Top 10 Big Game Destinations
Category: article
Mar 30th, 2022 by Keith Worrall
Modified Mar 30th, 2022 at 2:22 PM
Top 10 Big Game Destinations
A big game hunt is nothing like your ordinary hunting adventure. It’s something more fun, exciting, and adventurous. It is all about hunting for large animals either for sports or recreation, or for trophy or taxidermy, or commercial purposes. Some examples of large game animals are elks, deer, moose, and bears.
For long-time hunters, big game hunting is the ultimate adventure and is considered a hunter’s pride. It is a tradition that has been followed for thousands of years.
Knowing where to go is just as crucial as having the right equipment if you are looking forward to your first big game hunt. There are many big game hotspots in the United States, places where you are guaranteed to have a grand time hunting for all the elks, deer, and moose you want. You can go with your experienced hunting friends, or you can choose to go for a big game guided hunting trip (especially if it is your first time).
To help you start with planning your adventure, here are ten big game hunting destinations that you should check out. This list includes two specific hunting areas along with eight states popular among hunters.
1. Cougar Creek Lodge, British Columbia
The Cougar Creek Lodge is ideal for big game hunters searching for exciting mule deer and moose combination hunts. Typically, the best season to hunt mule deer and moose at Cougar Creek is in October. Hunts can be arranged to include room and meals – the complete package.
Cougar Creek Lodge has been around for more than 35 years, so you’re guaranteed the finest in terms of overall hunting experience.
2. Unit 10, Arizona
Unit 10 in Arizona is a premier destination for big game hunters. It is the home of world-class record book elks. The trophy elks in this area are impressive and some of the world’s finest.
There are hilltop observation points where you can do your scouting and some hunting as well. The ideal area to hunt for elk in Unit 10 is the Kaibab National Forest. You’ll also find good elks at the Coconino Plateau.
Aside from elks, Unit 10 has white-tailed deer, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.
3. Idaho
Idaho has steep river canyons, and its rugged mountains attract bighorn sheep. It also has a diverse habitat, so aside from bighorn sheep, you will find moose, elks, and other species in Idaho.
You will find Idaho an exciting place for big game hunting as around 15% of its population love to hunt – and treat it as a sport.
Like other states, licenses are required for anyone who wants to hunt in Idaho. Your outfitter can help you arrange for this, although all you actually need to do is check out the state’s Department of Fish and Game website.
4. Northern Maine
If you plan to go on a big game hunt for moose, northern Maine is a good place to start. It has a large moose population, which, in 2014, numbered to more or less 60,000 to 70,000. Since the population has been increasing, authorities have adjusted the hunting season to be good for three weeks.
5. Alaska
A big game hunting destination list is not complete if Alaska is not on it. It has tons of opportunities for memorable, world-class hunting adventures.
Big game hunting in Alaska is all about mostly untouched nature – forests, mountains, and glaciers. There are a lot of open lands for hunting as well, as approximately 90% of Alaska’s land is publicly owned. You can have all the big game adventures with all the moose and elk in the area.
Before starting, though, you should have your hunting license ready.
6. Montana
North America is filled with big game hunting destinations, and Montana is one of these. It has a combination of isolated peaks, prairie land, and mountain ranges. You’ll find bighorn sheep, elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer.
You can hunt any day you want to, but scheduling your hunt for any time between August and November would be best, particularly if you want to hunt with the best variety available.
7. South Central Kansas
If hunting for white-tail deer is the kind of adventure you want, then Kansas might be the best hunting destination for you. You will find miles upon miles of open space, and if you prefer to hunt alone, that won’t be a problem.
Kansas hunting destinations are a combination of rolling hills and flat terrain. In addition, it is also where you’ll find Unit 16, which is considered one of the hotspots for white-tail deer.
8. Nevada
With 87% of Nevada being public lands, it is ideal for big game animal hunting. It is where you will find some of the finest mule deer in the country. You can choose from several lands: Spring Range, Newberry Mountains, Highland Range, Bird Spring Range, and McCullough Range. The high peaks and rugged ranges might present some challenges, but a good adventure is possible with the right hunting strategies and skills.
9. North Dakota
Approximately 15% to 18% of North Dakota’s total population actively goes hunting year after year. They like to hunt for bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mule deer, and white-tails. You’ll also love to know that about three million acres of the state’s public land are open for big game hunters.
10. British Columbia
The British Columbia backcountry is perfect for big game species hunts, especially if you prefer moose, elk, and deer. BC is recognized as one of North America’s primary hunting destinations.
If you are a non-resident, there are certain requirements that you have to prepare. Your outfitter can help you with this. There are permits to procure and firearm regulations to follow, among other things.
With all the options available, choosing just one (or two) can be quite a challenge. Talk to your outfitter and your fellow big game hunters; they may be able to help point you in the right direction.
About the Author
Maren McReynolds is the Content Marketing Director of Black Mountain Outfitters, a company that offers world-class guided hunts in New Mexico, Arizona, and South Dakota. When not working, she spends time swimming with her two kids and giving back to the community.