One of America’s favorite pastimes is hunting. Some individuals are excited by spending time outdoors and experiencing a connection with nature, while others are captivated by the skill and thrill of the hunt. It’s a passion shared by 15 million Americans, and most don’t have to travel far to engage in the activity. The United States is full of prime hunting grounds, although not all regions offer the same benefits. Here are three of the best areas for hunting in the U.S.
The Midwest
If you’re looking to bag some bucks, the Midwestern states are for you. Iowa is an attractive destination for hunters thanks to its famously sizable stags. Nearby states like Missouri, Kentucky and Ohio also top many lists for the best deer hunting locations.
The Pacific Northwest
When it comes to big-game hunting, the Pacific Northwest rules the roost. The region’s sparse population, dense forests and rough terrain are home to some of the biggest animals in the Americas. If you’d like to try your hand at hunting black bear, cougar, elk, moose or mountain goats, book a trip with a hunting outfitter Alaska or elsewhere in the upper Rockies or Cascade Mountains.
The Great Plains
If you think hunting is for the birds, you’ve never been to the Great Plains. The vast grasslands surrounding South Dakota’s capital city make it the top spot for pheasant hunting in America, while other locations throughout the Dakotas and nearby Nebraska also are prime places to bag a bird. Many hunters flock to Minnesota in search of grouse, partridge and prairie chicken, while the state’s numerous lakes provide excellent habitat for ducks and geese.
It can take hours or even days for a hunter to track down his or her prey. Thankfully, locating prime hunting ground is much easier. Consider these three regions for your next hunting trip.