Out-of-state hunts aren’t cheap, but some are absolutely worth the money. Between travel, tags, gear, and time off work, you want to know you’re signing up for something that actually delivers. The ones on this list offer real opportunity and experiences you won’t forget.
These hunts take some planning and saving, but they’re the kind you’ll be talking about for years. Whether it’s the size of the game, the country you’re hunting, or just the challenge, these trips make every dollar count.
Elk in New Mexico
New Mexico’s known for big bulls and low-pressure hunts—if you’re lucky enough to draw. The Gila units in particular produce some of the biggest elk in the West, and even the easier-to-draw areas have quality animals. This isn’t a cheap hunt, but the payoff is real.
What makes New Mexico stand out is the opportunity for a top-tier bull without needing 20 points. You’ll need to do your homework, maybe hire a guide, and be ready for rough terrain—but when a bull screams back at 30 yards, you’ll forget all about the tag fee.
Moose in Alaska
If chasing a bull moose through the brush with a .300 Win Mag sounds like your kind of fun, Alaska’s where you want to be. This is no easy hunt—float trips, bush planes, and weather delays come with the package—but there’s nothing else like it.
Non-residents need a guide for moose, and yes, it’s going to cost you. But if you’re looking for a true once-in-a-lifetime experience with a chance at a bull pushing 60 inches or more, Alaska’s worth every dime. Just be ready to work for it.
Whitetails in Iowa
You can’t talk about big out-of-state bucks without mentioning Iowa. The state’s draw system means less pressure, and the genetics and habitat mean better odds at mature deer. If you pull a tag, you’re in one of the best whitetail zones in the country.
The cost of the tag and license is high, and the wait can be long depending on the zone—but it’s one of the few hunts where you’ve got a real shot at a 150-class buck on your own. If you’re serious about whitetails, Iowa should be on your list.
mule Deer in Arizona
Arizona doesn’t just have elk—it’s also home to some seriously underrated mule deer hunts. The late-season archery hunts are especially solid and don’t require a ton of points. The desert terrain adds a different kind of challenge, but it’s doable with a little grit.
You’ll need good optics and time behind the glass, but the payoff can be huge. Bucks pushing 180 inches show up in open country, and if you’re patient, you’ll get your shot. For the price, it’s one of the better muley hunts in the West.
Antelope in Wyoming
Antelope are made for the first-timer or the guy looking for a fun, relaxed hunt with good odds. Wyoming has more goats than any other state and solid public access, especially through the Walk-In Areas. You don’t need a ton of points, either.
It’s not the most physically demanding hunt, and you’ll see animals just about every day. For the price of the tag and a tank or two of gas, you can have a blast—and take home some of the best-tasting meat there is. It’s hard to beat for value.
Black Bear in Idaho
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bear hunt with real success potential, Idaho’s tough to beat. There’s no draw, tags are affordable, and you can hunt over bait or with hounds in some units. Plus, the country is beautiful and remote.
Spring bear is a great way to extend your season, and there’s always a chance at a color-phase bear. You don’t need a guide, though locals definitely have the advantage. Still, with a little scouting and patience, it’s a solid DIY hunt you’ll want to do again.
Axis Deer in Texas
Axis deer aren’t native, but they’ve made themselves right at home in Texas—and they’re a blast to hunt. You can chase them year-round, and the meat is some of the best you’ll ever eat. Most hunts are on private land, but there are affordable options if you look around.
You don’t need a tag draw or special license, just a place to hunt and a rifle that shoots straight. Spot-and-stalk is usually the way to go, and the challenge is real—these deer don’t stand still for long. If you’re looking for something different, this is a good pick.
Caribou in Newfoundland
Alaska caribou hunts have gotten tougher, but Newfoundland still offers a good shot at woodland bulls, especially if you go with an outfitter. The terrain isn’t too bad, and the camps are usually comfortable—but it still feels like a real wilderness hunt.
Prices vary, but it’s more affordable than most North American moose hunts, and the experience is every bit as memorable. You’ll cover a lot of ground and see plenty of country, and when it comes together, there’s nothing like walking up on a mature bull out in the middle of nowhere.
Elk in Colorado (OTC)
If you want to hunt elk this year without waiting on a draw, Colorado’s your best shot. The over-the-counter units are crowded, sure, but they still hold elk—and if you’re willing to get off trail, you can find pockets where the bulls are talking.
The tag isn’t cheap, and you’ll need to be in shape, but it’s still one of the most accessible western hunts around. For the DIY guy who wants to get after it every fall, this one’s hard to argue with. It’s not easy, but it’s elk hunting—you wouldn’t want it to be.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
