Author Topic: Where would you move to for the ideal hunting? (Read 3830 times)

teddy12b · « **on:** June 16, 2008, 03:24:36 AM »

There used to be a thread about this and I tryed to find it but was unsuccessful.

I know a guy who is considering a new job and is thinking about moving out west. What would be the best stated to move to for a guy who doesn't make big bucks, but would like to be able to hunt deer, elk, bear, and everything else.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2008, 11:31:35 AM »

Usually the problem is when you get to those places, there ain't no jobs or they pay so little, you can't afford to hunt. It's doable but you're probably gonna have to knock your expectations down considerable.

DakotaMike · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2008, 04:38:47 PM »

Teddy,
All things considered I think I would stay right here in North Dakota. We've got excellent mule deer and white tail hunting along with antelope, elk, moose and big horn sheep. The latter three are once in a life time hunts but the success is near 100%. Thats not even mentioning the varmints, pheasant, partridge, grouse, dove, geese and ducks. Lots of open country here since theres just over 650,000 of us in the whole state. If you get bored then drive over to Canada, Montana, Wyoming or Minnesota. Just had our state prairie dog shoot with the winning team taking over 300 dogs.
Dakotamike

Sweetwater · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2008, 05:27:56 PM »

I moved from Maine to Wyoming 23 years ago, without a job. Found one, raised a family, and shot up a storm! Compared to Maine, it was totally different and had so much to offer. And no state income tax. Seasons were fairly long in some areas with a variety of terrain. From open prairie to thick woods, it was all there. Shot more elk on the prairie, but my longest shot was in the timber! Go figure! Most shots were under 100 yards...that was the real fun...stalking in that open country...using the draws and drainages and closing the distances. I put my Dad under 65 yards to his last elk that way. I'm in North Idaho now, and I've seen a lot of deer, but relatively few elk, and none during the season! LOL But, I'm also just learning my way around and keeping off the private land holdings. It is far prettier here than in Wyoming, IF you like green, mtns and trees, trees, trees. And did I mention trees?!?! BUT, I very much miss Wyoming, do not miss Maine at all...I believe other states have more variety of game, and maybe less wind than Wyoming, but Wyoming gets my vote! I get to see it when I visit the kids, but we'll probably stay in North Idaho. My wife absolutely loves it here, though she hates being so far from the grandkids.

Regards,
Sweetwater

AtlLaw · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2008, 06:22:24 AM »

I likes it rite 'cheer in JawJa!

The state is comparatively gun friendly, once you get away from "LeftLanta" anyway, and abounds with game. Deer season starts in September(bow) and runs through mid-January. Season limit is 12 deer, not counting what you may kill on Wildlife Mgmt. Areas (WMA's) Small game ends in February and Turkey season starts in March. Usually plenty of jobs available around metro Atlanta and the climate is great!

Bad news is there is virtually no open hunting land. Except for the state WMA's, and there are a lot of them, and the National land, most property is privately owned and hunting rights are treated as another "cash crop." Finding a place to hunt is more difficult then finding a job!

Cabin4 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2008, 11:10:19 AM »

Definatly Idaho and likly Montana.

teddy12b · « **Reply #6 on:** February 19, 2009, 08:11:16 AM »

What state would have the most open land to hunt & fish with the least amount of people?

Oldshooter · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2009, 08:26:46 AM »

Central Texas, oh hell anywhere in Texas.
We may not have bear(although there will be open season on Liberals very soon i'm sure) but we do have a lot of other game to hunt and a lot of land to hunt on.

torpedoman · « **Reply #8 on:** February 20, 2009, 03:07:37 PM »

Quote from: Oldshooter on February 19, 2009, 08:26:46 AM

Central Texas, oh hell anywhere in Texas.
We may not have bear(although there will be open season on Liberals very soon i'm sure) but we do have a lot of other game to hunt and a lot of land to hunt on.

LIBERALS ,ONE A DAY 2 IN POSESSION. 24/7 365

Mt_Sourdough · « **Reply #9 on:** February 23, 2009, 05:21:43 AM »

S.S.S.

or should I say "nunya".

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #10 on:** February 23, 2009, 05:48:39 AM »

Iowa has no game or fish worth pursuing, you should continue west...We are however becoming overrun with Liberals, the eastern half of the state especially could use some help with this epidemic. Not a lot being hit by vehicles...yet...

North Dakota certainly does offer a variety of game and fish.

Old Fart · « **Reply #11 on:** February 24, 2009, 11:08:46 AM »

With some limitations on variety I would say anywhere
in the plains states.

Between Tex and Minn.

They don't all have all the different game animals but
there's a pretty good selection in almost any of them.

OF

BBF · « **Reply #12 on:** February 25, 2009, 03:02:38 AM »

I thought there isn't any public land in Texas to speak of, what did I miss?

Oldshooter · « **Reply #13 on:** February 25, 2009, 03:16:23 AM »

Quote from: BBF on February 25, 2009, 03:02:38 AM

I thought there isn't any public land in Texas to speak of, what did I miss?

Not sure about the percentage of public land here but there is some here in southeast Texas alot in East Texas along the lakes and the Sabine river i have not hunted it but have seen the signs along the highway marking it some of it is federal I think. Cant tell you about central and south Texas only know of ranches out there But I hunt one ranch in Junction that Varmit and hog hunting is appreciated.

Old Fart · « **Reply #14 on:** February 25, 2009, 08:11:46 AM »

There's public hunting opportunities in most plains states. Just whether you want to hunt on them. I prefer to develop relationships with the locals. Even if I have to pay a lease, which I haven't up to now, I believe the opportunites to hunt more variety happens in the plains states.

OF

Blue Duck · « **Reply #15 on:** February 27, 2009, 01:04:38 PM »

Im in north Idaho and I love it. We have most every thing to hunt. All around its pretty hard to beat. Big game, predators, waterfowl, turkeys. Got to drive a ways for good upland birds but nothings purfect....

trotterlg · « **Reply #16 on:** February 27, 2009, 07:24:06 PM »

AZ is a gun friendly state, open carry is legal and practiced, you will see it in WalMart all the time, lots of public land and even public leased land is open to hunt. It is a little harsh, and there are a few strange people still looking for gold, so be careful where you go and how you act, it is still the wild west in some places. About every plant or animal will either stick you or bite you and some will eat you. There is most anything you would like to hunt here however, just depends on your pain tolerance, there is not much else limiting you, it is not a place for an eastern whimp. Larry

dukkillr · « **Reply #17 on:** February 28, 2009, 02:49:25 PM »

Quote from: trotterlg on February 27, 2009, 07:24:06 PM

AZ is a gun friendly state, open carry is legal and practiced, you will see it in WalMart all the time, lots of public land and even public leased land is open to hunt. It is a little harsh, and there are a few strange people still looking for gold, so be careful where you go and how you act, it is still the wild west in some places. About every plant or animal will either stick you or bite you and some will eat you. There is most anything you would like to hunt here however, just depends on your pain tolerance, there is not much else limiting you, it is not a place for an eastern whimp. Larry

How many years will it take you to draw a decent elk tag? Muley tag?

kansasj · « **Reply #18 on:** February 28, 2009, 03:38:01 PM »

I live in Kansas and we have big bucks, upland birds, lots of varmits, and good migratory, however, My vote would be Wyoming or Arizona--probably Arizona--there is something about that desert!! plus its warm!

trotterlg · « **Reply #19 on:** February 28, 2009, 04:35:21 PM »

Havent tried an elk tag, but I bet I draw a Havalina tag for AZ before you draw one for Kansas. Larry

dukkillr · « **Reply #20 on:** March 01, 2009, 09:09:05 AM »

Quote from: trotterlg on February 28, 2009, 04:35:21 PM

Havent tried an elk tag, but I bet I draw a Havalina tag for AZ before you draw one for Kansas. Larry

I bet I can *buy* any number of over the counter deer and turkey tags, plus OTC archery antelope tags. I'll draw more good rifle antelope tags in my life, on average than you will. I can hunt muleys more often and elk about as often. I get to hunt some of the countries best whitetails every single year. Kansas consistently is one of the top few pheasant states. Over the 2006 and 2007 Kansans killed 6-10 times as many ducks as Arizona residents. 50 times more geese.

The problem with Arizona (and to a lesser extent, New Mexico) is that their trophy potential is huge, but a good tag is really a once-in-a-lifetime deal. The draw has gotten so clogged that the state is creating ways to spread people out like offering points for people willing to attend classes.

Best draw odds for a rifle antelope tag in Arizona? 7%
Most of the good units are 1-2%
Best draw odds for an early rifle elk tag in Arizona? 2%

To me you move to Arizona because you like the weather or golf, but not for the hunting.

kansasj · « **Reply #21 on:** March 01, 2009, 10:26:42 AM »

Bowhunting for antelope in western Kansas is a hoot and challenging. We cannot hunt water holes as they do in say Wyoming as there is so much water there that we either must stalk or hunt fence crossings. There is not a B&C buck in every section as some believe but there are still a few around. When they opened up the state to out of state hunters they started shooting 120-130 class bucks because where some of them came from that is good. (some of our residents are not immune from that either). It also seems since say 95-96 everyone thought is was cool to be a deer hunter and they can buy a tag over the counter at WalMart so go figure. I would like hunt some coues (sp) deer in Arizona though!
kansasj

kix · « **Reply #22 on:** March 04, 2009, 03:41:44 PM »

Hello all. Sure,there are many good states out here to hunt in but do you realize how many are on a "draw permit" system only? Arizona and Colorado come to mind because I have relatives in both states and they must put in "the Lottery" just to hunt deer. Deer! Give me a break. So Texas gets my vote. Yea, you might have to pay to hunt but with long seasons,liberal bag limits,differsified game animals and no snow how can you go wrong? Ever had an orange clad hunter/clown approach you,screwing up your hunt? I have. Ever had a Bunch of the same doing the same thing? Again,I have. And it seems no matter how far you go (even with horses) the story is the same. That is why I prefer hunting behind locked gates in Texas. But at the same time I have the money saved for my 2009 Bull license in Colorado! Wish me luck! Kix

BBF · « **Reply #23 on:** March 08, 2009, 07:23:58 AM »

I would be looking for a place that does not require a rifle hunter to look like a neon sign. Yep I know, deer are colorblind( none of them have ever told me that)

, so how come the bowhunters are in full camo.

thxmrgarand · « **Reply #24 on:** March 10, 2009, 08:04:38 AM »

I think everyone should give Alaska a look if they are thinking of relocation. Arguably Alaska is the most gun-friendly state. There is more public land here than in all other states combined (128 million acres of state land, over 50% of all US Dept. of Interior land, two largest national forests, etc.) There is no state income tax and no state sales tax. The town I live in happens to have a sales tax however. I live in a house assessed at about $200,000 and the property taxes are about $2,000. In-state H&F licenses are free for anyone 60 years of age and older. In most game units a $25 brown bear tag is required but so far as I can recall all other tags - deer, elk, caribou, goat, sheep, bison, muskox, black bear, wolf, etc. are free for residents. On the coast (more coastline than all other states combined), anyone can efficiently fill their freezer with salmon. Like anywhere there is no shortage of aspects here to make anyone unhappy, and I think Alaska has more people coming and going proportionately than any other state (so many people evidently find good reasons to leave) but especially right now when federal government control and intervention seems to be growing at a rate not seen except during the Civil War and during WWII, Alaska appears to be a good vantage point from which to watch all the fun. And Alaska could always use more people who like to shoot guns and hunt and fish. We are so uncrowded that I have never seen anyone wearing bright colors hunting, and when I meet someone hunting or fishing it is rare enough (except on the local duck flats) that I always stop and talk with them. Yes, Alaska suits me quite well.

teddy12b · « **Reply #25 on:** March 10, 2009, 08:16:00 AM »

If I could talk my wife into Alaska, I'd be the guy wearing orange waving to you next time you were out hunting or fishing.

Sweetwater · « **Reply #26 on:** March 27, 2009, 12:09:13 PM »

Quote from: Blue Duck on February 27, 2009, 01:04:38 PM

Im in north Idaho and I love it. We have most every thing to hunt. All around its pretty hard to beat. Big game, predators, waterfowl, turkeys. Got to drive a ways for good upland birds but nothings purfect....

Blue Duck - Where in North Idaho? Native? I moved here over 4 years ago and would move back to Wyoming if my wife would let me. She loves it here, but we both agree Western Wyoming was an easier hunt, at least for us. In all fairness, I don't get out in the wild very much due to work and commitments, so "learning" the area is really taking more time than I have available. As an overview, I've hunted East of Priest Lake, East of Naples, North of Hope, North and South of Clark Fork and on southerly to Pritchard. That's a lot of area, a lot of state and federal land and a lot of locked gates. Seems like more area is getting locked out every year. Now, the 2009 Elk and Deer Seasons have been cut back, again.

Guess my vote could swing to Alaska.......but probably will stay voted for Western Wyoming.

Regards,
Sweetwater

Foxxtrot · « **Reply #27 on:** April 25, 2009, 01:01:53 PM »

Quote from: teddy12b on February 19, 2009, 08:11:16 AM

What state would have the most open land to hunt & fish with the least amount of people?

Maybe Vermont?

Highest taxes in the USA, tons of libtards, NO JOBS, lots of trashy folks or elitist leftwingers (summer only), this is a strange state to live in. But it does have good hunting and fishing. Tons of National forest and state forest land. No GUN laws at all really. Winters are brutal and last Oct - April.

grouse, turkeys, deer, moose (tag pull), good duck hunting, small game and predator hunting. Black bear as well.

I would keep a very small camp here, but would never live here. We leave in 4 months.

eaglesnester · « **Reply #28 on:** July 21, 2009, 12:05:20 PM »

I am a expat U.S. citizen living in Canada, with the current adminstration in the United States, moving to Canada was the best thing I ever did. Those of you that live east of the Mississippi river live in very crowded states and conditions. I have been back to the states and I felt like I could not breath with all the traffic and people on top of each other. Enough about politics and on to the hunting. I live in the north central region of B.C. Canada. The population of Canada is about the same as the Peoples Republic of Kookafornia, we have a larger land mass that all of the U.S. with virtually nobody in it. I have a 10 mile long by 3 mile wide lake in my front yard. It is full of 2lb rainbow trout. My 18 foot boat is tied up at the pier and I have my spinning rods and fly rods rigged in the boat ready to go at all times during the fishen season. When I want to go hunting I grab my rifle head out the back door, throw a leg over the ATV or the snomobile cross the road after I leave my driveway and I am hunting, mule deer, white tail, moose, bear, both black and grizz, cougar, grouse, and elk. Between me and the wife buying all the tags just about keeps us broke. One good thing, we do not have to drive for ten hours to hunt. We are blessed for sure where we live. If I want to practice my shooting I just throw open the back door, lock and load what ever rifle I have handy and shoot at a 100yard target that's set up 24/7. During the summer we sit on our deck and listen to the loons call on the lake and in the winter when we snuggle into our blankets at night we hear the wolves howling across the lake. It's a paradise I tell you, it's a pure paradise.

Cheers & Tighter Groups: Eaglesnester

Swampman · « **Reply #29 on:** July 21, 2009, 12:54:12 PM »

Africa or British Columbia