Are you a Hunter and looking for the Best States for Hunting? Read this article!

Hunting may either be done as a means of subsistence (to obtain food) or as a recreational activity. The most frequent reasons for humans to go hunting are to get meat, for enjoyment, to rid their environment of dangerous predators that may threaten them or their domestic animals, to rid their environment of pests that could damage their crops, or for commercial purposes. There are several subcategories within the realm of hunting, including camouflage, dog handling, bird hunting, large game hunting, small game hunting, wild boar hunting, bait hunting, active hunting, leisure hunting, and safari hunting.

The best states for hunting share two primary characteristics: first, a sizeable portion of the state’s population participates in hunting, and second, a sizeable portion of the state’s public property is accessible to hunters. Other aspects determining the greatest state for hunting are the state’s hunting traditions, the range of game available, and the number of rules. If you wish to hunt lawfully in the United States, you are required to get a hunting license from the state where you want to hunt and adhere to all of the standards and restrictions set out by the fish and wildlife department of that state. In most circumstances, this is the case. The age for a hunting license varies from state to state. To obtain a hunting license, you will first need to complete a hunter education class and then take and pass the associated exam. The criteria and curriculum of each state are different.

Certain states recognize the hunting licenses of other states. For instance, the Hunter Education Certificate issued by California is recognized and honored by all states, provinces, and nations in the United States and Canada that mandate hunter education. Additionally, California will acknowledge Hunter Education certificates granted by other jurisdictions so long as those certifications comply with the official IHEA-USA standards. Certain states still employ hunting draws. Hunting draws are a form of special license that will allow you to hunt a certain animal species if you are successful in your application. There are instances when the application process for the drawings is restricted to state residents only.

Best states for hunting # 1 – Alaska

Alaska is consistently ranked as one of the top states in fishing and hunting. Alaska is home to countless miles worth of completely pristine wilderness, including glaciers, tundras, mountains, and forests that are just stunning. Because the public holds more than 90 percent of the state, the fertile territory is available for hunting. Hunting permits are held by around 15 percent of Alaska’s total population. Big game animals that call this state home include grizzly bears, brown bears, moose, elk, and mountain goats. On the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, you may purchase a hunting license for the state of Alaska.

Best states for hunting # 2 – Montana

Montana is another stunning state that is well-known for its hunting opportunities. Local economies in Montana have grown to be dependent on hunting thanks to the sport’s popularity. Hunting is a popular pastime in Montana, where around 20 percent of the population participates; nevertheless, with 30 million acres of public property available, there is plenty of area for hunting. There are several options for hunting in Montana, including moose, bison, black bears, elk, deer, and pronghorn antelope. On the website maintained by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, you may acquire a license to hunt or trap in the state.

Best states for hunting # 3 – Idaho

About 15–17 percent of the population in Idaho participates in the sport of hunting, making it a very popular activity in the state. Even though this is a sizeable fraction of the population, sixty percent of the state is considered public land. Turkeys, elk, mountain lions, black bears, and wolves are just a few of the animals that call Idaho’s wide variety of habitat types their home. Hunting moose, antelope, and bighorn sheep are also subject to certain regulations. On the website of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, hunting permits are available to those who are not residents of Idaho as well as those who are.

Best states for hunting # 4 – South Dakota

About one-quarter of the population of South Dakota is comprised of hunters. Pheasant and upland bird hunting are popular in this state, but there are also possibilities to hunt mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and buffalo through the state’s lottery system. Visit the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website to purchase a hunting license in that state.

Best states for hunting # 5 – North Dakota

The three million acres of public property in North Dakota are available for use by hunters. Hunting is enjoyed by anywhere from 15 to 18 percent of the state’s total population each and every year. A popular game in this state includes pheasant, antelope, and mallards, and there are also possibilities to shoot elk, moose, and bighorn sheep through a lottery system. Additionally, whitetail and mule deer hunting are popular activities in this state.

Hunting permits for North Dakota can be purchased online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.

Best states for hunting # 6 – Wisconsin

Although Wisconsin is most famous for its whitetail deer hunting, it is also considered one of the top states for turkey hunting. Hip waders are essential equipment for hunters in Wisconsin, as the state’s 7 million acres of public property contain 15,000 lakes. This is especially important for hunters interested in waterfowl. There are around 700,000 inhabitants of Wisconsin that hold valid hunting licenses. On the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, you may apply for a hunting license in the state of Wisconsin.

Best states for hunting # 7 – Minnesota

Hunting and fishing are both popular activities in Minnesota, and for a good reason. There are around 560,000 licensed hunters in the state of Minnesota. 8.2 million acres, or around 16 percent of Minnesota’s total land area, is considered public land. Duck, deer, bear, and turkey hunting are among the state’s longest-standing traditions in Minnesota. Due to the state’s 13,000 natural lakes, Minnesota is a popular location for hunters interested in swamps. On the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, one may acquire a hunting license for the state of Minnesota.

Best states for hunting # 8 – Wyoming

As the state with the fewest people living in it, Wyoming provides hunters with enough space and possibilities to pursue big game. The 31.4 million acres of public land in Wyoming are hunted by around one-fourth of the state’s population, roughly equivalent to half of the state’s total land area. Elk, antelope, mountain goats, deer, moose, bison, and bighorn sheep may all be hunted in Wyoming. Bighorn sheep are also available. Wyoming is a fantastic place for hunting, but the state does have a convoluted draw system, and non-resident hunters must either pay a guide or hunt with a Wyoming resident if they choose to do so in federal wilderness areas. On the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website, accessible at https://wgfd.wyo.gov/hunting, you may find information on how to purchase a hunting license in the state of Wyoming.

Best states for hunting # 9 – West Virginia

Many people have been hunting in the state of West Virginia for generations. Around 10–12 percent of West Virginia’s population has a valid hunting license. The whitetail deer is the most populous game species in the state, but you may also hunt black bears, turkeys, and ruffed grouse if you want to. Approximately 1.5 million acres of West Virginia’s property are available to the general public for hunting. You may obtain a hunting license for the state of West Virginia using the online licensing and game check system maintained by the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

Best states for hunting # 10 – Pennsylvania

The tenth most hunter-friendly state in the United States in Pennsylvania, which ranks tenth overall. Public land comprises around 14.5 percent of the state’s 4.2 million acres. In addition, there are an additional 2 million acres of private land accessible to hunters due to cooperative agreements. The number of hunters and bowhunters per square mile in Pennsylvania is the highest of any state in the United States. The black bear, elk, turkey, and waterfowl are among Pennsylvania’s most popular types of game. Check out the Pennsylvania Game Commission website to purchase a hunting license in the state of Pennsylvania.])

Conclusion

Hunting is a great way to spend time outdoors and connect with nature. It can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that cannot be found elsewhere. If you’re looking for a new hobby, consider hunting as your next adventure.

We’ve reviewed 10 best states for hunting, the advantages of each one. So, what do you think? Tell us your thoughts in the comments bellow!