The Hunting Locations hub groups city and state planning guides into one place. Each page focuses on practical planning, access, and logistics — the stuff that actually determines whether a hunt goes well or falls apart. Whether you are scouting a new state or narrowing down a specific area within a state you already know, these guides give you a starting point built from official sources.
How to use these pages
Start with your state, then use the city guides to plan travel, access points, and scouting windows. State pages cover the big picture — seasons, license structure, major public land systems. City and regional pages drill into local logistics like nearby Wildlife Management Areas, drive times to trailheads, lodging options, and the closest processors. Always confirm legal requirements on official state websites before you go.
What each page covers
- Access types and how to evaluate them — Each state handles public land differently. Some have walk-in hunting programs on private land, others rely heavily on national forest and BLM ground. Our guides explain which access programs exist in each state, how to find open parcels, and what restrictions apply.
- Agency contacts and official sources — Every page links directly to the state wildlife agency website, regulation PDFs, and license portals. No guesswork about where to look things up.
- Planning steps for seasons and tags — Draw deadlines, over-the-counter availability, preference and bonus point systems, and non-resident quotas where they apply.
- Scouting and mapping basics — How to use onX, Google Earth, and state-provided GIS layers to identify access points, terrain features, and boundaries before you arrive.
- Travel and safety considerations — Driving distances, elevation and weather factors, cell service gaps, and nearest medical facilities. Especially important for out-of-state hunts in remote areas.
- Gear and packing notes — Climate-specific gear suggestions and packing considerations based on terrain, altitude, and expected conditions.
How to pick your state
If you are deciding where to hunt — especially for a first out-of-state trip — here are the factors worth weighing:
- Species availability — Not every state holds the species you want. Elk hunting is concentrated in western states. Quality whitetail hunting spans the Midwest and South. Turkey opportunities vary widely by state and season structure.
- Draw odds and point systems — Some states let you buy tags over the counter. Others require years of preference points. Check whether the unit you want is a realistic draw before you invest time and money in points.
- Public land percentage — States like Idaho, Montana, and Colorado have large blocks of accessible public land. States in the South and Midwest tend to have less public ground but may offer walk-in access programs or affordable lease options.
- Non-resident tag costs — Prices range from under $200 for some whitetail tags to over $1,000 for elk in premium states. Factor in application fees, habitat stamps, and conservation stamps that stack on top of the base tag.
- Travel distance and logistics — A 12-hour drive changes the math on a three-day hunt. Consider whether you need to fly, rent a vehicle, or haul your own gear. Remote hunts also mean packing differently than a hunt two hours from home.
Helpful Planning Resources
- Browse hunting seasons by state to find open dates for deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl
- Review state hunting regulations for licenses, bag limits, and legal requirements
- Get started with our hunting license guide for step-by-step licensing help
- Explore public and private land access options including national forests, BLM ground, and leases
- Read the public land guide for rules specific to federal and state hunting areas
- Study how-to hunting guides covering scouting, field care, safety, and more
- Learn about game species to match your destination with the animal you want to pursue
Final checklist
- Confirm rules on the official state website.
- Save maps for offline use.
- Pack essentials and verify tags.
- Review safety and access rules before you leave.
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