Hunter Safety Tip: What Kind of Game Can I Hunt In My Area?
Have you taken (and passed) your hunter safety course? If so, you're ready to hunt!
One of your next steps is deciding "what" you want to hunt and where to hunt it. So, what kind of game can you hunt in your area to get started?
The type of game available for you will dramatically depend on your state's environment and regulations – but with a little research, you can get out into the field when the season opens to start putting your hunting education into practice.
What Can You Hunt (and Where)?
First things first: Be sure you always have a license before you hunt!
Most states require hunters to have a hunter safety certification. So, after passing your Hunter-Ed course, you have the certification you need to get the hunting license you need to hunt game in your area.
Game to Hunt in the Eastern and Midwestern States
In the Eastern and Midwestern states, the most popular animals to hunt are:
- White-tailed deer
- Small game (squirrel, rabbit, and more)
- Upland birds (such as pheasant and quail)
- Turkey
- Waterfowl (including duck)
- Black bears
Additionally, elk populations have been established in some states (West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Arkansas), and hunters can enter a lottery to hunt them.
Species to Hunt in the Western U.S.
There are more big game hunting opportunities if you live in the Western U.S.
Common hunts include elk, moose, mule deer, and white-tailed deer. While many areas (like North Dakota) require big game hunting tags through a lottery or draw system, hunters still have a good chance of winning a tag to hunt these species each season.
What Else Can You Hunt?
Some states even have over-the-counter hunting tags for public access (though generally only for archery equipment). However, small game, turkey, upland birds, predators, and waterfowl are also available for hunting.
Also, as wild boar populations have grown prolifically, they have become more popular hunting targets, particularly in Southwestern states. Some states consider them pest animals, removing the limit on the number of animals that can be taken (unlike other big game animals).
How to Find Out What You Can Hunt
While the information above gives you a general idea of what you can hunt (and where), it's crucial to research local and state regulations and season timeframes to ensure you hunt game appropriately in your area.
Check with your state wildlife department to find out the particulars for your area. You can also use a site like eRegulations to get current information about hunting specifics in your area. For example, if you live in Texas, eRegulations has extensive information about licenses, regulations, seasons, and limits for hunting in the state.
With Your Hunter Safety Certification, You're Ready to Hunt
Your hunter safety certification prepares you for success, no matter what or where you hunt in your area! Plus, once you're certified, your card never expires. You're ready to hunt the game of your choice every season!
Through our courses, you'll learn firearm safety tips, how to prepare for a hunt, survival skills in the field, and how to be a responsible hunter.
So, if you're ready to get into the field, find the Hunter-Ed course for your state and start learning. You'll have free access to our online study guide, and then you can complete your course and pass your exam online, too.
Originally published October 7, 2015. Content updated June 26, 2023.
