Big Game Hunting: Latest News

Hunters, wrought with anticipation, wait all year for big game hunting season to arrive. Big game includes whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, black bear, bighorn sheep, moose, pronghorn antelope, mountain goat, caribou, brown bear, turkey, mountain lion, wild hog, javelina, wolf and coyote.

The following provides information for hunters about big game species.

·         Whitetail Deer – As management changes in Utah and buck populations drop, the state is considering issuing fewer bucks to does ratio permits.

·         Mule Deer – Many hunters are getting a start on the early mule deer season, as several states are opening this season to both archers and rifle hunters. Ambush hunting is a very effective technique during this time.

·         Elk – Faced with a drought-filled summer, experts anticipate that elks will be down at low elevations this hunting season, likely having exhausted their foliage supplies at higher levels.

·         Black Bears – Montana has warned black bear hunters that grizzlies may be close by and to proceed with caution when hunting.

·         Bighorn Sheep – Found at higher elevations, these hunts could prove very taxing on hunters that are not in excellent shape. Experts recommend that hunters looking for bighorn sheep be in good physical condition and their lungs be in peak performance.

·         Moose – Archers, rifle hunters and muzzleloader hunters should practice at a variety of distances, as moose are dangerous animals and hunters may be forced to take a shot at longer-than-average big game distances.

·         Pronghorn Antelope – Typically sought by non-resident and resident hunters alike, this animal is predominant in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. As local farmers consider this big game species to be a nuisance to crops, many private areas may be available for lease.

·         Mountain Goat – As mountain goats are generally in higher elevations, a hunter should consider a game cart to help haul his/her trophy safely out of the wilderness.

·         Caribou – Alaska’s caribou bow hunting season offers hunters a special time to delve into nature and Alaska’s breathtaking wildlife species. Hunters should remember that packing a caribou can take three to four trips and should consider this when hunting far from camp.

·         Brown Bear – As many caribou herds are changing their migration routes, so are grizzlies and polar bears. Many Northwest Territories are seeing an increase in bear sightings.

·         Turkey – As this sport gains popularity, many turkey hunters are finding that they need to scout early to ensure a successful year.

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