When most folks talk about hunting spots, they stick to the big names. But some of the best opportunities are hiding in plain sight. Whether it’s overlooked units or underused access points, there are places across the country where tags are easier to get, pressure is lighter, and the hunting can be surprisingly good. Here are 10 public land hunts worth paying attention to—before everyone else catches on.
1. Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
Everyone flocks to the West for elk, but the Black Hills quietly offer a solid elk hunt without the crowds. It’s not a trophy factory, but if you want a chance at a legal bull with decent odds, this spot deserves a look.
The terrain is manageable, there’s decent road access, and there are still pockets where you can get away from it all. The limited-draw tags aren’t impossible to draw, and deer hunters can get in on the action too.
2. Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana
It’s easy to forget about Louisiana when you’re planning a public land hunt, but Kisatchie has a reputation for producing some solid whitetail bucks—if you’re willing to work for them.
The pine thickets and bottomland swamps aren’t a cakewalk, but that’s what keeps pressure down. It’s a mix of draw hunts and open-access zones, and the rut here hits a little later than in the Midwest, so it can be a great second-chance hunt.
3. Fort Peck Lake Area, Montana (BMA and BLM Lands)
Eastern Montana doesn’t get the love it should, but the Fort Peck area has a ton of access through Block Management and BLM ground, especially if you’re looking for mule deer.
It’s open country, so glassing is key, and the wind rarely lets up. But you can cover a lot of ground, and with a little patience, you’ll likely turn up a shooter buck. Pronghorn are also an option in this region if you want to mix it up.
4. Ocala National Forest, Florida
Florida might not be at the top of your hunting list, but Ocala offers a truly different experience. Think palmetto flats, sand pines, and thick brush—along with deer, turkey, and even hogs.
There’s a learning curve, and visibility is tight, but tags are easy to get, and the weather makes for a comfortable late-season option. It’s also a good place to chase small game if you want to stretch your legs between sits.
5. Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont
It’s not just a leaf-peeper destination—Green Mountain has a long deer season and some rugged, underhunted hills. You won’t see the numbers you’d find out west, but if you like a challenge, this place is worth the hike.
It’s big-woods hunting, and you’ll earn every opportunity, but there’s something satisfying about tracking an old buck in the snow here. It’s quiet, overlooked, and feels like hunting used to be.
6. Sandhills Public Access Lands, Nebraska
The Nebraska Sandhills don’t look like prime deer country at first glance, but mule deer and whitetails both roam these grassy hills. Thanks to Nebraska’s relatively easy-to-get tags, you can plan a hunt here without waiting years.
A lot of the land is private, but there are thousands of acres of Open Fields and Waters sites available. If you’re comfortable spotting and stalking, this area can surprise you with how huntable it really is.
7. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Arizona
Most folks think of Arizona as a desert, but the high country in the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest offers cool temps, tall pines, and some solid public land deer and elk hunting. And the early archery seasons can be a real sleeper.
It’s a big area, and there’s a decent chance at Coues deer or even a shot at elk if you plan right. The terrain can be tricky, but the lower elevation stuff holds game too, especially later in the year.
8. Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri
Mark Twain is a whitetail hunter’s playground that often gets skipped in favor of ag-heavy private land. But don’t count it out—it covers a ton of ground, and some of it rarely sees boot tracks.
You’ll deal with rolling hills, oak ridges, and some thick hollows, but if you’re willing to put in some miles, you can find bucks that have grown old avoiding people. The state’s liberal season structure doesn’t hurt either.
9. Huron-Manistee National Forest, Michigan
Michigan gets a lot of pressure, sure—but most of it is concentrated. The Huron-Manistee National Forest offers some breathing room, especially if you go deeper than most folks do.
You’ve got the chance at decent whitetails, and there are solid opportunities for small game and even bear if you’re drawn. It’s a great place for a do-it-yourself hunt that doesn’t require crossing the country.
10. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming
This one isn’t exactly a secret, but many folks avoid it because of the steep country and potential for grizzly encounters. Still, the Bridger-Teton offers some serious wilderness hunting if you’re prepared.
With a general elk or deer tag, you can access a ton of land. It’s not easy hunting, but if you can handle the physical side of things, there’s real opportunity here. Plus, the scenery alone makes the effort worth it.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
