Some states give you a real shot at big game, while others will drain your time, money, and effort with little to show for it. If you’re serious about filling tags in 2025, where you hunt matters.
The best states offer a combination of strong game populations, good tag opportunities, and plenty of land to hunt. Some have been top choices for decades, while others are gaining ground. Whether you’re after massive bulls, heavy-bodied whitetails, or a black bear that could break records, these are the states that should be on your radar this season.
Alaska
Alaska isn’t just another hunting state—it’s the one every serious hunter dreams about. If you want big game in its purest form, this is the place. Brown bears the size of small cars, massive caribou herds, the biggest moose on the planet, and some of the toughest sheep and goat hunts out there. It’s about as wild as it gets.
Public land isn’t the problem—Alaska has more of it than some countries. The challenge is access. If you want to hunt the best spots, you’ll likely need a float plane or boat, and once you’re out there, you’re on your own. It’s expensive, it’s tough, and it’s not for everyone—but for those who make it happen, it’s the hunt of a lifetime.
Arizona
If you’re after a monster bull elk, Arizona is where you want to be. Some of the biggest bulls in North America come out of this state, and they’re not alone—mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep thrive here too. The genetics, mild winters, and huge stretches of public land make for some incredible hunting.
The catch? Tags are tough to draw, and if you pull one, you better make it count. This isn’t a state where you just stumble into a trophy. It takes scouting, patience, and a solid game plan. But when it all comes together, you’ll understand why Arizona is on every serious hunter’s list.
Wisconsin
Most hunters don’t think of the Midwest when they hear “big game,” but Wisconsin has some serious opportunities. The whitetail hunting here is no joke—big-bodied bucks, plenty of public land, and enough timber and farmland to grow them right.
Then there’s the black bear hunting. Wisconsin has one of the best bear populations in the country, and if you play your cards right, you can tag a giant. The state’s elk herd is still getting established, but if it keeps growing, Wisconsin might become an even bigger player in the big game world.
Kansas
Kansas isn’t the place for casual deer hunters. If you’re here, you’re after one thing—a record-book whitetail. The bucks here get big, and they get smart fast. The mix of open country and river bottoms makes for a tough but rewarding hunt, and when it all comes together, there’s nothing like it.
Getting a tag is the hard part. Kansas runs on a lottery system, and it can take years to draw in some units. But if you’re patient and put in the work, this state will give you a crack at the biggest whitetail of your life. Just be ready for long glassing sessions, tough stalks, and deer that don’t make mistakes.
Wyoming
Wyoming has some of the biggest Shiras moose in North America, and if you can draw a tag, it’s a hunt worth the wait. The Boone & Crockett world record came out of Wyoming in 1952, and the genetics are still strong. But unless you’re a resident, getting a license isn’t easy. The state gives 90% of moose tags to residents, leaving nonresidents with slim odds.
If you’re lucky enough to pull a tag, you’re in for a solid hunt. Moose in Wyoming can be found in some of the most scenic country you’ll ever hunt. The good news? Unlike some states with once-in-a-lifetime moose rules, Wyoming only requires a five-year wait before you can apply again.
Idaho
Idaho doesn’t play favorites when it comes to moose tags. Whether it’s your first time applying or your 30th, your odds of drawing are the same. The downside? Once you fill both a bull and a cow tag, you’re done hunting moose in Idaho for life. That makes it a high-stakes hunt—you better be sure before you pull the trigger.
This isn’t an easy state to hunt. The terrain is rough, and finding a good bull takes work. But for those willing to grind it out, Idaho offers some of the best moose hunting opportunities in the country. If you want a solid chance at a good bull without waiting decades, this is a state to keep on your radar.
North Carolina
Most hunters wouldn’t expect North Carolina to be a top-tier bear hunting state, but the numbers don’t lie. With over 3,000 black bears harvested in a single season, it puts a lot of western states to shame. And these aren’t just any bears—North Carolina is home to some of the biggest in the Lower 48.
Some of the largest bears ever taken have come out of Hyde County, where multiple giants have tipped the scales at over 700 pounds. One even hit a staggering 880 pounds. If you’re after a massive black bear, this is the place to do it. The challenge? A lot of the best land is private, so nonresidents will need to hire an outfitter or have connections.
New Mexico
New Mexico flies under the radar, but serious hunters know what’s up. The elk hunting here is top-tier—longer seasons, less pressure, and bulls that grow old and big. The state also has some of the best pronghorn hunting in the country, plus mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions for those looking to mix it up.
One of the biggest advantages here? No brutal winters. That means less winterkill and bigger animals year after year. The terrain is rugged, but that’s what keeps the animals alive and hunters honest. If you’re up for the challenge, New Mexico will not disappoint.
Colorado
Colorado isn’t just about mountains and ski resorts. Get away from the crowds, and you’ll find a hunting culture that runs deep. The state has the largest elk herd in North America, which means plenty of opportunity, especially for DIY hunters willing to work.
It’s not just elk, either. The eastern plains hold some of the biggest mule deer and whitetails around, plus pronghorn for those who love spot-and-stalk hunting. Add in black bears, mountain lions, and some seriously overlooked upland bird hunting, and Colorado has something for everyone. With millions of acres of public land, there’s no shortage of places to go—just be ready to work for it.
Montana
Montana is one of those places that just feels like it was made for hunters. With a low population and endless public land, you’ve got room to roam whether you’re chasing elk, mule deer, black bears, or something more specialized like bighorn sheep or mountain goats.
The western mountains are classic elk country, but don’t overlook the eastern half of the state. River drainages in the prairie hold some of the best whitetail hunting you’ll find, plus upland birds, waterfowl, and pronghorn. Just keep in mind, there are about three cows for every person in Montana—so you might see more beef than bucks some days. But when you do find the right spot, the hunting can be hard to beat.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.
