Top 10 Best States for Hunting in the USA (Part 1)

By Jackson Hsiung
4 min read

Hunting is a deep-rooted tradition in the United States, enjoyed by millions every year. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the vast brush country of the South, the U.S. offers some of the most diverse hunting grounds on earth.

However, not all destinations are created equal. In Part 1 of our series, we break down the first five top-tier states that should be on every hunter's bucket list.

1. Alaska: The Ultimate Wilderness

Hunting in Alaska wilderness

Alaska is the final frontier for hunters. It is known for its rugged, untouched nature and offers challenges you simply cannot find in the lower 48 states.

Why Hunt Here?

  • Big Game Variety: It is home to massive species including Moose, Caribou, Dall Sheep, and the legendary Kodiak Brown Bear.
  • True Solitude: Alaska’s remoteness means animals are often less pressured. However, the logistics are tough—many hunts require bush planes or boats to access.
  • The Challenge: The weather and terrain are unforgiving. A hunt here tests your physical endurance and survival skills, making the harvest incredibly rewarding.

2. Texas: The Whitetail Capital

Whitetail hunting in Texas

Texas offers a completely different experience compared to the public lands of the West. It is famous for its hunting leases and high-volume game management.

Why Hunt Here?

  • Private Land Access: Unlike the West, Texas is 95% private land. The culture here revolves around hunting leases and managed ranches, which often results in higher success rates.
  • Exotic Opportunities: Beyond Whitetail Deer and Turkeys, Texas offers year-round hunting for exotics like Axis Deer, Blackbuck, and Nilgai.
  • Extended Seasons: Texas generally has liberal bag limits and long seasons, giving hunters ample time in the field.

3. Montana: Big Sky Country

Elk hunting in Montana

Montana is a dream destination that offers a perfect mix of vast prairies and towering mountains. It ranks high for both species diversity and public access.

Why Hunt Here?

  • Access Matters: With over 30 million acres of public land and the excellent "Block Management" program (which opens private land to public hunters), finding a spot to hunt is easier here than many places.
  • The "Grand Slam": Montana is one of the few places where you can feasibly hunt Elk, Mule Deer, Whitetail, and Antelope all in the same general region.
  • Scenery: The visual experience of hunting the Rockies or the Missouri River Breaks is worth the trip alone.

4. Colorado: The Elk Hub

Colorado mountains hunting

If your goal is to harvest an Elk, Colorado should be your first stop. It is home to the largest Elk herd in the world.

Why Hunt Here?

  • Opportunity for All: Colorado is famous for its Over-the-Counter (OTC) elk tags for specific seasons. This means you don't always need to wait years for a lottery draw to go hunting.
  • High Altitude Adventure: Hunting here often means hiking at 10,000+ feet. It’s physically demanding but offers access to millions of acres of National Forest.
  • Mixed Bag: Besides Elk, the Mule Deer hunting in the high country is world-class, though usually requires preference points to draw a tag.

5. Wyoming: The Cowboy State

Wyoming open plains hunting

With the lowest population in the U.S. and massive open spaces, Wyoming feels like it was built for hunters.

Why Hunt Here?

  • Pronghorn Antelope: Wyoming has more antelope than people. It is arguably the best place in the world to hunt these "speed goats."
  • Diverse Terrain: From the sagebrush flats to the jagged Teton peaks, the terrain dictates the hunt. It is premier country for Elk, Mule Deer, and Black Bear.
  • Quality Management: Wyoming manages its herds carefully. While you often need to apply for tags early, the quality of animals and the lack of crowding make it worthwhile.

Essential Gear for Out-of-State Hunting

Traveling to states like Colorado or Texas is a significant investment of time and money. You can't be everywhere at once, which is why remote scouting is the key to success.

Why Cellular Trail Cameras Are a Must-Have

When you are hunting hundreds of miles from home, you need eyes on the ground before you arrive. Traditional cameras require you to visit the site to check SD cards, which isn't feasible for long-distance trips. Cellular trail cameras solve this problem by sending photos directly to your phone.

Key benefits for the traveling hunter:

  • Scout from Anywhere: Whether you are tracking Texas whitetails or monitoring a Colorado wallow, you can receive real-time updates via 4G networks without leaving your home state.
  • Zero Intrusion: By checking photos remotely, you avoid leaving human scent in your hunting area, keeping mature bucks and elk unaware of your presence until you are ready to hunt.
  • Instant Intel: Knowing exactly when animals are active allows you to maximize your limited vacation time by hunting the most productive hours.

Don't just guess where the game is. Let modern cellular technology do the scouting work for you.

Next Up: [Part 2: Top Hunting Destinations in the USA]

Know Before You Go: Hunting regulations vary drastically by state. Always check the local Department of Fish and Game website for the latest season dates, tag applications, and legal hunting methods.

Trail Camera for Hunting and Wildlife
Previous Next