Hunting is a passion for many. However, many don’t go hunting far beyond their state lines due to fees, time, etc. However, there are some hunts that offer experiences you just can’t get anywhere else, and usually have a price tag to match. Don’t miss out on these once in a lifetime opportunities and amazing hunting trips. Some hunts you may just be able to buy, but some require you to be a resident of the state and wait to get lucky in the draw.
Best North American Hunting Trips
- Texas- Waterfowl
Best waterfowl hunting in Texas is at Pintail Farms, just an hour Northeast of Dallas, Texas.
- Alaska/Canada- Moose
While there are smaller Shiras Moose in some of the lower 48 states. You’ll find the trophy moose north of the border and in Alaska. If you choose to hunt in Canada there are plenty of forms you need to provide such as
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- Passport
- US Customs Form 4457
- Firearm Declaration Form 909
For Alaska, if you are not a resident you need to be accompanied by a guide or an Alaska resident of at least 19 years.
After that, you can enjoy an amazing hunt in the amazing country looking for those big antlers! If you hunt in the right season, you can even hear the bull moose bugle.
- Alaska- Kodiak Bear
The Kodiak Bear is a type of brown bear that is the biggest of all brown bears and is only located on the Kodiak Archipelago in SW Alaska. Like Alaskan moose hunts, it requires a guide or long term resident to accompany you. You will be surrounded by the Pacific Ocean where you can do some fishing in your downtime, but most likely you will spend most of your time hunting as these bears are hard to find and harder to hunt.
- South Dakota- Pheasants
Want to stray away from big game and be allowed to shoot more than one. Well then this opportunity is for you! South Dakota is the pheasant hunting capital of the world due to its lush fields of grain providing cover for the pheasants. In the fall and winter each year you can head up here and hunt up to 3 pheasants per day. Note that you’ll need a dog to sniff and scare these pheasants so they jump and you can shoot them.
- Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho- Elk
Elk is plentiful throughout the western United States, but the best hunts are in the states listed above where bulls can have antlers reaching over 400”! Some of these hunts are even on protected Native American reservations, but the price can easily exceed $10,000. You don’t have to be guided for many of these hunts and many states offer over the counter (OTC) tags to residents and non-residents.
- Colorado, Idaho, Montana- Mountain Lion
Now, this hunt certainly is different. There are only a few states that allow mountain lion hunting in the first place, but there are still opportunities. However, because a pack of hound dogs & a snowmobile is required it is highly recommended that you work with a guide to help ensure your hunt is a success.
- Alaska/Canada- Mountain Goat
This is one of the hardest hunts on the list as mountain goats live WAY up in the mountains (above 13000 ft) and never come down. So it is your job to find that white spec among the snow-covered mountains and hike and go get them. Also, shots can range up to 700+ yds so make sure your marksmanship is on point.
- Alaska/Canada, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming- Sheep
If you hunt in Nevada or Arizona you’ll be hunting for desert bighorn sheep, whereas if you hunt in Colorado, Idaho, or Montana you’ll be hunting rocky mountain sheep. And finally, if you hunt in Canada or Alaska, you’ll be after all sheep. These hunts are only slightly easier than mountain goat hunts so make sure you’re in shape and can shoot straight.
No matter where you plan your next hunting trip always ensure that you are properly prepared with the right gear & staples.
