotes.
There is no legal closed season on exotic safari-type hunting in Texas and dates with the various ranches/hunting properties are available year-round. Almost all Texas safaris offer a payment structure based on “Trophy Fees,” i.e., if you don’t get your kill, you don’t pay, other than the standard fees covering things like food, lodging, guide services, airport transportation, etc.
Arizona
Arizona’s big game lineup includes pronghorn (often called “antelope”), black bear, bison, bighorn sheep, elk, javelina, turkey, mountain lion, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. You can also draw for mountain lion permits.
Arizona’s desert bighorn sheep live primarily in the south and western portion of the state, near steep slopes in mountain ranges and rocky cliffs above foothills. One of the most populous habitats is in the Black Mountains near Kingman. Also, the Havasu wilderness area, which spans for 30 miles along the Colorado River north of Lake Havasu City, is home to many bighorn sheep, game birds, coyotes, porcupines, and bobcats.
Other Game in Arizona
Mule deer are found in the National Forests that cut across Arizona’s north-central and eastern country, from Grand Canyon National Park in the north/central to Apache National Forest in the southeast. But the real monsters are found in what’s known as the “Arizona Strip” (Units 13A and 13B) in the northwest corner of the state. Some of the largest mulies ever harvested have come from this area, and the gene pool is one of the best, if not the best in the world.
Bear in Arizona? You’re dang right. Turns out Arizona is second only to Colorado in producing Boone & Crockett-record sized black bear (in the lower 48 western states; Alaska has more record black bears taken, and surprisingly, Wisconsin doubles or even triples every other top-20 state’s numbers). AZ bear country is pretty much the swath of national forests from the bottom of the Grand Canyon down-east to Apache National Forest. There are both fall and spring black bear hunts, and archery or any-legal-weapon hunts, but most areas may close early based on sow quotas, so be sure to check with AZ game and fish.
Arizona Laws
We mentioned that black bear sow quotas can shut down certain units for the year, so keep an eye on that if you’re after one of the “bears in the pears” (where bears move to lower elevations to feast on prickly pear cactus fruit).
Otherwise, Arizona’s hunting laws and regulations are pretty extensive, and too much to go into here without boring people to death. You can check any particular regulation or hunting rules for Arizona before booking your hunting trip by checking the AZ department of game and fish’s site here.
Wyoming
Wyoming is the country’s least populated state and has plenty of room hunters, over 31 million acres. It also has plenty of big game. About one-quarter of Wyoming’s population hunts the 31.4 million acres of public land – about half of the state’s entire land area. Wyoming has hunting opportunities for elk, antelope, mountain goats, deer, moose, bison, and bighorn sheep. While a great state for hunting, Wyoming does have a complicated draw system and requires non-resident hunters to hire a guide or have a resident companion if they choose to hunt in federal wilderness areas. Information about obtaining a Wyoming hunting license can be found on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website.
Montana
Another beautiful state popular for hunting is Montana. Hunting in Montana has cultivated local economies that depend on the sport. About 20% of Montana’s population hunts, but with 30 million acres of public land available, there’s plenty of space for hunting. Montana offers opportunities to hunt moose, bison, black bears, deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope. Montana hunting and trapping licenses can be found on the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website.
Wisconsin
In addition to the genetic-freak-huge bears and bucks in cheesehead country, you can also hunt elk, wolf, bobcat, fox, squirrel, opossum, coyote, rabbits and hares, multiple species of waterfowl, and upland game such as Hungarian partridge, ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse, pheasant, bobwhites, woodcock, dove, and snipe.
Good white tails can be found across the state, but traditionally the biggest bucks have been found in Buffalo, Trempealeau, Vernon, Crawford, and Grant counties.
Black bears are not present in the southeast corner of Wisconsin but become more common the higher north you go, with the top third of the state boasting an “abundant” population, so your best bet is to get close to Canada to find the bigger beasts.
Wisconsin Law
Wisconsin has different regulations and shooting hours for turkey, waterfowl, deer, bear, and small game, depending on whether you’re hunting the Northern or Southern areas. Be sure to check with Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources before scheduling your hunt.
Prior to 2013, rifles could not be used to hunt in Wisconsin, but that was changed, so your grandpappy’s .30-06 should be good to go.
There’s also a 4-day firearm antlerless-only hunt (Dec 10-13 last year) in Wisconsin. No bucks may be harvested during this season with any weapon type.
Note: the application deadline for bear permits is always Dec. 10, the year prior to the season you want to hunt, so be sure to plan your trip well in advance.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the most hunter-friendly states in the U.S., with 4.2 million acres open to hunting. Plus, an additional 2 million acres is private ground open to hunting through cooperative agreements. Pennsylvania ranks very well for both hunter and bowhunter density per square mile. A popular game in Pennsylvania includes black bear, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. To obtain a Pennsylvania hunting license, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website.
Arkansas
Almost 10% of Arkansas’ residents have hunting licenses, and over 3 million acres of the state are open to hunting. And even though they have little space to hunt compared to some states, Arkansas has a good deal of big game available to hunt. They also have more relaxed regulations and laws for hunters to follow. If you are interested in hunting in Arkansas, you can visit the Arknasas Game and Fish Commission website.
Things to Pack on a Hunting Trip
Before you go on your trip make sure you have all your necessary items. The list below is not an all inclusive list but just somethings that may be helpful.
Camouflage and Boots
To blend into the surrounding landscape, you can wear comfortable camouflage clothing. This includes a camouflage face mask, hat, shirt, and pants. When you go on a hunting trip, you will also need our outdoor tactical boots. Sturdy boots will allow you to travel easily on all types of terrain while protecting your feet.
First Aid Kits
On any outdoor adventures, you’ll need to bring a first-aid kit. These kits should include items such as gauze, Band-Aids of all sizes, sanitizing wipes, antibacterial creams, and more. These kits do not need to be large, but you should have enough supplies to help in case of an emergency. If you end up using any of these items, remember to restock your kit before your next trip.
Battery Packs
If you choose to bring a camera, cell phone, or other electronic devices on your trip, you will need a battery pack. When traveling to an area with cell phone service, it is always a good idea to bring your cell phone along just in case you need to make an emergency call. Even devices with the best battery power can run out quickly, so a fully charged battery pack is essential for your hunting trip.
Food and Water
Everyone needs food and water to survive. Make sure you pack plenty of food, preferably items that will not spoil easily. Instead of bringing a lot of water to your campsite, you can filter water from a nearby stream or creek. There are plenty of ways to filter water physically and chemically, so you can choose the method that works best for you.
Game Bags
After you hunt, you will need a place to put the game. Many hunters enjoy using game bags or trash bags. Trash bags can tear with large amounts of game, so game bags are the better choice. Another benefit of game bags is that they are reusable and easy to clean, unlike trash bags.
Bug Spray
At some point, you are bound to run into mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs in the woods. To prevent any insect bites, you can bring a few cans of bug spray. While generic bug spray will work, the animals will be able to smell you. To avoid this issue, use specific types of bug spray that keep the bugs away and do not disturb any nearby game.
Gloves
Because animals can carry bacteria and parasites, it’s best to wear rubber gloves when dressing the game. These gloves are strong, reusable, and easy to sanitize. Rubber gloves will protect your skin and any scratches from infection. You can place a few pairs of rubber gloves inside your hunting pack just in case one goes missing.
Blankets
In case of cold temperatures, you can bring an emergency blanket. Even if you aren’t expecting cold weather, it’s always a good idea to keep one in your pack. These survival blankets are lightweight and take up very little space. These blankets allow you to conserve your body heat and energy, which is helpful during cold weather or if you decide to camp at night.
