Top Destinations for the Best Hunting Trips of Your Life

Embarking on your dream hunting trip can be an exhilarating experience, but the reality is that these adventures and their exotic locations often come with a hefty price tag. This makes them less accessible for many hunting enthusiasts. Based on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, Americans spent approximately $26 billion annually on hunting-related expenses, and guided hunting trips contribute significantly to this figure.

However, fear not, as we have compiled a list of the best value-for-money guided hunting trips that won’t break the bank. These destinations offer incredible experiences without compromising on quality or excitement. 

15 Top Locations for Unforgettable Hunting Trips

Here are 15 top locations for hunting trips, complete with information on the animals you can expect to encounter and other perks unique to each destination.

1. Montana, USA

• Animals: Elk, deer, antelope, and bighorn sheep
• Why You Should Go: Montana boasts vast landscapes with diverse wildlife, making it an ideal hunting destination for a variety of game. With its breathtaking scenery and thriving animal populations, you’ll enjoy a thrilling hunting experience.
• Logistics: The best time to visit Montana for hunting is during the fall season. Fly into Bozeman or Missoula and rent a car to reach your hunting spot.
• Price Range: Expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 depending on the type of hunt and duration.

2. Eastern Cape, South Africa

• Animals: Kudu, impala, springbok, and warthog
• Why You Should Go: South Africa’s Eastern Cape offers a unique safari hunting experience with abundant game and stunning landscapes. It’s also a malaria-free region, making it a safe choice for hunters.
• Logistics: The best time to visit the Eastern Cape is during the dry season from May to September. Fly into Port Elizabeth and arrange transportation to your hunting lodge.
• Price Range: Prices range from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the package and species hunted.

3. Alaska, USA

• Animals: Moose, caribou, brown bear, and Dall sheep
• Why You Should Go: Alaska offers a true wilderness experience with vast landscapes and challenging hunts. Its remote location ensures a unique and unforgettable adventure.
• Logistics: Hunting season in Alaska varies depending on the species, but most hunts occur between August and October. Fly into Anchorage and arrange transportation to your hunting area.
• Price Range: Guided hunts can range from $4,000 to $15,000, while unguided hunts may cost between $1,000 and $3,000.

4. Texas, USA

• Animals: White-tailed deer, wild hogs, and exotics such as axis deer
• Why You Should Go: Texas offers diverse hunting opportunities, including large populations of native and exotic game. The state is known for its hospitality and well-managed hunting ranches.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Texas varies depending on the species, but generally falls between October and January. Fly into Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio, and rent a car to reach your hunting destination.
• Price Range: Expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on the type of hunt and duration.

5. Alberta, Canada

• Animals: Moose, elk, black bear, and white-tailed deer
• Why You Should Go: Alberta’s pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife make it an excellent destination for hunters seeking a true North American hunting experience. The province is known for its trophy-sized game and beautiful landscapes.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Alberta is during the fall season, from September to November. Fly into Calgary or Edmonton and arrange transportation to your hunting area.
• Price Range: Guided hunts can range from $3,000 to $8,000, while unguided hunts may cost around $1,000 to $2,500.

6. New Zealand

• Animals: Red stag, tahr, chamois, and fallow deer
• Why You Should Go: New Zealand is known for its breathtaking scenery and world-class hunting opportunities. The country offers a wide variety of game species and challenging hunts in a unique environment.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in New Zealand is during the fall season, from March to June. Fly into Auckland or Christchurch and arrange transportation to your hunting area.
• Price Range: Guided hunts can range from $4,000 to $10,000, while unguided hunts may cost around $1,500 to $3,000.

7. Colorado, USA

• Animals: Elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope
• Why You Should Go: Colorado is renowned for its large elk populations and scenic mountain landscapes. The state offers a challenging hunting experience, with opportunities to bag trophy-sized animals.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Colorado is during the fall season, from September to November. Fly into Denver and rent a car to reach your hunting destination.
• Price Range: Expect to pay between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on the type of hunt and duration.

8. Namibia

• Animals: Gemsbok, springbok, kudu, and blue wildebeest
• Why You Should Go: Namibia is known for its abundant wildlife and diverse landscapes, offering a unique African hunting experience. The country has well-managed game populations and a strong commitment to conservation.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Namibia is during the dry season, from May to October. Fly into Windhoek and arrange transportation to your hunting lodge.
• Price Range: Guided hunts can range from $3,000 to $8,000, while unguided hunts may cost around $1,500 to $2,500.

9. Wyoming, USA

• Animals: Elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep
• Why You Should Go: Wyoming offers vast landscapes with diverse wildlife, providing hunters with a true western experience. The state is famous for its trophy-sized game and picturesque scenery.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Wyoming is during the fall season, from September to November. Fly into Jackson Hole or Casper and rent a car to reach your hunting destination.
• Price Range: Expect to pay between $2,500 and $6,500, depending on the type of hunt and duration.

10. Scotland

• Animals: Red deer, roe deer, and grouse
• Why You Should Go: Scotland offers a unique hunting experience with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and traditional hunting methods. The country is known for its challenging hill stalking and driven grouse shooting.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Scotland is during the fall season, from August to October. Fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow and arrange transportation to your hunting area.
• Price Range: Guided hunts can range from $2,000 to $5,000, while unguided hunts may cost around $1,000 to $2,500.

11. Idaho, USA

• Animals: Elk, mule deer, black bear, and mountain lion
• Why You Should Go: Idaho offers diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountains to lush forests, providing a thrilling hunting experience. The state has healthy game populations and is known for its challenging hunts.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Idaho is during the fall season, from September to November. Fly into Boise and rent a car to reach your hunting destination.
• Price Range: Expect to pay between $2,500 and $6,000, depending on the type of hunt and duration.

12. Croatia

• Animals: European brown bear, roe deer, and wild boar
• Why You Should Go: Croatia offers a unique hunting experience with its picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife. The country has well-managed game populations and is known for its challenging hunts.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Croatia is during the fall season, from September to December. Fly into Zagreb and arrange transportation to your hunting area.
• Price Range: Guided hunts can range from $2,000 to $5,000, while unguided hunts may cost around $1,000 to $2,500.

13. Arkansas, USA

• Animals: Waterfowl, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey
• Why You Should Go: Arkansas is known for its exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities, especially in the famous Stuttgart region. The state also offers excellent deer and turkey hunting experiences.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Arkansas varies depending on the species, but most hunts occur between September and January. Fly into Little Rock and rent a car to reach your hunting destination.
• Price Range: Expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on the type of hunt and duration.

14. Finland

• Animals: Moose, white-tailed deer, and European brown bear
• Why You Should Go: Finland offers a unique hunting experience with its pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife. The country has well-managed game populations and is known for its challenging hunts.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Finland is during the fall season, from August to October. Fly into Helsinki and arrange transportation to your hunting area.
• Price Range: Guided hunts can range from $2,000 to $5,000, while unguided hunts may cost around $1,000 to $2,500.

15. Kentucky, USA

• Animals: White-tailed deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl
• Why You Should Go: Kentucky is known for its excellent white-tailed deer hunting opportunities, with the potential for trophy-sized bucks. The state also offers great turkey and waterfowl hunting experiences.
• Logistics: The best time to hunt in Kentucky varies depending on the species, but most hunts occur between September and January. Fly into Louisville or Lexington and rent a car to reach your hunting destination.
• Price Range: Expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on the type of hunt and duration.

Embark on Your Ultimate Dream Hunts

In conclusion, achieving your dream hunts doesn’t have to come with an exorbitant price tag. These 15 value-for-money hunting trips offer a wide range of destinations and game species, catering to various preferences and budgets. So gear up, plan your next adventure, and make those dream hunts a reality!