I have decided to go on a north American hunt to remember! This will be 1 hunt a year, starting next season. I need a must go list.
I have been hunting in the southeast my entire life. So I am looking for something different.
Black bear, mule deer, elk and pronghorn are all very high on my mental list.
thanks everyone!
Most would say the ultimate hunts are the sheep and goats. But that's a rich man's game.
For me...
Elk And moose are the two realistic short term goals.
All good hunts you have listed , I have done each of them DIY with OCT tags and been successful on all of your listed animals. A little research and some gear anyone can do it. PM me if I can help point you in the right direction.....
,,,Sam,,,
Elk would be very high on my list.
Elk for sure. Any place OTC just for starters, some good areas can be found with a little research. Warning: You'll never be the same...
I've been on a lot of hunts in a lot of places, but the hunts I remember the most have more to do with who I'm with then what we're chasing...
But, a Wyoming Pronghorn/Mulie combo hunt has been on my back burner for a number of years...
Alaska has to make the list. an out of state license is pricey but there are a lot of things you can do with a basic license. in some areas wolf are legal on a basic license, small game etc. just being in the vast expanse of alaska is well worth it. and you can do it completely DIY no problem!
For me my ultimate hunts would be elk and moose. So far I've only hunted deer and turkey in two states but next January I'll be doing some hog hunting in Florida
I have done all you listed as well and taken all except elk. Moose (because I could never afford sheep) is my most desired hunt.
Mule deer, antelope, elk, black bear are all very doable in the lower 48. However, Alaska has my attention and caribou or moose DIY fly in is a real adventure.
Mike
I really enjoyed my spring bear hunt in Manitoba with Ryan Derlago of Manitoba Stickflingers.
Reasonable cost, and a very real chance at 8 ft bear, as well as color phase bear.
Coos deer. Moose and elk are on my bucket list, as are bears, but there's something about those itty bitty little white tails that makes me want to go down to Sonora.
Elk hunting in the Wyoming wilderness. Ride in on horseback for 9 hours to get to camp. The most remote area in the lower 48. If interested, give me a shout and I can fill you in on the details and outfitter. I have done this hunt for the past six years and it is unbelievable. Caution; it is both physically and mentally challenging.
Ive been to canada for bears like 16 times, hunted Idaho for lions, been to arkansas for ducks, PA for deer, etc etc etc but I really cannot say enough about javelina hunting the desert mtns of AZ. You can hunt coues and mule deer on the same hunt. Archery season is in january.
You just cannot imagine how amazing the santa rita mtns are until youre sitting up on a ridge glassing at daylight.
You are the only one who can define your ultimate hunt. I've hunted 17 different species and have not yet settled on the ONE. The most important thing is to make sure you pick one and GO. Elk are great. Spring bears are a ton of fun. Antelope are a great one to do with a group of friends. Arizona Coues deer in January are a great way for us northerners to get out of the snow. I'd say my favorite place and game are Kodiak Island Sitka Blacktails.
wow! thanks for all the replies! Since this post I have put together a late season deer hunt in Missouri (2 miles from the Iowa line) for December.
I decided my 1st ultimate NA hunt will be for black bear. Now I have to narrow down area and start planning for next year. Im excited to say the least!
Good for you for dreaming the dream. I too had those dreams of hunting far from home but early on, life got in the way. Once I took the leap I about lost my mind at how awesome the hunting world was. I have chased critters in 5 countries and plan on going till I croak.
If I can be of help in any way just give a shout. Looks like we are neighbors as I am in North Dawson County. I would be glad to help you with info on any of animals listed. I have hunted most all of them unguided.
You won't be sorry. It's an awesome world out there.
Elk - this would be my top pick as the hunts are fun and the meat is fantastic
Moose
Feral pigs
Sheep
These would be some of my top picks for bows. If you like bird hunting with a shotgun, Arkansas has some of the best duck hunting in the world. Upland birds like quail, pheasant, and dove are all a blast to hunt as well. Whitetail deer is the most popular animal in the states to hunt, but I'm not sure I'd choose it over one of the above. Bear is a lot of fun to hunt as well, but the quality of the meat is pretty poor in my opinion. A lot of the professional guides around here won't even eat it either and most people I know that bear hunt wind up donating the meat to homeless shelters and soup kitchens.
Dont know where that thought comes from. To me and everyone I hunt with, a bear puts a deer to shame as table fare. Maybe its a regional thing. The acorn fed bears from north ga are unreal. Ive eaten dozens probably from quebec and they were all great too
Whitetail or mule deer with selfbow and stone points is on my list.
JW
You might even be able to pick up a combo hunt. This September I'll be doing an unguided hunt for elk in Colorado hunting water holes and alfalfa fields on a ranch with an opportunity to shoot a bear or mule deer.
QuoteOriginally posted by Jerry Russell:
Good for you for dreaming the dream. I too had those dreams of hunting far from home but early on, life got in the way. Once I took the leap I about lost my mind at how awesome the hunting world was. I have chased critters in 5 countries and plan on going till I croak.
If I can be of help in any way just give a shout. Looks like we are neighbors as I am in North Dawson County. I would be glad to help you with info on any of animals listed. I have hunted most all of them unguided.
You won't be sorry. It's an awesome world out there.
we aren't very far at all. I hunt all over Gilmer county. I might be reaching out soon, Im going to start planning a bear hunt for next year.
QuoteOriginally posted by GDPolk:
If you like bird hunting with a shotgun, Arkansas has some of the best duck hunting in the world.
man I know! I have hunted Arkansas a few times for ducks. Guided and unguided ive always done good over there. I was bit addicted to the fowl life for about 10 years. lol
Jerry is the Gilmer county expert. I bear hunt another 45 minutes or so North of there and we have great success. I dont actually bear hunt but a few days a year (I scout a lot more than I hunt) but Ive never had a season where I wasnt within 15 yards of a bear on at least one occasion. I have a sow with cubs curse or I could carpet entire houses with bear rugs. Hunting those mountains is tremendously rewarding and Id say NE GA is one of the real unknown gems as far as bear hunting in north america goes. One season (summer scouting and 5 days of hunting) I saw nearly 100 different bears.
Good luck on your search!
I suggest you look into a Moose hunt in Newfoundland. Moose there aren't huge like some that come from Alaska, but the last time I checked it was a fairly reasonably priced hunt and if you are wanting to kill a Moose there are no antler/point restrictions. Black Bears there are pretty good sized, but you have some pretty good options for bear in your home state. Good luck on all your adventures.
Muskox was unbelievable trip
Mountain lion is a must do
Newfoundland moose is crazy with the number of animals
Coues, sitka are coming up for me so we will see soon...
Ive hunted lions in Idaho. It was unreal but a canadian bear hunt coupled with walleye and pike during the day is something everyone has to experience