The United States spans nearly every imaginable landscape—from Alaskan tundra and Rocky Mountain peaks to Midwestern prairies, southern swamps and coastal wetlands. This diversity supports a wide range of game and hunting traditions, with whitetail deer being by far the most commonly pursued big‑game animal. White‑tailed deer hunters account for roughly 80 % of all big‑game licenses issued in the country, and wild turkeys are the second most popular target, followed by elk and bears.
America’s varied ecosystems give hunters opportunities for deer, elk, pronghorn, turkey, waterfowl and more across mountains, plains and forests.
Western Mountains & Alaska The Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevadas and Alaska Range offer backcountry hunts for elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose and caribou. Alaska adds grizzly/brown bear and Dall sheep to the list, and many hunts require backpacking or float‑plane access.
Midwest & East Hardwood forests and agricultural lands from the Great Lakes to the Appalachians are prime habitat for white‑tailed deer and eastern wild turkey. Controlled hunts and private land leases ensure healthy herds and quality trophies.
Great Plains & Southwest Open prairies support pronghorn antelope, mule deer and prairie grouse, while the deserts of New Mexico, Arizona and Texas host Coues deer, aoudad, javelina and free‑range exotics.
South & Southeast Bottomland hardwoods, pine forests and swamps provide hunts for whitetail deer, feral hogs, black bears and alligators, often combined with spring turkey or waterfowl hunts.
