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Wildlife Conservation and Hunting

These are the good old days for hunting!  Big game species such as elk, white-tailed deer and black bear are at historic population levels in North America.  Resident and migratory waterfowl and upland bird populations are also healthy and hunting opportunities abound. 

It has always been the hunter-conservationist and the private landowners who have cared for, nurtured and propagated our huntable big game and bird populations.  The concept is simple: If you hunt you can be proud of the fact that you pay for the majority of big game and wildlife conservation.  It is a time tested and successful model that is now referred to as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

So as you enjoy the hunting information on this website (bookmark it!) and all of the valuable hunting information links that are provided you are actually maintaining the time honored tradition of hunting in the out-of-doors. Enjoy!

White-tailed Deer Hunting    
There is no greater big game success story than that of the widely popular white-tailed deer.  The combination of habitat management and improvement and quality deer management programs have resulted in spectacular whitetail deer hunting. 

Keep in mind it takes a whitetail deer buck about 4-7 years to produce what is considered a trophy set of antlers.  To most hunters this means that you need to manage your buck harvest, on public and private lands, or have secure habitat in which bucks can reach a mature age.  The good news is that in North America there is ample opportunity to pursue this finest of all trophies on both public and private lands. 

Another important deer management tenet is that the antlerless segment (does and fawns) of the herd also needs to be managed, in some cases aggressively. Research from State Wildlife Agencies and Universities have confirmed this concept so antlerless hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer abound.

Where to Hunt White-tailed Deer
The northern Midwest and south central Canada are the trophy areas for whitetail bucks. States like Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa and the Province of Saskatchewan are producing record book bucks consistently.  Most of these big bucks are harvested on private lands so do your homework.  In the snow laden, dark forested public lands of the northern Rockies near Glacier National Park in states like Montana, Idaho and Washington large mature bucks are taken annually on public lands.  Hunting is difficult due to the steep and timbered terrain so be sure and study the local National Forest maps long before your hunt.

Mule Deer Hunting
Mule deer inhabit the rugged western landscape of western North America.  Hunting mule deer is possible in a variety of habitats ranging from arid break lands to high alpine forests on the spine of a mountain range.  Mule deer populations vary across the landscape and population trends are tied closely to drought and local habitat conditions so be sure and check your State agency website for up to date information on mule deer herds. 

Keep in mind that compared to whitetail deer hunting you will be covering a lot of ground to hunt mule deer so you will need adequate footwear and hunting gear to be successful.  If you choose to hunt high country mule deer on western public lands you will also need quality hunting and backpacking gear, not to mention a good deer rifle that is sighted in accurately.

Where to Hunt Mule Deer
The record book mule deer bucks are coming from Colorado, Arizona, Nevada and Utah.  These western States that produce the mature mule deer bucks often offer limited entry hunting only, so be sure and check your State wildlife agency websites for local regulations and drawing deadlines. 

While the quantity of mature mule deer bucks might be less there are ample opportunities to hunt mule deer on the public lands of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.  Be sure and look for mule deer hunting opportunities on lower elevation BLM lands in all three States and high country hunting on the National Forest Lands.  Mule deer occur at much lower densities in the high country but the opportunity for a real trophy is ever present.  Bring your bear pepper spray and pay attention to food storage while camping in bear country in most western States.

Elk Hunting
Rocky Mountain elk or wapiti exist throughout the southern, central and northern Rockies.  Most elk herds are migratory and spend the summers in high alpine habitats and move to lower elevations in the fall to winter ranges.  Most elk hunting occurs during the breeding season or rut via archery seasons and during the fall migratory periods.  Given the movement of the herds relative to current weather conditions, elk hunters can expect to find elk just about anywhere on the mountain. 

Early season scouting can greatly increase your chances of elk hunting success.  Many elk herds are at all time highs in the west so look for lot's of antlerless (cow and calf) elk hunting opportunity.  Elk meat is literally treasured by most westerners so don't worry too much about finding a bull when the local elk hunting regulations will allow you take a cow or a calf.  As a hunter you cannot bring home a finer tasting healthy meat for the table so be sure and look for these ample cow and calf elk hunting opportunities and season dates by State. Remember that the weather can change in an instant, so be prepared.

Where to Hunt Elk
Some of the best elk hunting in North America occurs on private agricultural lands in the mountain foothills throughout the western landscapes.  That means you have to spend some time before your elk hunt developing a relationship that will provide you elk hunting access in the fall.  A little time on your part and a wedge of good cheese or some fine coffee for the hard working ranch family can often go along ways to open gates for you in the fall. 

Colorado, Idaho and Montana all have record high elk population levels.  Montana's Block Management Program offers numerous opportunities for elk hunting access.  Idaho's public land wilderness areas offer remote and rugged access to elk herds that number in the thousands.  If you are after big bulls be sure to apply to the drawings offered in New Mexico and Colorado and take a chance on winning the chance to harvest a record book bull elk in the southwest.  Regardless of your elk hunting preference be sure and take the time to explore the links to elk hunting websites on this page.

Duck Hunting
Both resident and migratory bird populations are available to all duck hunters on an annual basis.  With favorable wetlands conditions in spring and summer breeding habitats and habitat conservation ongoing in winter flock areas most waterfowl populations that are available to duck hunters are in good shape.  

By far the most popular and sought after duck is the regal mallard.  Mallard flocks are strong.  This green-headed trophy is enjoyed by many duck hunters at the dinner table on cool autumn evenings.  Canvasback and pintail populations have made a resurgence in the last couple of years.  Duck hunting and duck populations are strongly tied to habitat and water during the critical periods of the year.

As a duck hunter you can pursue your winged quarry in virtually every State and Province in North America.  Some of the best duck hunting occurs on private farm and ranch lands so spend some time before the season developing a relationship with your favorite farmer or rancher.  There are also numerous State and Federal waterfowl production and management areas that are open to the public for duck hunting free of charge.  Regardless of your duck hunting preference be sure and take the time to explore the links to duck hunting websites on this page.

Goose Hunting
Canada geese and snow geese have made remarkable gains throughout the last fifty years in North America.  So much so that they are beginning to overpopulate some urban areas where hunters cannot harvest or redistribute the flocks in the fall.  Decoys spread in the field are still the most effective means of goose hunting.  Pre-season scouting for field feeding areas is essential to your success.  The flyway regulations are closely tied to spring breeding counts in the Canadian north so be sure to check your State agency websites for goose hunting regulations.  

Successful goose hunting requires a dependable shotgun and some essential gear, namely a ground or decoy blind and a spread of goose decoys.  Another important goose hunting tool is an effective goose call.   We know how much everyone likes to hear you practice your goose calls, so buy yours early and start "honking"!

Bird Hunting
Whether it is pheasant hunting in the fields of South Dakota or quail hunting in the pine forests of Georgia, upland bird hunting is one of North Americas most popular autumn past times. 

The native forest grouse of the north woods such as ruffed, blue and spruce grouse offer plenty of deep woods action.  The warm pine forests of the southeast and deserts of the southwest offer spectacular quail hunting opportunities on both public and private lands. 

One of the more unique bird hunting opportunities is that of the noble sage grouse that occupies the arid landscapes of Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and Colorado.  Flushing a big male sage grouse is like flushing an airplane. 

Most upland bird populations are holding their own throughout the native ranges.  Current threats to upland bird habitats and hunting include residential subdivision and increased energy development in the western States.  Pay close attention to the State agency websites for news about upland bird populations and trends. 

Other than a trusted shotgun the most important tool a bird hunter can posess is a well trained hunting dog.  Bird hunting is a wonderful way to introduce kids to outdoor traditions.  Regardless of your bird hunting preference be sure and take the time to explore the links to bird hunting websites on this page. If you have a trusty hunting dog as a partner, click here for hunting dog links.

Turkey Hunting
The springtime thrill of calling in a cautious wild turkey while resting motionless next a tree in full camouflage is only matched by archery hunting bugling bull elk in the fall. 

The eastern variety of wild turkey is the most widely distributed turkey hunting opportunity in North America.  From Vermont to Florida and from Missouri to Montana turkey hunters can pursue this elusive game bird both in the spring and fall hunting seasons.  Most states offer male or gobbler only turkey hunting opportunities in the spring.  Increasingly either sex turkey hunting seasons are being offered during the fall. 

In the west the Merriams turkey is the trophy that hunters seek.  Merriams turkeys are usually located in the more arid ponderosa pine forests and survive primarily in low snow habitats.  They are often associated with agricultural operations and livestock feeding during the winter months. 

The most important tool for turkey hunting is good quality camouflage and an effective turkey hunting call.  Be sure to take the time to compare the different types and brands of turkey calls.  Regardless of your turkey hunting preference be sure and take the time to explore the links to turkey hunting websites on this page. Don't forget to practice your calls!

Big Game Hunting
The chance to hunt the majestic big game animals of North America should be a priority in every hunters lifetime.   Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Black and Grizzly Bear and Mountain Lion are all once in a lifetime hunts for many of us.  Thanks to sound wildlife management and habitat conservation activities hunting opportunity for all of these majestic big game animals still exist, and in some cases abound in North America. 

Big game hunters need to pay close attention to application deadlines for limited entry hunt drawings in each State. Most of these highly prized big game animals are hunted only with a legal outfitter and guide or by special drawing, or both.  Take advantage of the local State agency wildlife biologists as he or she usually shares a bit more time and information for the permit holders of these majestic species due the once in a life time nature of the permit. 

Also be sure to peruse the Boone and Crockett Clubs Fair Chase magazine for excellent hunting articles and tabulations by location for big game trophies taken.  It may cost you more money to apply and hunt these majestic big game animals but you will surely create memories of a lifetime.

Small Game Hunting
How many of us hunters got our start hunting small game?  That's right, most of us!  Squirrels, cottontail rabbits, raccoon and fox are just some of the small game opportunities that area quite widespread on both public and private lands in North America. 

Small game hunting is another wonderful way to teach our youth how to become a hunter.  Some fishing lure manufacturers still pay for squirrel tails.  What an enticement for that youngster that yearns to spend time with the family in the woods and also earn a few cents while in the field.

A good hunting dog such as a beagle is required to hunt cottontail rabbits effectively in the densely vegetated habitats that they occupy.  The thrill of a rabbit hunt with a couple of good-nosed beagles will make a hunter out of anybody.  Another popular small game animal is the woodchuck of our eastern woods.  Hunting small game can teach us all increased respect and value for all living things and keep us closer to our own natural environment.  Regardless of your small game hunting preference be sure and take the time to explore the links to small game hunting websites on this page.

Hunting Dogs
One of life's greatest joys, second to raising children, is raising a trusted hunting dog.  The time invested in feeding and training a fine hunting dog is rewarded to the hunter every autumn in the fields, marshes and forests. 

One of the most important items to consider is the breeder for the type of hunting dog that you select.  For family dogs consider the golden retriever or laborador retriever.  For finely tuned bird hunting machines it is hard to beat a German wirehair pointer.  If it is ducks and geese that you are after a water loving retriever is a must. 

The choices for good quality hunting dogs are endless so take your time and explore lot's of websites.  Be sure and check your local library or website links on this page for books on hunting dog training information that is available to you at your fingertips. Click here for hunting dog breeds, training and equipment.

Archery Hunting
Some of the most liberal bull and buck hunting opportunities in North America are available to bow hunters or archers.  The sheer difficulty of approaching a big game animal with primitive hunting gear results in an overall low average hunting success so most State wildlife agencies can offer liberal archer hunting seasons. 

In most States archery hunting seasons occur before the general rifle seasons.  Because of this an archer can persue bull elk during their breeding period or rut.  The experience of calling in a rut crazed bull elk at close range can challenge the best of archery hunters. 

Archery hunting requires specialized equipment.  Some archers prefer traditional wooden bows while others enjoy what cutting edge archery equipment technology can provide them.  In either case it is difficult to get close to your quarry and pre season scouting is paramount to your hunting success.  Due to the difficulty associated with bow hunting, most archery hunters target practice year round.

International Hunts
From the Serengeti big game safaris of Africa to the bird hunts on the Pampas plains of Argentina an international hunt may be your next ticket to worldwide adventure. 

Considerable planning is required on all international hunts.  If you plan to bring your own firearm you will need to register it with both the airlines and the country in which you are visiting.  If you plan on bringing your trophies back home you will need to make arrangements with a taxidermist in the country you are hunting as they can often help you with the required paperwork. Be sure and visit your local county health department for any necessary vaccinations. 

Africa is by far the most popular international hunt.  Russia, Mongolia and Argentina are also becoming a featured big game hunting destination for wild sheep, goat and deer family species.  In Europe, Germany still offers traditional wild boar and roe deer hunts.  Red deer stags also abound in European forests but hunting opportunities are limited.  New Zealand abounds with trophy Red Deer as well as Fallow Deer.  Mexican mule deer hunts are also an increasingly popular international hunt as Mexico is producing mature trophy mule bucks in recent years.  Regardless of your international hunting preference be sure and take the time to explore the links to international hunting websites on this page.

We hope that you have enjoyed visiting our Hunting Information page and that you take the time to visit the links and websites that interest you. Please be sure to bookmark this website so you can return as we continue to update this Hunter Information site!