Most Popular Animals to Hunt in the US by Region: A Hunter's Guide (2026)

November 14, 2025

Hunting is more than a pastime in the United States, it's a tradition that connects millions to the great outdoors, with over 14 million hunters participating annually. If you're gearing up for your next adventure, knowing the most popular animals to hunt in different US regions can make all the difference. From the white-tailed deer's dominance in the East to elk herds in the Rockies, each area offers unique pursuits that blend challenge, scenery, and sustainability.

In this guide, we'll break down the top game animals by region, focusing on both big and small game favorites. Whether you're chasing trophy bucks or flushing out upland birds, these insights drawn from recent hunting trends will help you plan your season.

Remember, always check local regulations for bag limits and seasons, as they vary by state.

Northeast: Classic Woodland Pursuits

The Northeast, encompassing states like New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Vermont, is a hunter's haven for forested terrain and early fall colors. Here, white-tailed deer reign supreme as the most hunted big game animal, drawing crowds for their abundance and the thrill of the rut. Mature bucks in this region often tip the scales at 150-200 pounds, making them a staple for bow and rifle seasons.

Black bears are another crowd-pleaser, especially in Maine and Pennsylvania, where their populations support generous harvest quotas. For a true Northeast challenge, target moose in northern pockets like Maine. These giants can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and require special permits.

On the small game front, ruffed grouse and snowshoe hares dominate upland hunts, with squirrels rounding out accessible options for beginners. Turkey hunting has surged here too, with spring gobblers providing explosive action in open woods.

Pro tip: Pennsylvania's vast state game lands offer prime public access for multi-species hunts.

Midwest: Fertile Fields and Pheasant Flushes

Stretching from Ohio to the Dakotas, the Midwest blends endless cornfields with river bottoms, making it ideal for versatile hunters. No surprise, white-tailed deer top the list again, accounting for a huge chunk of the nation's harvests-over 6 million annually across the US, with the Midwest contributing heavily.

For variety, wild turkey is a rising star, especially in Iowa and Illinois, where fall and spring seasons overlap with scenic drives. Elk have made a comeback in places like Michigan and Kentucky, offering Western style hunts closer to home.

Small game shines brightest here: pheasants explode in popularity during October flushes, particularly in Kansas and Nebraska, while squirrels and rabbits provide year-round table fare. Coyotes, as adaptable predators, are hunted statewide for their nuisance control and varmint appeal.

If you're new to the region, Wisconsin's "gun deer" opener is a cultural event, complete with family camps and fresh venison.

South: Swamps, Hogs, and Southern Hospitality

The Southeast and Southwest-from Florida to Texas-deliver humid heat, diverse habitats, and non-stop action. White-tailed deer remain king, but with a Southern twist: smaller, faster bucks that thrive in piney woods and deltas.

Feral hogs are the wildcard, invasive and aggressive, making them a top target in Texas and Alabama-states that harvest tens of thousands yearly without limits. Alligators add adrenaline in Louisiana and Florida's coastal marshes, where spotlight hunts yield massive trophies.

Turkey hunting is legendary in the South, with Georgia and South Carolina boasting some of the highest success rates. For big game enthusiasts, black bears roam the Appalachians, while doves flood the skies during September migrations.

Small game? Squirrels and rabbits are staples, but don't overlook quail in Texas for a true Southern covey rise.

Bonus: The region's mild winters extend seasons, letting you hunt year-round in some areas.

West: Epic Landscapes and Trophy Elks

The Western US, including Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico, is synonymous with big skies and bigger game. Elk lead the pack, with bugling bulls in the Rockies drawing outfitters from afar-Colorado alone tags over 30,000 annually.

Mule deer follow closely, prized for their high-country haunts and wary nature, while pronghorn antelope speed across Wyoming's plains in record-book chases. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats offer ultra-selective draws in rugged terrain.

Black bears and mountain lions add predator pursuits, especially in Idaho and Utah. For coastal flair, California's blacktail deer provide a milder Western hunt.

Small game varies: cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits in the deserts, plus grouse in forested zones. Pheasants persist in eastern fringes.

Head to Montana for a "super slam" sampler-it's home to elk, mule deer, bears, and more.

Pacific Northwest and Alaska: Remote Wilds and Mega Fauna

The Northwest (Washington, Oregon) and Alaska crank up the wilderness factor. In Alaska, moose are the undisputed heavyweight, with bulls sporting palmated antlers up to 60 inches wide. Caribou migrations and brown bears round out epic, fly-in hunts.

Washington and Oregon favor Roosevelt elk-the largest elk subspecies-for their coastal rainforests, alongside blacktail deer. Cougars prowl the Cascades for stealthy stalks.

Small game includes forest grouse and hares, but waterfowl like ducks dominate rainy seasons.

Alaska's remoteness means higher costs but unmatched solitude-perfect for the bucket-list hunter.

Final Thoughts: Hunt Smart, Hunt Ethical

Across the US, white-tailed deer claim the crown as the most popular animal to hunt, but each region's specialties-from Midwest pheasants to Western elk-keep the pursuit fresh. As of 2025, trends show a push toward sustainable practices, with youth involvement rising 20% in the last decade.

Before you go, prioritize safety: Wear blaze orange, know your ethics, and support conservation through license fees. What's your go-to game? Drop a comment below, and happy hunting!