USA hunting options for non- Americans ?

[yumastepside]

I'm an Australian and I've always wanted to hunt Pronghorn....now, as I am not an American citizen, what is the procedure to hunt Pronghorn, or any other game animal, in the United States ? ( also with my own rifle if possible )
I have friends and relatives in the States...can they take me hunting or do I have to hire a guide or use a " hunting service " ?

Roger

 

[dchum]

Texas panhandle or west Texas pronghorn hunt would be great fun

Private land hunt In Texas on a big Ranch. Lots of options
in doing private land you won’t need to mess with the draw tags or draw permits and public land access

You just pay a for land owner tag via a outfitter who will take you hunting

Get your Texas non resident hunting license - a good outfitter will help you.

This is your best bet for success if you really want a pronghorn.

 

[Doug Hamilton]

I'm an Australian and I've always wanted to hunt Pronghorn....now, as I am not an American citizen, what is the procedure to hunt Pronghorn, or any other game animal, in the United States ? ( also with my own rifle if possible )
I have friends and relatives in the States...can they take me hunting or do I have to hire a guide or use a " hunting service " ?

Roger

I can't say for sure, but I would look at the hunting regulations on line for Wyoming. That is your best bet to draw a tag. I do not know of any regulation that would require the use of an outfitter, but again, check the regulations.

I really have no idea what's involved in bringing a rifle into the U.S. Maybe one of our Canadian members knows?

 

[Doug Hamilton]

Texas panhandle or west Texas pronghorn hunt would be great fun

Private land hunt In Texas on a big Ranch. Lots of options
in doing private land you won’t need to mess with the draw tags or draw permits and public land access

You just pay a for land owner tag via a outfitter who will take you hunting

Get your Texas non resident hunting license - a good outfitter will help you.

This is your best bet for success if you really want a pronghorn.

View attachment 718885

I wouldn't have thought of Texas. Isn't that the really expensive route?

 

[dchum]

I wouldn't have thought of Texas. Isn't that the really expensive route?

I think you are right

I just thought the process of applying for tags or trying to draw a tag / point systems would complicate things for a foreign hunter. Public land can be confusing especially for someone not from the area, let alone a different country.

Just paying for a land owner permit makes it simple and a nice outfitter to make sure it’s all legal.

Texas has big pronghorns and very high success rates. That was my thought process. You may be true on price!

I have not hunted outside of Texas in the States. So there could be better options.

Cheers

 

[375Fox]

Each state will have slightly different rules for public, federal, and state land. I think the larger problem you’d run into is getting tags. Many tags, especially in western states are on a draw. You might have to plan several years in advance to draw a tag you could hunt with family or friends. Usually areas outfitters hold the tags are easier to draw or are guaranteed. The eastern states are much more limited to whitetail deer but tags are also over the counter.

 

[BryceM]

New Mexico has plenty of opportunities too, public and private. An outfitter there can make the arrangements. In many areas, once you secure permission to hunt on private land, the tag can be acquired over-the-counter a day or two before the hunt starts. A negotiated fee to hunt on private land can vary considerably depending on accommodations, guiding vs DIY, trophy quality, etc.

Most Western US states are very picky about documentation regarding hunter safety. Some will simply not issue a license without written proof. It's possible now to take the class on-line in many places. Just don't make all the plans to come and neglect to plan for this.

 

[mdwest]

If you’re thinking Texas, you may consider adding hogs to the list… you don’t even need a hunting license for pigs here.. they’re considered a nuisance animal.. and there are places all over the state you can hunt them super cheap… hell, you can hunt them for free at my place.. they’re overrunning one of my blinds and feeders at the moment and running off my deer… I need them shot out of the area..

Any other animal in TX is likely going to be very expensive comparatively to other states.. there’s very limited public land available, and most of what is available gets insanely over crowded during hunting season.. so you need a guide.. and guided hunts in TX are big business…

@roverandbrew has a buddy in Colorado that does elk, pronghorn, deer, mountain lion, geese, and a few other species guiding and is highly successful at very reasonable rates.. were I looking for a pronghorn and to maybe tack on one or two more animals while in the US, that’s who I’d call… CO is stunningly beautiful and most of the different species they have there are both quality and reasonably plentiful.. their politics suck, and I’ve gotten to where I hate Denver.. but if you’re just passing through it’s one of the best states to visit for hunting still IMO…

 

[30.06king]

Roger,
From the perspective of a Kiwi who has hunted several times in the USA with my own rifle, it is certainly doable as long as you don't mind the complex procedure for a permit.
Applications should be made weeks in advance of travel dates although once an application is sent approval is sent often within a few days. You need to apply to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms ( Look up Form 6N1A, Application / Permit for Temporary Importation Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens ) on their website and print TWO copies ( I think they still ask that two copies are submitted ). However, before submitting you need to have in hand a USA Hunting License. This could be from the state and / or for the animal(s) you intend to hunt ( an outfitter can obtain for you if booked with an outfitter ) or if no outfitter will be engaged and you need one just for meeting BATF's requirements buy from Texas Parks & Wildlife a 5 day Special Small Game / Exotic License ( about $45 - $55 USD ? ) for which you can select dates. TPWD will post the License to you but allow a few weeks. I think now you need to set up an online account with TPWD which is straightforward. I'm not sure about this point but depending on your age you may also need to have completed a Hunter Safety Course in order to apply with TPWD. I'm sure the info is on their website. If you need to do the course it can also be done with online suppliers ( found on Google ). I did mine with a Texas providor which took an afternoon and wasn't expensive.
Then, with all that done you fill in the form and send to BATF and await their kind consideration.
Yes, it's that simple and make sure you take a couple of printed copies with you to deal with USA Customs on arrival. Usually with your passport they quickly pull up your permit in their system but a couple of time they couldn't and actually checked my printed permit.
I know often they receive a bad rap but I have always found US Customs absolutely professional, pleasurable and helpful to deal with, both coming to and going from the USA. I think honesty courtesy are key.

Happy to help with any further questions should this be your chosen route. And I wouldn't blame you for thinking a borrowed rifle makes much more sense.

 

[jpr9954]

New Mexico has plenty of opportunities too, public and private. An outfitter there can make the arrangements. In many areas, once you secure permission to hunt on private land, the tag can be acquired over-the-counter a day or two before the hunt starts. A negotiated fee to hunt on private land can vary considerably depending on accommodations, guiding vs DIY, trophy quality, etc.

Most Western US states are very picky about documentation regarding hunter safety. Some will simply not issue a license without written proof. It's possible now to take the class on-line in many places. Just don't make all the plans to come and neglect to plan for this.

The NRA offers a free online hunter safety class for many states including Texas and New Mexico.

https://nra.yourlearningportal.com/Course/HuntersEdActivityInfoPage