What are your 3 favorite hunts?

[Philip Glass]

That makes total sense to me. I would really like to chase the various species but the time required to get to some of them makes it difficult. I'm not the guy to chase sheep/argali but the capras are very interesting.

I've got plenty of safaris on the books so I'll be shopping sheep and goats at the shows coming up. Some I'll just have to dream about but others I may be able to swing it! I'll be at TTHA, Wild Sheep, and of course SCI.

 

[dgr416]

I loved moose ,caribou and grouse hunting in Alaska .I was there 12 years at peak of hunting .I went back after 16 years there was nothing totally suprised .Russians they brought where i lived wiped out everything .They closed the unit i caribou hunted in forever .
Here in Ga I love to hunt deer hogs and bears .Its getting harder to find good places to hunt too much development .

 

[Firebird]

My favorite close to home would be elk and particularly with a bow. That time of year, the behavior of rutting bulls, the sounds, the smells, the cooler weather is all powerful stuff for me. Waterfowl has been a longtime passion and continues to be a favorite especially taking advantage of local specialties such as swan-

I don’t love to travel but it is a means to an end that must be endured. I have plans in the works to start roaming the country for waterfowl I haven’t hunted yet and intend to migrate to other countries for webfeet as well. I am a bird taxidermist so collecting and preserving these experiences has incredible value to me.

Alaska has always intrigued me. Would love at some point to hunt moose and caribou and big bears-I’d love just to have a chance to hunt lemmings! Money is tight so I may not make it but it’s a magnificent dream. I never thought I’d get to Africa and I’ve done well with that one so maybe I just need to get more serious about Alaska. . .

 

[mdwest]

In the US, I really enjoy whitetail hunting... its not really so much about the hunt itself (sitting in a blind, watching a feeder 100 yards away, etc isnt exactly much of a challenge).. for me its more about the peace and quiet and having a regular opportunity to escape the city, get into the woods for the weekend, etc.. its the overarching experience... we sit by the fire at night, sleep in our tent, etc.. and I enjoy the "filling the freezer" aspect of it... between the wife and I we have taken 7 deer this year (we hunt MLDP land and actually have an excess of tags.. we could take 5 more and the herds will still need culling next year...)... I doubt we will buy beef at any point in 2026..

Outside the US, I really love chasing blue wildebeest.. Ive lost count on how many Ive taken at this point.. Theyre not a particularly difficult quarry.. but they are tough and require precision shot placement.. My wife and I support an orphanage close to where we hunt in South Africa every year, and we have an arrangement where we donate the meat from cull wildebeest to them... we always take at least a few (one year between my wife and I and another AH member we took 5).. so I guess the filling the freezer aspect there is also one of the things that appeals to me..

Regarding the third question.. I dont know that there is a particular quarry that I have in mind.. I truly enjoy just about any/all sorts of hunting.. birds, waterfowl, big game, small game, etc.. My wife and I share two big passions.. international travel, and hunting.. we really enjoy experiencing different cultures, different foods, different people, different architecture, different histories, etc.. we try to go somewhere outside the US every year (in addition to an annual SA pilgrimage).. and whatever is in season or whatever that particular country is known for, etc. is what we'll try to hunt.. whether its ducks in Peru, or dove in Argentina, or deer in ireland, etc.. we dont really care.. right now we're researching Croatia (the next country I believe we will combo tour/hunt) and trying to decide what we want to hunt while there.. If Im honest, I'll be equally happy with a driven boar hunt as I would be a roe deer as I would be a red stag as I would be doing a pheasant hunt.. Im just looking forward to participating in an "traditional" central European style hunt, getting to tour the country, meet some people, eat some different foods, etc..

 

[Elkeater]

That’s a tough question.

Hunt number one for me is probably coues deer here in AZ. Tough little deer. Live in inhospitable places. A mature coues deer is a serious challenge.

Hunt number two would be Africa as a whole. Only went once but I can’t wait to go back. Specifically I can’t say which species I think for me Africa is about hunting new species.

Hunt number three is probably my annual Texas cull hunt. It’s a guys trip with 4-6 of us and we usually shoot 12-18 animals in 5 days. Typically we will take a couple management bison, some aoudad ewes, axis or fallow does, hogs, and whatever broke horn stuff the ranch wants gone. It’s super fun, and provides a boat load of good eating game meat. Headed to Texas the first week of January. This years list is a couple management bison bulls, a couple broke horn oryx, a broke horned eland bull, some aoudad ewes, feral goats and hogs.

 

[skydiver386]

Pronghorn are on my list right at the top. BTW, no matter what people tell you, they are very good table fare.

Second is Impala, Gazelle, and anything else in that size range. Fun to hunt with no real pressure. If you don't succeed, another one will be along in a few minutes.

Last but not least, Lord Derby Eland. I haven't hunted them yet, but I've started a piggy bank so if I see another cancellation hunt offer I'll be on it like a Hobo on a Hotdog !

 

[Green Chile]

On the subject of LDE cancellations, I know a place that offers 1 or 2 of those a year. DM me if you want to know more. Now a bongo cancellation hunt is something I have never seen offered. I think they just call the next guy on the list and it's gone that quick.

 

[Green Chile]

I hate to say it but for local hunting I’ve really lost the passion I used to have. I see deer and Turkey everyday and I think it’s become too normal. However, I started trapping again after a long break. I forgot how much I enjoyed it. I think it will really help nesting success with Turkey too.

For international hunting, it’s definitely roe deer in Europe and Eland in Africa. With roe deer I enjoy seeing new countries and the amount of fast paced action you get during their rut. Eland are special to me because of the distance they cover and the tracking to hunt them. I enjoy hunting buffalo, but I typically expect I’ll get one. Eland is more of an accomplishment to me because I don’t know if all the variables will line up on that particular hunt or not. It’s the top trophy in Africa to me. I’ve been lucky to get a few different subspecies so far. Going to add another in a few months.

I’m going to have my first proper red stag hunt during roar next year. I think that’s a species that could pull me in. Many European countries plus Turkey to hunt in fall then Argentina and New Zealand offer spring hunts in southern hemisphere.

Remind me which eland sub-species you have so far? That's a worthy list in itself. Eland are incredible and I want to do more of them for sure.

You will love the red stag. If I had an old barn, I would chase a lot more red stag and just nail them up across the barn.

I like how you told me you can often bring roe deer back with you in the luggage. I'm so tired of shipping and taxidermy bills. I love the euro mounts of roe and stag.

 

[Green Chile]

If you love travel and seeing historical places, the European hunts will offer you many options. I don't think this is a comprehensive list but here are the countries I know you can hunt roe, stag and chamois in. That's a lot of locations!

Roe deer: (20)
Austria
Bulgaria
Croatia
Denmark
England
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany (black roe)
Hungary
Italy
Norway
Poland
Romania
Russia/Siberia
Scotland
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden


Red stag: (21)

• Argentina
• Austria
• Belarus
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Denmark
• England
• Estonia
• France
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Romania
• Scotland
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Chamois: (8)

• Pyrenean - Spain
• Cantabrian - Spain
• Alpine - France, Italy, Austria
• New Zealand
• Carpathian - Romania
• Balkan - Croatia
• Caucasian - Russia
• Anatolian - Turkey

 

[Wade J VanGinkel]

Mule deer at home when I actually draw a license.
Other than that I look more to visiting be places that have something I haven't hunted so far. It's usually just a cheap to travel the world anymore rather than look for something in a different state. The exception being DIY pronghorn in wyoming or similar.
I loved my roe hunt in Romania and I easily brought both heads back in my suitcase as mentioned. Marius had them ready in 24hrs.

 

[MedRiver]

Anything with my kids mostly...

Pronghorn in eastern Montana is my absolute favorite hunt of the year. We stay with friends and hunt their ranch. We always have a pile of kids, the weather tends to be decent (there are exceptions!) and it is our favorite game meat...tied with elk.

Next favorite would be elk/deer in the mountains. I wouldn't say I am losing my desire to hunt prairie deer but I find mountain hunting, particularly with horses, a more challenging and enjoyable experience.

I still hunt regularly with hounds for lion/bear but that fire is dying a bit as the nuisance from owning hounds is starting to be stronger than the pleasure of hunting with hounds, lol. Luckily my hound hunting partner just moved to a new place and he wanted them all at his place since he lives closer to where we typically hunt (keeps him from backtracking if he is going without me). I really enjoy the catch/release aspect of hound hunting, watching dogs do their thing and when friends get nice toms.

I haven't travelled internationally to hunt. Have hunted AK and Texas multiple times each. AK is my go-to these days and looking forward to helping a buddy this August in the Brooks on a sheep hunt.

Hogs trip my trigger for some reason and would like to hunt them in Africa and Australia before too long.

 

[375Fox]

Remind me which eland sub-species you have so far? That's a worthy list in itself. Eland are incredible and I want to do more of them for sure.

You will love the red stag. If I had an old barn, I would chase a lot more red stag and just nail them up across the barn.

I like how you told me you can often bring roe deer back with you in the luggage. I'm so tired of shipping and taxidermy bills. I love the euro mounts of roe and stag.

I’ve taken 8 eland bulls. Livingston, common, and Lord derby. I’ll take Patterson eland in April.

 

[Tundra Tiger]

Here at home:

Late September moose
September caribou
Spring brown bear

All three for the same reasons: location and seasonal circumstances. I'm a stop and smell the roses sort, and these three give me soooo many roses to smell. The variety of wildlife I see in truly wild settings, the camp conditions, the remoteness... it all makes me feel alive.

I have only hunted Africa twice, and the RSA both times. I think the thing I have enjoyed the most is long stalks through thick stuff for kudu, the apple of my African eyes. I miss the taste of speckboom.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I have been "around the block" extensively. For me hunting uplands solo with my dogs has always been tops. Always on the move, often in rugged country full of game. Nothing between me and God but the wind and Big Sky. No artificial distractions. And hitting moving targets takes more skill than popping something off the sticks. Much more rewarding. The bonus, of course, is watching the dogs work. They enjoy themselves no matter what happens or doesn't happen.

Guided hunts in Africa are a "different" experience. I like it well enough... but no comparison to hunting uplands. I found buffalo hunting to be "okay" but again no comparison. By law I am required to have a merry band along for the stalk and that dampens the experience. As mentioned in another thread, I'm not in it for the fear factor. However, I do appreciate that buffalo are worthy quarry - smart, elusive, and they know how to use the environment to their advantage. But I find kudu have the same attributes (and they're a LOT cheaper to hunt!).

I would love to hunt Alaska and may yet make it for DIY caribou. Probably will have to find someone to tag along. I'm in my seventies now and though still quite fit, I have lived and worked in Alaska enough to know it's not a good idea to be on my own.

 

[Neil Molendyk]

Around home, definitely fall migratory geese. Occasionally a bust but sometimes its a " put the damn gun down, you've got enough and don't even think about using 3 1/2". and it makes it possible go hunting withs my sons, grandkids friends.

Internatiionally: free range cape buffalo, hands down

Wanting to hunt: northern Canada, musk ox. The mind says "yes", the body says " maybe you should rethink that". I would love another free range cape buffalo. Same conditions apply.

 

[318AE]

I enjoy hunting the species others have mentioned; buffalo, mule deer and quail, generally due to the experience the hunts for those species most often provide.

The one not mentioned yet that I really appreciate is bushbuck. They are sly and secretive and often found in riverine thickets and carry a little attitude to boot.

 

[Green Chile]

Bushbuck and nyala are both challenging to stalk in their element. I love the Zulu translation of nyala...shifty one. Anyone chasing the bushbuck sub-species is in for a long journey.

 

[BryceM]

Top 3? I dunno. I used to have a pretty specific list, but at this point, any day in the field is better than a day at work. I enjoy upland game hunting. I can go for an hour or two, run the dogs, and get a bit of exercise in clean air and quiet places.

My first hunting love has always been mule deer. It’s getting harder. They’re definitely a species that isn’t responding well to encroaching land use and population. More hunters = less opportunity, but it’s still there.

I hunted an elephant in 2022. It was life-changing, and like nothing else in the hunting world. I really, really, really have a deep itch to do it again. For some reason, I’ve also developed a lust for ivory, so tuskless or non-exportable isn’t so temping, even though financially it would be massively easier. I’ve done it once, but it’s occupying a large space in my head.

PG hunting on a ranch or low-fence/no fence is incredibly fun and relaxing. I like seeing hundreds of animals in a day and it’s so very nice to be hunting where animals and opportunities are seemingly endless.

I haven’t hunted too many places. Several states in the US, mostly in the West, Canada, and Namibia. I am itching to try a real mountain hunt like goat in BC or mid Asian ibex maybe. My window of opportunity there will probably close in the next 10 or 15 years. I should probably go try Zim.

Hunting from horseback in the mountains of Central Namibia is fun. I talked with some folks in Romania and Spain. Might try that someday.

The single most fun thing is to take kids on one of their first hunts. Nothing beats that.

Leopard is on the list. A nice whitetail is on the list. I have 3/10ths of the tiny ten (the 3 easiest). It might be fun to finish that out. Dik-dik might happen in 2026.

 

[JG26Irish_2]

1.) At home in the Eastern USA woods, I love to hunt tree squirrels with a rimfire rifle. You have to be quick and quiet and accurate. But, opening day of Dove season is a close 2nd because you don't have to be quiet and can yell at or kid with your buddies all day long.

2.) Africa - while Cape Buffalo is great fun, it is also deadly serious and if you do not think so, you should not do it. I love to hunt Wildebeest because they are tough and Gemsbok because they never stop moving. And Zebra because they seem to know I am hunting them and run away at the drop of a hat. Those are my top 3 WB/GB/Zeb

Someday I would like to hunt a Lioness. They are the true hunters of the pride. The Simba is out front making noise and the girls are sneaking up behind the prey to pounce. I think it would be THE DG hunt.

 

[Andrew62]

Hunting on my property, black bear.

Favorite thing to hunt, elephant.

I dream of hunting a big moose, but then I’m reminded of poor weather, walking and sweating with no showers for many days, I’ll just keep booking African hunts.