📖 Hunting Guides
Hunting Guides & Trip Planning
Expert advice for your next guided hunt — from tag strategy and outfitter vetting to species breakdowns and gear lists.
How to Plan an Elk Hunt: The Complete Guide
Planning an elk hunt is one of the most rewarding challenges in North American big-game hunting. Whether you're chasing bugles in a Colorado wilderness basin or stalking late-season bulls in New Mexico's unit 16, the preparation you put in beforehand determines everything. This guide covers every step from tag strategy to outfitter selection.
The 5 Best States for Guided Whitetail Deer Hunting
When it comes to giant whitetail deer, five Midwestern states consistently produce the country's best bucks. If you're planning a guided whitetail hunt, knowing where to go — and why — can mean the difference between punching your tag on a 170-inch buck or going home empty-handed. Here's the definitive ranking.
Spring Turkey Hunting: What You Need to Know Before Booking a Guide
Spring turkey season is one of the most exciting hunting experiences in North America — and it's also one of the most accessible for new hunters. A gobbling tom responding to your call is pure adrenaline. But before you book a guided turkey hunt, there's a lot to understand about subspecies, timing, and what separates a great guide from a mediocre one.
Mule Deer vs. Whitetail: How to Choose Your Next Trophy Hunt
For many hunters, the debate between mule deer and whitetail is the defining question of western vs. eastern hunting culture. They're both deer — but they live in completely different worlds and demand entirely different hunting approaches. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose your next trophy deer hunt.
Duck Hunting in Arkansas: The Mississippi Flyway's Crown Jewel
If you ask serious duck hunters where they'd go for one perfect day in a blind, the answer is almost always Arkansas. The convergence of the Mississippi and Central flyways, millions of acres of flooded rice fields and timber, and the largest concentration of wintering mallards in North America has made Arkansas the undisputed crown jewel of American waterfowling.
How to Read Hunting Outfitter Reviews: 7 Red Flags to Watch For
A guided hunting trip is a significant investment — often $3,000–$15,000 or more. Yet most hunters spend more time researching their new rifle than they do vetting their outfitter. This guide gives you the framework to separate legitimate operations from the outfitters who will take your deposit and your enthusiasm.
Namibia Plains Game Hunting: The Complete Guide for First-Time Safari Hunters
Namibia is the world's most accessible and well-managed trophy safari destination. Private land, extraordinary species density, and a stable hunting infrastructure make it the perfect first Africa hunt. This guide covers everything from which species to target to what your rifle should chamber.
Alaska Bear Hunting: Planning Your Guided Brown Bear or Black Bear Hunt
Alaska offers the most extraordinary bear hunting on the planet — from the massive coastal brown bears of Kodiak Island to the black bears of Southeast Alaska's rainforest. But planning an Alaska bear hunt requires understanding a complex tag system, significant physical demands, and substantial cost. This guide covers everything.
BC Steelhead Fly Fishing: Planning a Lodge Trip on the Dean, Babine, or Skeena System
BC steelhead fly fishing is the bucket list of fly fishing — wild native fish, remote rivers accessible only by float plane, and chrome-bright steelhead that have never seen a fly. The Dean, Babine, and Skeena system rivers represent the pinnacle of the sport. This guide covers how to plan your first lodge trip.
Best States for Elk Hunting in 2026
Choosing the right state is the single most important decision you'll make for an elk hunt. Tag availability, bull quality, hunter pressure, and costs vary dramatically from Colorado to New Mexico to Idaho. This guide breaks down the top states for elk hunting so you can match your goals to the right destination.
Waterfowl Hunting Gear Checklist — What You Actually Need
Nothing kills opening morning faster than scrambling for gear at 4am — missing a call, leaving waders at home, or showing up without dog supplies. This complete waterfowl hunting gear checklist covers everything you need for duck and goose season, from waders and shotguns to decoys, calls, and retriever gear.
How to Book a Guided Hunting Trip — A First-Timer's Complete Guide
Booking your first guided hunting trip is exciting — and more than a little overwhelming. Finding a legitimate outfitter, understanding what's included, knowing what questions to ask, and avoiding the traps that cost hunters thousands of dollars every year requires a clear-eyed framework. This guide covers everything a first-time guided hunt client needs to know.
Spring Bear Hunting Guide: Best States, Seasons & Outfitters
Spring is the premier season for black bear hunting — fresh winter coats, no bugs, and hungry bears on the move. This guide breaks down the best states and provinces, hunting methods, outfitter criteria, and gear to put you on a wall-hanger boar this spring.
Argentina Dove Hunting: The Complete Guide (2026)
Argentina dove hunting is in a class of its own — hundreds of millions of eared doves, world-class lodges, and shooting volume that no other destination on earth can match. Here's everything you need to plan your trip.
How to Apply for Arizona Elk Tags: Draw Odds, Units & Tips (2026)
Arizona has some of the best elk hunting in the world — but the tag draw is competitive. Here's how to maximize your odds, pick the right unit, and what to expect on a guided hunt.
Duck Hunting Gear: Complete Waterfowl Setup Guide
A successful duck hunt doesn't happen by accident — it's built on the right gear, assembled the right way. From shotgun selection to decoy spreads, wader choice to duck calls, this guide walks through every piece of the waterfowl setup so you show up ready to hunt, not scrambling.
Florida Keys Fishing Guide: Tarpon, Bonefish & Permit
The Florida Keys flats represent the holy grail of saltwater light-tackle fishing — three of the most challenging and rewarding species on earth, in clear shallow water where you can see every move the fish makes. Planning a Keys trip correctly means understanding the season, the species, and what separates a truly great flats guide from the pack.
How to Plan a Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Buffalo, Elephant & Plains Game
Zimbabwe is one of Africa's most serious hunting destinations — a country with professional hunting roots going back over a century, world-class dangerous game country, and a professional hunter infrastructure that rivals anything on the continent. Planning a Zimbabwe safari requires understanding the concession system, species regulations, trophy import rules, and how to select an outfitter in a country where the stakes are genuinely high.
Best Walleye Fishing in North America: Devils Lake, Lake Erie & Beyond
Walleye are North America's most sought-after freshwater table fish — golden fillets, elusive behavior, and a range that spans from the plains of North Dakota to the Canadian shield. Knowing where to go, when to go, and how to fish each destination separates a productive walleye trip from a frustrating one. This guide covers the continent's top destinations.
How to Apply for Arizona Elk Tags: OTC vs Draw Units Explained
Arizona elk hunting is the gold standard of North American big-game hunting — world-class Merriam's bulls, dramatic high-country terrain, and a tag system that rewards patience and strategy. Understanding the difference between OTC archery units and the draw system, how bonus points work, and which units match your goals is the foundation of any successful Arizona elk plan.
Spring Bear Hunting: The Complete Guide to Spot-and-Stalk and Baited Hunts
Spring is the premier season for black bear hunting. Bears emerge from their dens hungry, their hides still prime before summer rubs, and they concentrate on predictable food sources that make them huntable. Whether you prefer the controlled patience of a baited stand or the physical challenge of spot-and-stalk across open mountainsides, spring offers the best conditions of the year.
Argentina Dove Hunting: The World's Best Wing Shooting Experience
Córdoba Province, Argentina is the undisputed world capital of dove hunting. Hundreds of millions of eared doves, no bag limits, elite lodge hospitality, legendary Argentine beef, and Malbec wine — it's an experience that has no equal anywhere in the world. Here's everything you need to plan your trip.
How to Apply for Arizona Elk Tags: Draw Odds, Units, and Non-Resident Strategy
Arizona holds the world's largest concentration of Rocky Mountain elk — and some of the most coveted tags in North America. Understanding the bonus point system, which units give non-residents the best odds, and when to hire a guide versus going DIY can be the difference between hunting AZ elk in 3 years or 15. Here's the complete non-resident strategy guide.
Duck Hunting Gear: The Complete Waterfowl Setup Guide
Duck hunting rewards preparation. From the right decoy spread to the correct choke for decoying mallards, every piece of gear has a purpose. This complete waterfowl setup guide covers everything you need — from first-time setups to upgrading a mature rig.
Spring Bear Hunting Guide: Best States and Tactics
Spring is the premier season for black bear hunting in North America. Fresh winter coats, no insects, and hungry bears on predictable food sources make April through June the best window of the year. This guide covers the top states and provinces, hunting methods, tag requirements, and what to expect on a guided spring bear hunt.
Argentina Dove Hunting: The Complete Guide
Argentina's Córdoba province is the dove hunting capital of the world — hundreds of millions of eared doves, no bag limits, and daily totals that routinely reach 1,000 to 2,000 birds per shooter. This complete guide covers the lodge experience, best months to visit, travel logistics, gear setup, and how to book a trip that will change how you think about wing shooting.
How to Apply for Arizona Elk Tags
Arizona elk hunting is the gold standard of North American big-game — world-class Merriam's bulls, dramatic high-country terrain, and a tag system that rewards patience. This guide breaks down every pathway to an Arizona elk tag: OTC archery, the annual draw, bonus points, unit selection, and why hiring a guide for OTC archery units dramatically improves your odds.
Duck Hunting Gear: The Complete Waterfowl Setup
A successful duck hunt is built on the right gear, assembled correctly. From wader selection and decoy spreads to the right choke tube for steel shot and what to look for in a retriever, this complete waterfowl setup guide covers every component of the duck hunting system — whether you're building your first rig or upgrading a mature setup.
Saddle Hunting for Whitetail: Setup, Gear, and Technique
Saddle hunting has transformed whitetail hunting for mobile hunters — lighter packs, faster setups, and the ability to reach trees that traditional treestands can't access. This guide covers everything: how a saddle system compares to a treestand, how to set up your platform and establish aiming lanes, and the complete gear checklist for a mobile saddle setup.
New Zealand Hunting Guide: Red Stag, Tahr & Chamois
Everything you need to know about hunting New Zealand — red stag during the roar, Himalayan tahr in the Southern Alps, and chamois on steep ridges.
Alaska Moose Hunting: The Complete Guide to Giant Bulls
Alaska moose are the largest deer in the world. Here's how to plan a successful guided Alaska moose hunt — units, outfitters, gear, and what to expect.
Cape Buffalo Hunting: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Cape buffalo are Africa's most dangerous game animal. Here's how to prepare for a buffalo hunt — countries, calibers, outfitters, and survival tips.
Steelhead Fishing: Where to Go and How to Catch Them
Steelhead are the hardest-fighting fish in freshwater. Here's where to find them and how to catch them — Pacific Northwest rivers, Alaska, and BC.
Best Calibers for Elk Hunting: A No-BS Guide
Elk are big, tough animals. Here are the calibers that reliably put bulls on the ground — and the ones to avoid.
Pacific Salmon Fishing: The Complete Guide to King, Coho & Pink Salmon
Pacific salmon fishing spans five species, thousands of miles of coastline, and some of the most spectacular wilderness on earth. From king salmon on the Kenai River to sockeye in Bristol Bay and coho off the BC coast, this guide covers everything you need to plan your Pacific salmon trip.
Wyoming Mule Deer Hunting: Regions, Draws, and Best Outfitters
Wyoming consistently produces some of the largest mule deer on the planet. With the right unit, the right outfitter, and a solid understanding of the draw system, a trophy 170–190-class buck is a realistic goal — not just a dream. Here's everything you need to know before you apply.
Africa Safari Hunting: Planning Your First Dangerous Game Hunt
Planning your first African dangerous game safari involves more decisions than almost any other hunt on earth — country, Professional Hunter, species, budget, documentation, and rifle selection all matter enormously. Get them right and you'll have a life-defining experience. Get them wrong and it's an expensive mistake. Here's the complete planning framework.
Best BC Steelhead Lodges: Dean River, Skeena, and Babine
British Columbia holds the largest wild steelhead remaining on earth. The Dean River, Babine, and Skeena system rivers are not just the best steelhead fishing in North America — they are the best in the world. Planning a trip requires understanding how each river fishes, when to go, and how to secure access to the most coveted water.
Argentina Wingshooting: The Complete Dove, Perdiz & Pigeon Guide
There is nowhere on earth that compares to Argentina for wingshooting volume. A single day of dove hunting in Córdoba can produce 800–1,200 birds per gun — with no bag limit and an endless supply of eared doves streaming across the sky. But Argentina wingshooting is more than just volume — it's also some of the world's best perdiz, pigeon, and waterfowl hunting.
Sable Antelope Hunting: Zimbabwe's Crown Jewel
The sable antelope is arguably the most beautiful animal in Africa — a jet-black bull with swept-back horns curving to 45–50 inches standing broadside at 200 yards is a sight that stops even veteran safari hunters cold. Zimbabwe is the gold standard for trophy sable, and hunting one correctly requires understanding concessions, trophy assessment, and shot placement on one of Africa's toughest animals.
Texas Exotic Hunting: Blackbuck, Axis, Nilgai & More
Texas has more exotic animals than any country in Africa. Here's how to hunt blackbuck antelope, axis deer, nilgai, aoudad, and more on Hill Country ranches.
Elk Hunting in New Mexico: Draw Units, OTC Tags & Outfitters
New Mexico produces some of the largest bulls in North America. A breakdown of the best draw units, OTC archery options, and top outfitters in the state.
Waterfowl Hunting in Arkansas: The Duck Hunting Capital
Stuttgart, Arkansas is the undisputed duck hunting capital of the world. Here's what makes the Grand Prairie so special and how to book the best flooded timber hunts.
Pheasant Hunting in Kansas: Flint Hills & the Best Wild Bird Hunting in America
Kansas consistently produces the most wild pheasants in the country. Here's where to hunt, when to go, and what to expect from the Flint Hills to the wheat fields of western Kansas.
Mountain Goat Hunting: British Columbia's Ultimate High-Country Challenge
Mountain goat hunting in British Columbia is one of North America's most physically demanding and rewarding adventures. Here's what it takes to tag a billy in BC's Coast Mountains.
Alaska Dall Sheep Hunting: The Complete Guide to Full-Curl Rams
Everything you need to plan an Alaska Dall sheep hunt — from Brooks Range outfitters to AK draw tags, gear lists, and what a full-curl ram actually means in the field.
Spring Bear Hunting in BC and Alberta: Baiting, Spot-and-Stalk, and What to Expect
Spring bear season in British Columbia and Alberta is one of North America's best hunting values. Here's how to plan a successful spring bear hunt, from bait sites to color phases.
Argentina Dove Hunting in Córdoba: The World's Best Wingshooting Destination
Córdoba Province offers the most prolific dove hunting on Earth — 1,000+ birds per day is not a fantasy. Here's everything you need to know to plan a Córdoba dove hunt.
How to Draw an Arizona Elk Tag: Units, Points, and Strategy
Arizona elk hunting is world-class — the Kaibab and White Mountains units produce 380"+ bulls. Here's the complete strategy for drawing a coveted Arizona elk tag.
Mule Deer Rut Timing: When to Hunt for the Best Encounter Rates
The mule deer rut peaks in November — but exact timing varies by elevation, latitude, and population. Here's the complete breakdown of rut timing across the western states.
Zimbabwe Hippo Hunting: The Complete Guide to Africa's Most Dangerous Game
Hippopotamus hunting in Zimbabwe is legal, tightly regulated, and directly tied to rural community conservation through the CAMPFIRE program. A Zambezi Valley hippo hunt is one of Africa's most unique pursuits — close-range shots, dramatic riverside scenery, and a trophy that is genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else on earth.
Mongolia Argali Hunting: The Grand Slam's Crown Jewel
The Altai argali is the largest wild sheep on earth and the most coveted sheep trophy in the world. With only 25–30 permits issued annually, a Mongolia argali hunt requires years of planning — and represents the pinnacle of mountain hunting for anyone who has completed the North American Grand Slam.
Best States for Spring Turkey Hunting: A State-by-State Guide
Spring turkey hunting is the most accessible high-quality hunting experience in North America — and the best states for it are not always the most obvious ones. From Mississippi's March 15 opener to the rolling hills of Missouri and the Sandhills of Nebraska, this state-by-state guide ranks the top 10 destinations for spring gobblers.
Brazil Pantanal Wingshooting: The World's Other Great Dove Hunt
Everyone knows about Argentina's Córdoba dove hunting. Far fewer hunters have discovered what Brazil's Pantanal offers: eared dove, picazuro pigeon, white-winged dove, and South American teal in a true wilderness setting — with giant anteaters, caimans, and giant river otters as the supporting cast.
Peacock Bass Fishing in the Amazon: The Ultimate Freshwater Challenge
Pound-for-pound, giant speckled peacock bass are considered the toughest freshwater fish in the world. They explode on topwater lures with a strike that can break rods, strip drags, and leave experienced anglers shaking. A Rio Negro Amazon houseboat trip is fishing unlike anything else on earth.
British Columbia Moose Hunting: The Complete Guide to Trophy Bulls
British Columbia is home to the largest moose in Canada — and arguably the world. The Omineca, Peace River, and Skeena regions consistently produce trophy bulls with 48–60"+ spreads. This guide covers BC's license structure, the best hunting regions, float plane camp logistics, and what a guided BC moose hunt actually costs.
Pacific Salmon Fishing in BC and Alaska: Charter Guide for Trophy Chinook
Pacific salmon fishing in British Columbia and Alaska offers some of the world's most sought-after saltwater angling — and the chinook (king) salmon, running 50–70 lbs, is the crown jewel. This guide covers the best spots in BC and Alaska, tackle setup, charter vs. lodge options, regulations, and what it actually costs to fish for trophy kings.
Marco Polo Sheep Hunting: The Grand Slam's Most Elusive Trophy
The Marco Polo argali is the world's largest wild sheep by horn length — spiraling horns that can reach 65"+ in mature rams. Found only in the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia, this is the trophy that completes the Super Slam of sheep. This guide covers where to hunt, permit logistics, Dushanbe-to-Pamirs logistics, altitude preparation, and the full cost reality.
Best States for Draw Tag Hunting: Where Your Points Are Worth the Most
Western draw tags are the keys to the kingdom — the best elk units in New Mexico, the trophy mule deer country in Nevada, and Arizona's Kaibab elk units are all locked behind a draw. This guide breaks down how preference and bonus point systems work, which states offer the best return on accumulated points, and realistic timelines for drawing your dream tag.
Northwest Territories Caribou Hunting: The Barren Ground Migration Hunt
The Northwest Territories' barren ground caribou migration is one of the great wildlife spectacles of the North — thousands of animals moving across open tundra in August and September. For hunters, it's one of the most accessible remote hunts in North America: fly-in spike camps, multiple caribou per hunter, and the opportunity to combine with a muskox harvest in some areas.
Colorado Elk Hunting: The Complete Unit-by-Unit Guide for Out-of-State Hunters
Colorado holds the largest elk herd in the world — 280,000+ animals. Here's how to navigate the OTC vs. draw unit system, the best units for non-residents, and what your hunt will actually cost.
African Plains Game Hunting in South Africa: The Complete First-Timer's Guide
South Africa is the entry point for African hunting — accessible, affordable, and with more trophy species per dollar than anywhere else on the continent. Here's everything you need to know for your first plains game safari.
Spring Bear Hunting in BC and Alberta: Bait vs. Spot-and-Stalk
Canada's western provinces produce the most consistent color-phase black bear hunting in the world. Here's how to choose between baiting in BC/Alberta and spot-and-stalk on coastal BC — plus what each hunt actually costs.
Central Flyway Duck Hunting: The Best States, Timing, and Access Points
The Central Flyway moves 40+ million ducks and geese through North America's heartland every fall. Here's where to be, when, and how to access the best water from the Canadian prairies to the Texas Gulf Coast.
Hunting in New Zealand: Red Stag, Himalayan Tahr, and Chamois in the Southern Alps
New Zealand offers some of the most spectacular mountain hunting in the world — wild red stag in high country tussock, Himalayan tahr on vertical faces, and chamois in the Southern Alps. Here's how to plan your trip.
Best Whitetail States for Nonresidents: Where to Hunt a 170"+ Buck
Most states make it easy to buy a nonresident deer tag — but only a handful give you a realistic shot at a 170"+ buck without a 10-year point grind. Here's where to go.
Alaska Dall Sheep Hunting: The Complete Guide to Hunting Full-Curl Rams
Dall sheep hunting is the ultimate mountain challenge — 10–14 days above treeline, 10–20 miles of hiking per day, and a 37"+ full-curl ram as the reward. Here's what it actually takes.
Planning Your First South Africa Plains Game Safari: Everything You Need to Know
A South Africa plains game safari is the most accessible African hunt — $4,000–$8,000 all-in, incredible species variety, and world-class lodges. Here's how to plan it right.
Oregon and Washington Elk Hunting: OTC Tags, Big Bulls, and Pacific Northwest Adventure
Oregon and Washington offer OTC elk tags in many units — and with the right unit selection and a knowledgeable guide, 300–340"+ Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt bulls are realistic.
Canada Moose Hunting: The Complete Guide to Hunting Giant Bulls in BC, Alberta, and the Yukon
Canada is the undisputed home of trophy moose. BC produces 55"+ bulls. Alberta offers LEH draw tags at reasonable odds. The Yukon grows the biggest moose on earth. Here's how to plan your Canadian moose hunt.
Best States for First-Time Elk Hunters: Unit Selection Guide
Choosing the right state is the single most important decision a first-time elk hunter makes — more important than the rifle you carry or the hours you spend scouting. The right state puts elk in front of you. The wrong state sends you home empty-handed wondering what went wrong. Here's the definitive beginner's guide to elk state selection.
Africa Hunting Safari Cost Breakdown: What You Actually Pay
Africa hunting safaris range from $2,500 for a budget South Africa plains game package to $80,000+ for a Tanzania dangerous game hunt. Understanding why the range is so wide — and what you're actually paying for at each tier — is the difference between a great first safari and an expensive disappointment.
Duck Hunting Decoy Spreads: Setup Strategies by Species and Location
Most duck hunters spend 80% of their time thinking about calling and 20% thinking about decoy placement — when it should be the reverse. A perfect spread in the right location will bring birds in even without a call. A perfect call over a wrong spread will turn birds away. Here's how to set decoys for every major situation.
Mule Deer Rut Hunting: Timing, Tactics, and the Best Destinations
The mule deer rut is one of the West's most spectacular hunting events — and one of the most misunderstood. Unlike whitetail, mule deer bucks are elevation-dependent, later-peaking, and far less predictable in their rut behavior. Get the timing and tactics right, and you'll be glassing bucks nobody else finds. Here's how.
Spring Turkey Hunting: Complete Setup Guide for New Hunters
Spring turkey hunting is the best gateway into hunting for new hunters. The birds are vocal, the terrain is forgiving, the gear requirements are minimal, and a gobbler charging toward your setup is one of the most exciting experiences in all of hunting. Here's everything a new hunter needs to get started.
Spring Bear Hunting Guide: Best States and Provinces for Black Bear
Spring is one of the best times to pursue black bear — hides are at peak quality, bears are actively feeding after winter, and the opportunity to hunt over bait or run spot-and-stalk tactics in open country makes for a dynamic, accessible hunt. This guide covers the top destinations and everything you need to know before your first spring bear hunt.
Argentina Dove Hunting: Complete Guide to Córdoba Wingshooting
Córdoba, Argentina is the world's premier dove hunting destination — with populations estimated at 50+ million eared doves in a single province, volume shooting at a scale unavailable anywhere else on earth. Shells are typically included, lodges are world-class, and the hunting runs year-round. Here's everything you need to plan your Córdoba wingshooting trip.
Best Spring Turkey Hunting States: A Ranked Guide
Not all spring turkey seasons are created equal. Bird density, season length, tag availability, and hunting pressure vary dramatically from state to state — and choosing the right destination can mean the difference between hammering birds every morning and spending a week chasing hung-up gobblers. Here's our ranked guide to the top 10 states for spring turkey hunting.
Mule Deer vs Whitetail: Key Differences Every Hunter Should Know
Mule deer and whitetail are both North American deer — but hunting them requires completely different tactics, gear setups, and mindsets. A whitetail hunter chasing mule deer for the first time often makes costly mistakes, and vice versa. This guide breaks down the key differences every hunter should understand before crossing the line from one species to the other.
How to Book a Guided Hunt: What to Look For in an Outfitter
Booking a guided hunt is one of the most significant outdoor purchases you'll ever make — and the stakes are high. A bad outfitter can ruin a once-in-a-lifetime hunt and cost thousands of dollars. A great outfitter can deliver an experience that changes how you think about hunting. This guide walks you through every step of finding, vetting, and booking a quality outfitter.
Kansas Whitetail Hunting: Why the Flint Hills Produces Giant Bucks
Kansas is one of the most underrated trophy whitetail destinations in North America, and the Flint Hills region sits at the heart of it. With over-the-counter archery tags, exceptional genetics, and some of the most consistent 150–170" bucks produced anywhere in the country, Kansas demands serious attention from any hunter chasing a wall-hanger whitetail.
BC Steelhead Fishing: A Complete Guide to the Skeena Watershed
The Skeena watershed in northwestern British Columbia is widely regarded as the greatest wild steelhead system on earth. The Babine, Kispiox, Bulkley, and Copper rivers hold steelhead of a size and number that exists nowhere else — fish that average 12–15 pounds with genuine giants exceeding 30. For any serious fly angler, a Skeena steelhead trip is the pinnacle.
Cape Buffalo Hunting: What to Expect on Your First Safari
Cape buffalo — called Black Death by the hunters and trackers who have faced a wounded bull in thick bush — is the gateway to dangerous game hunting in Africa. More PHs have been killed by buffalo than by any other species, and the animals earn that reputation every season. But for the hunter ready to step into the professional hunter's world, a Cape buffalo safari is the most intense, rewarding experience in all of big-game hunting.
Iowa Whitetail Hunting: How to Draw Tags and Find Giant Bucks
Iowa produces more Boone and Crockett whitetail entries per square mile than any other state. The combination of exceptional genetics, mature age structure, and world-class nutrition in Iowa's agricultural landscape creates deer that push the boundaries of what whitetails are capable of. Knowing how to access these deer — through the right tag strategy and the right counties — is the key to a successful Iowa hunt.
African Elephant Hunting: Everything You Need to Know About This Rare Experience
African elephant hunting is the rarest, most expensive, and most debated trophy hunt available anywhere in the world. It is also, for the handful of hunters who pursue it each year, one of the most transformative experiences in big-game hunting — a 21-day immersion in true wilderness Africa, in pursuit of an animal that demands everything a hunter can give. This guide explains where elephant hunting is legal, why it happens, and what to expect.
Iowa Turkey Hunting: Best Counties, Seasons, and Tactics
Iowa produces some of the most impressive spring gobblers in the Midwest, thanks to dense hardwood corridors in the northeast and a conservative tag structure that keeps hunting pressure manageable. But success here demands more than showing up — you need to know the right counties, public land options, and how to handle a fired-up longbeard in big timber.
Montana Spring Bear Hunting: Public Land Access and Guided Hunt Guide
Montana's spring black bear season runs April 15 through June 15 and is fully over-the-counter for non-residents — no draw required. With an estimated 12,000-plus black bears statewide and over 30 million acres of public land, Montana is the most accessible quality bear destination in North America. But spot-and-stalk spring bear hunting is harder than it looks. Here's how to do it right.
How to Plan a BC Salmon Fishing Trip: Chinook, Sockeye, and Coho
British Columbia is one of the last places on earth where you can stand in a river and watch 10,000 salmon pass in a single morning. The province's five Pacific salmon species — Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Pink, and Chum — run in staggered waves from May through November, giving BC the longest and most diverse salmon fishing window in North America. Here's how to plan a trip.
Arkansas Duck Hunting: The Grand Prairie, Flooded Timber, and WMA Access Guide
Every fall, the Mississippi Flyway funnels more than 50% of North America's mallard population through a 200-mile-wide bottleneck in the Arkansas Delta. The result is the continent's most concentrated and most celebrated duck hunting — from the Grand Prairie rice fields around Stuttgart to the flooded green timber of Cache River and the massive public WMAs of the White River bottomlands.
New Mexico Elk Hunting: Archery OTC, Draw Units, and Complete Cost Guide
New Mexico holds some of the largest Rocky Mountain elk in North America, and unlike most western states, nonresident archers can hunt without drawing a tag. The Gila Wilderness — 3.3 million acres of roadless terrain in southwest New Mexico — produces bulls that make Colorado look tame. Here's your complete guide to hunting New Mexico elk, from OTC archery to the most coveted draw units in the West.
Tennessee Turkey Hunting: Best Public Land Units and Guided Outfitter Guide
Tennessee consistently ranks among the top five spring turkey states in the country — and for good reason. With one of the earliest season openings in the US (late March) and nearly seven weeks of opportunity, the Volunteer State gives hunters more chances to close the deal on a longbeard than almost anywhere east of the Mississippi. Here's your complete guide to hunting turkeys in Tennessee, from the Cherokee National Forest to the WMAs of West Tennessee bottomlands.
Oregon Coast Salmon Fishing: Tillamook, Rogue River, and Buoy 10 Guide
Oregon's coastline and river systems give salmon anglers an extraordinary range of options — from the tidal bays and estuary fishing of the north coast to the legendary Rogue River canyon fishery in the south. Whether you want to anchor in Tillamook Bay for fall chinook, back-troll the Rogue for world-class spring kings, or join the massive fleet at Buoy 10 for the Columbia River mouth run, Oregon delivers some of the best guided salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest.
Texas Nilgai and Hog Hunting: South Texas Brush Country Guide
South Texas brush country offers one of the most unique hunting combinations in North America: nilgai antelope and wild hogs on the same sprawling ranches that straddle the Gulf Coast plain. The nilgai — the world's largest antelope outside sub-Saharan Africa — was brought to the King Ranch in the 1930s and has since established a free-ranging population of 30,000+ animals across the coastal counties. Combined with one of the densest wild hog populations in the country, South Texas delivers a legitimate big-game hunt unlike anything else on the continent.
Alaska Halibut Fishing: Homer, Kodiak, and Seward Charter Guide
Pacific halibut fishing is the crown jewel of Alaska's sport fishery — flat-sided giants that can exceed 300 lbs, lurking in the cold Pacific depths off Alaska's southern coast. Three hub cities dominate the charter halibut industry: Homer on the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and Seward in Resurrection Bay. Each offers a different experience with the same basic premise: drop heavy bait to the bottom and hold on. Here's what to expect from each location and how to plan a charter trip that works for your goals and budget.
Wyoming Elk Hunting: Best Units, OTC vs. Draw, and What a Guided Hunt Costs
Wyoming consistently ranks among the top three elk states in North America, combining accessible OTC general-license units with some of the most coveted limited-entry draw tags on the continent. Whether you're planning a DIY archery hunt in the Bighorn National Forest or pricing a fully guided rifle hunt near Jackson Hole, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Canada Goose Hunting: Best States, Tactics, and Gear for Giant Canadas
Canada goose hunting has undergone a transformation in the last two decades — the resurgence of the giant Canada goose subspecies has created exceptional hunting across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Great Plains. Whether you're setting field layout blinds in Illinois or chasing migrant flocks over a Missouri refuge, here's your complete guide to hunting Canadas.
Florida Alligator Hunting: How to Apply for Tags and What a Hunt Costs
Florida's Statewide Alligator Harvest Program is unlike any other hunting permit in North America — a lottery-based system across 44 harvest units that gives both residents and nonresidents a genuine chance at one of the most exotic and exciting hunts available. Here's everything you need to know about applying, where to hunt, what the methods are, and what a guided gator hunt costs.
How to Choose a Hunting Outfitter: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Book
A guided hunt can run $2,000 to $20,000 — and the difference between an unforgettable experience and a costly disappointment often comes down to the questions you asked (or didn't ask) before you booked. Here are the 10 questions every hunter should ask a prospective outfitter, with red flags and green flags for each.
Black Bear Hunting in British Columbia: Spring vs. Fall, Coastal vs. Interior
British Columbia consistently produces some of the largest black bears in the world — with coastal giants reaching 450 lbs and skull measurements rivaling grizzly bears, and rare color phase animals including the blue glacier bear of the Skeena. Whether you're planning a spring bait hunt or a fall spot-and-stalk over salmon streams, this guide covers everything you need to know about hunting BC black bears.
How to Read an Elk Outfitter's Success Rate: What the Numbers Really Mean
If you've researched guided elk hunts, you've seen the claims: '90% success rate,' '100% shot opportunity,' 'highest harvest rate in the state.' They're everywhere. But what do these numbers actually mean — and how do you compare them across outfitters when the definition of 'success' shifts from website to website? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about elk outfitter success claims before you put a deposit down.
Minnesota Duck Hunting: Best Lakes, Flyways, and Guided Hunt Costs
Minnesota sits at the junction of the Mississippi and Central flyways, surrounded by more than 10,000 lakes, wetlands, and prairie potholes. It's one of the most diverse duck hunting states in the country — mallards to canvasbacks, teal to goldeneye — and it offers both exceptional public land access and world-class lodge-style guided hunts. Here's everything you need to know.
Colorado Pronghorn Hunting: Tags, Best Units, and What a Guided Hunt Costs
Colorado holds one of the largest pronghorn populations in the United States — over 90,000 animals spread across the eastern plains, the San Luis Valley, and the Western Slope. It's accessible, affordable relative to other western states, and offers both public-land DIY opportunity and high-quality guided hunts with landowner access to bucks that regularly exceed 70 inches. Here's the complete breakdown.
Zimbabwe Plains Game Safari: What to Expect, Pricing, and How to Choose an Outfitter
Zimbabwe punches above its weight in the African hunting world. Despite its turbulent recent history, the country's professional hunting industry has remained one of the most respected on the continent — and its private conservancies rival anything in southern or eastern Africa. For hunters considering their first African safari, or veterans looking for a high-value plains game destination, Zimbabwe deserves a serious look.
Alberta Moose Hunting: Draw Tags, Trophy Quality, and Guided Hunt Costs
Alberta is one of the premier moose hunting destinations in the world. The Peace River country in the northwest holds some of the largest Canada moose bulls anywhere, with giants regularly exceeding 60 inches in antler spread. Add in the Rocky Mountain foothills subspecies, a well-managed draw system, and world-class wilderness outfitters, and you have a bucket-list destination for serious moose hunters.
Mexico Dove Hunting: Sonora vs. Sinaloa, Season Dates, and What It Costs
Mexico offers wing shooting that simply doesn't exist anywhere else in North America. Hundreds of birds per gun per day, hacienda-style hospitality, and season windows that extend from September through February. If you've never experienced a Sonora white-wing morning or a Sinaloa mourning dove afternoon, you owe it to yourself to go. Here's everything you need to know before booking.
Idaho Elk Hunting: Units, OTC Tags, and What a Guided Hunt Costs
Idaho has more OTC elk tags than almost any other western state. Here's how to hunt it — units, tag options, and what a guided hunt costs.
Namibia Hunting Safari: Plains Game, Trophy Fees, and What It Really Costs
Namibia is the most accessible African hunting destination — private land, predictable weather, and a flat-rate pricing model. Here's what to expect and budget.
Texas Redfish Fishing: Best Bays, Seasons, and Guided Charter Costs
Texas has the best redfish fishery in the lower 48. Here's where to go, when to go, and what a guided wade or flats trip costs.
Kansas Pheasant Hunting: Best Counties, Public Land, and Guided Lodge Costs
Kansas is consistently the top ringneck state in the country. Here's where to go, what a guided lodge hunt costs, and how to DIY on WIHA land.
Alabama Turkey Hunting: Black Belt Public Land, Season Dates, and Guided Hunts
Alabama's Black Belt region produces some of the biggest longbeards in the South. Here's how to hunt it — public land, private guided operations, and what to budget.
Oklahoma Whitetail Hunting: Best Counties, Public Land, and Guided Hunt Costs
Oklahoma is one of the most underrated trophy whitetail states in the country. McCurtain, Pushmataha, and Mayes counties produce 150"+ B&C bucks regularly, and guided private-land hunts run $2,500–$5,000 — far below the Iowa and Illinois premium. Here's everything you need to know.
Iowa Whitetail Hunting: Top Counties, Draw Tags, and What a Guided Hunt Costs
Iowa is arguably the #1 state in North America for record-book whitetails per square mile. The combination of corn/soybean agriculture, mineral-rich glacial soils, and decades of conservative harvest regulations has produced a population of deer that simply doesn't exist anywhere else at scale.
Illinois Whitetail Hunting: Pike County, B&C Records, and Outfitter Costs
Pike County, Illinois has produced more Boone & Crockett whitetail entries than virtually any other county in America. The Illinois River corridor — Pike, Adams, Calhoun, Greene, and Jersey counties — is the most concentrated trophy whitetail zone in the lower 48.
Alaska Sitka Blacktail Deer Hunting: Kodiak Island, Season, and What It Costs
Sitka blacktail deer are a unique Pacific coast subspecies found from Southeast Alaska to Kodiak Island. Kodiak holds the world's highest densities — fly-in spike camp hunts in some of North America's most spectacular wilderness terrain. Tags are OTC and affordable.
New Brunswick Moose Hunting: Draw Tags, Season Dates, and Guided Hunt Costs
New Brunswick is Atlantic Canada's top moose destination. The Miramichi watershed holds exceptional bull density, and NB bulls commonly reach 50"–58" with heavy Fundy-region genetics. Guided camp hunts run $7,000–$12,000 CAD — a genuine wilderness Canada experience.
Wyoming Elk Hunting: Best Units, Draw Tags, and What a Guided Hunt Costs
Wyoming elk hunting stands in a class of its own — 100,000+ animals roaming terrain that ranges from high-desert sage flats to 13,000-foot alpine peaks. Whether you're chasing a draw tag in the Teton wilderness or hunting an OTC any-elk unit, this guide covers every step from tag strategy to outfitter costs.
Alaska Brown Bear Hunting: Peninsula vs. Interior, Tags, and What It Costs
Alaska is the undisputed world capital of brown bear hunting — 30,000+ bears, the world's largest land predators, and four distinct hunting regions that each deliver a completely different experience. Here's what you need to know about tags, seasons, regions, and guided hunt costs.
Montana Mule Deer Hunting: Best Areas, Tags, and What a Guided Hunt Costs
Montana is a top-tier mule deer state — a combination of eastern prairie badlands and mountain foothills that produces 160"–200"+ bucks every season. The Missouri Breaks alone may be the best trophy mule deer country in North America. Here's what you need to know about tags, timing, and guided hunt costs.
South Africa Hunting Safari: Plains Game, Costs, and What to Expect
South Africa is the world's #1 hunting destination — 10,000+ private game farms, the most accessible African hunt available, no visa required for US citizens, and trophy quality that rivals anywhere on the continent. Here's the complete guide to plains game packages, trophy fees, and what a 7-day safari really costs.
Canada Goose Hunting: Best States, Migration Timing, and Guided Hunt Costs
Canada goose hunting is one of the most accessible and exciting waterfowl pursuits in North America — honkers are found in all 48 continental states, multiple seasons run from September through January, and a well-set field spread can pull giant flocks from the sky. Here's what you need to know about migration timing, field setup, and guided hunt costs.
Washington Roosevelt Elk Hunting: Olympic Peninsula, Tags, and What a Guided Hunt Costs
Washington Roosevelt elk are the largest elk subspecies on earth — 1,000-lb bulls living in the temperate rainforest of the Olympic Peninsula. Whether you're planning a DIY hunt on DNR land or a guided spike-camp expedition, this guide covers every step from tag strategy to outfitter costs.
Florida Alligator Hunting: How the SFWMD Permit Works and What It Costs
Florida's alligator hunting program is one of the most unique hunting opportunities in North America — a state-managed lottery for 7,000 harvest permits across 33 waterways, targeting bull gators up to 14 feet. Here's how the permit system works and what a guided gator hunt costs.
New Zealand Red Stag Hunting: Free-Range vs. Estate, SCI Scores, and What It Costs
New Zealand produces world-class red stags with European genetics fed by the country's exceptional pastoral nutrition — yielding some of the largest antlers of any red deer population on earth. Whether you're planning a free-range wilderness hunt in the Canterbury High Country or a high-fence estate experience, this guide covers everything.
Canada Black Bear Hunting: Best Provinces, Spring vs. Fall, and What It Costs
Canada produces some of the largest black bears on earth — 500-lb Ontario bruins, coastal BC giants, and Manitoba Interlake monsters. Whether you're planning a spring bait hunt or a fall spot-and-stalk, this guide covers the best provinces, tag costs, and what guided hunts actually charge.
Wyoming Pronghorn Hunting: Draw Tags, Leftover Licenses, and What a Guided Hunt Costs
Wyoming holds 600,000+ pronghorn — over half the world population — with OTC general licenses available for non-residents and trophy draw areas producing 16–17" bucks. Whether you're hunting BLM public land or a private ranch, this guide covers the Wyoming pronghorn tag system, best areas, and guided hunt costs.
Louisiana Inshore Fishing: Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Where to Book a Charter
Louisiana's coastal marsh is one of the greatest inshore fishing destinations on earth. Millions of acres of braided tidal channels, grass flats, and flooded marsh hold redfish and speckled trout year-round — and a half-day charter puts you in the middle of it. Here's how to plan your trip.
Colorado Archery Elk Hunting: Units, Draw Tags, and Proven Tactics
Colorado holds more elk than any other state in the country, and its archery season runs through the heart of the September rut. Whether you're buying an OTC tag or grinding for a draw unit trophy bull, Colorado archery elk hunting is one of the greatest big-game experiences in North America.
Turkey Hunting Gear: The Complete Setup for Spring Season Success
Spring turkey season rewards preparation. The right gear setup — camo that disappears into the woods, a call that sounds like an actual hen, and a decoy spread that pulls a gobbler into range — is the difference between going home with a bird and going home empty. Here's the complete breakdown.
Alaska Fly-In Hunting: Complete Checklist and What to Expect on a Wilderness Hunt
An Alaska fly-in hunt is unlike any other experience in North American big-game hunting. You land in country that may not have seen a hunter in years, with moose the size of horses and caribou herds stretching across tundra to the horizon. Getting there — and getting everything out — requires meticulous planning.
Arizona Elk Hunting: How to Draw a Tag, Best Units, and What a Guided Hunt Costs
Arizona elk tags are among the most coveted in North America — and with good reason. The White Mountains and Kaibab Plateau produce bulls that rival any state in the lower 48. Understanding the draw system is the first step toward punching a tag in one of the greatest elk states in the country.
Upland Bird Hunting: A Complete Guide to Quail, Pheasant, and Prairie Birds
Upland bird hunting is one of the most accessible and rewarding forms of wing shooting in North America. From ringneck pheasants in the Kansas Flint Hills to bobwhite quail in the Texas brush country, the variety of species, landscapes, and hunting styles makes upland hunting endlessly compelling.
Spring Bear Hunting: Baiting vs. Spot-and-Stalk — What You Need to Know
Spring bear hunting offers a unique window of opportunity that fall hunters never see — fresh coats, low vegetation, and hungry bears actively feeding in the open. Whether you're hunting over bait in the Alberta boreal or glassing BC coastal hillsides for spot-and-stalk bruins, spring is when big bears are vulnerable.
BC and Alaska Salmon Fishing: How to Book a Charter and What to Expect
Pacific salmon fishing in British Columbia and Alaska represents some of the finest angling available anywhere on earth. From the legendary king salmon runs of the Kenai River to the silver salmon frenzy of Prince William Sound, a well-planned BC or Alaska salmon charter delivers experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.
New Mexico Mule Deer Hunting: How to Draw a Tag, Best Units, and What Guided Hunts Cost
New Mexico is one of the most underrated mule deer states in the American West — and for hunters who do the homework, it delivers trophy bucks that rival the best units in Colorado or Wyoming. From the San Andres Mountains to the Gila Wilderness to the Jicarilla Apache Nation tribal lands, New Mexico's diversity of mule deer habitat is extraordinary.
Iowa Whitetail Hunting: The Complete Guide to Tags, Draw Odds, and Trophy Buck Outfitters
Iowa is the consensus pick among serious trophy whitetail hunters — a state with more Boone & Crockett entries per square mile than anywhere else in the country, restrictive non-resident tag quotas that limit pressure, and private agricultural ground that grows the biggest-bodied deer in North America.
Manitoba Whitetail Hunting: Trophy Bucks, Tag System, and Where to Book a Guided Hunt
Manitoba is one of North America's most underrated trophy whitetail destinations. Canadian border-country nutrition, a mature age class, and dense cold-weather body mass combine to produce bucks that rival anything the Midwest can offer — without the lottery pressure of Iowa or Kansas.
Iowa Pheasant Hunting: Best Counties, Public Land Access, and Guided Hunt Options
Iowa's ringneck pheasant population has rebounded sharply over the past decade, driven by millions of CRP and CREP acres, habitat restoration programs, and favorable weather cycles. Here's how to hunt it — and how to book a guided hunt on the best private ground.
Coues Deer Hunting: Arizona Draw Tags, Sonora Mexico, and Why the Grey Ghost is the Ultimate Challenge
The Coues whitetail is the most technically demanding deer hunt in North America. Called the Grey Ghost for its ability to vanish in steep Sonoran oak woodland, a mature Coues buck requires more glassing, more patience, and more shooting precision than almost any other deer species. Here's how to hunt them.
Texas Hill Country Whitetail Hunting: The Complete Guide to Hunting Native Free-Range Deer
The Texas Hill Country sits on the Edwards Plateau — a cedar and live oak landscape that holds the highest white-tailed deer density of any region in North America. With approximately 4 million deer statewide, no draw required, and free-range hunting on some of the continent's most well-managed private ranches, the Hill Country is a legitimate trophy destination.
Bison Hunting in America: The Complete Guide to Tags, Ranches, and What the Hunt Is Really Like
Bison hunting is one of the most historically resonant and logistically unusual hunts in North America. Once numbering 65 million animals, the American bison was reduced to fewer than 100 individuals by 1889. The species has recovered to approximately 500,000 animals today — and hunting plays a conservation role in that story.
Wyoming Pronghorn Hunting: OTC Tags, Draw Units, and Finding a Guide
Wyoming has more pronghorn than any state on Earth — over 600,000 animals. Here's how NR hunters access OTC licenses, which units produce 70"+ bucks, and what a guided hunt actually costs.
Montana Elk Hunting: Draw Tags, OTC Districts, and the Best Units for Trophy Bulls
Montana sells 17,000+ NR elk licenses annually — but knowing which districts are OTC and which require a draw can mean the difference between hunting in September and sitting at home.
Florida Osceola Turkey Hunting: The Rarest Grand Slam Bird and How to Hunt It
The Osceola is the rarest of the four Grand Slam subspecies — found only in the Florida peninsula. Here's where to hunt it, what it costs, and why it's unlike any turkey hunt you've done.
Alberta Moose Hunting: Trophy Bull Tags, Outfitter Zones, and What 55"+ Bulls Actually Cost
Alberta is the undisputed king of trophy moose hunting — producing more 60"+ bulls than any other Canadian province. Here's how NR hunters access the system and what to budget.
Saskatchewan Black Bear Hunting: Spring Baiting Season, Color Phases, and What to Expect
Saskatchewan produces some of the largest black bears in North America — with color phases running from jet black to chocolate brown and cinnamon. Here's how the spring bait season works and why it's one of the best NR bear options on the continent.
Alberta Whitetail Hunting: Trophy Bucks, NR Regulations, and Finding a Guided Hunt
Alberta's Peace Country produces some of the largest whitetail bucks in the world. Cold winters, agricultural edges, and low hunting pressure combine to grow bucks that rival anything on the continent. Here's the complete NR hunter's guide to booking an Alberta whitetail hunt.
New Zealand Fallow Deer Hunting: South Island Stations, Free-Range Stalking, and What to Expect
New Zealand's South Island high-country stations hold wild fallow deer descended from European introductions in the 1860s — with no CITES restrictions and gold-medal bucks readily available. Here's how to plan a fallow deer hunt on some of the world's most dramatic terrain.
Texas Rio Grande Turkey Hunting: Spring Season, Best Counties, and How to Book a Guided Hunt
Texas holds the largest Rio Grande turkey population in North America — and no draw is required for non-resident hunters. Here's everything you need to know about spring season structure, the best counties, and how to book a guided hunt.
Idaho Elk Hunting: OTC Tags, Draw Units, and Hunting the Frank Church Wilderness
Idaho is the West's most underrated elk state — offering the largest OTC archery elk program in North America alongside world-class controlled hunt draw units. Here's everything you need to know about units, tags, and hunting the Frank Church Wilderness.
Duck Hunting Gear: The Complete Waterfowl Setup — Shotguns, Decoys, Calls, and What You Actually Need
Duck hunting requires a unique convergence of gear — shotgun, ammunition, waders, decoys, blind, calls, and dog — all working together before sunrise. Here's the complete waterfowl setup guide covering what you actually need and why.
Ready to find your guided hunt?
Browse 389+ vetted hunting trips across the US and internationally.
Find Your Hunt →