The Best & Worst States in the U.S. for Hunting

Discover the best states for hunting in the U.S. with our comprehensive rankings based on public land, licenses issued, and game diversity. Perfect for all hunters!

January 13, 2025

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The Best & Worst States in the U.S. for Hunting

When it comes to public hunting in the United States, location can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting into the sport, knowing where to find the best game, accessible public land, and hunter-friendly conditions is crucial for a successful experience. That's why we've done the heavy lifting for you analyzing the best states for public hunting based on key factors like the availability of public hunting land, the length of the hunting season, and the diversity of game species.

From states offering thousands of acres to explore, to those with abundant game variety and plentiful hunting opportunities, this guide is here to help you make the most of your time in the wild. Here's a closer look at the top U.S. states for hunting, so you can set your sights on the best places to hunt this season.

Alaska Hits Target as Overall Best State for Hunting

The best states for public hunting access are characterized by a combination of extensive public lands, supportive hunting policies, and a rich array of game species. Alaska tops the list with a remarkable score, largely due to its vast hunting lands and variety of big-game species. States like North Carolina and Alabama also rank highly, thanks to abundant public land access and longer hunting seasons, making them appealing destinations for hunters across the U.S. Several western states, including Arizona and Colorado, are known for their expansive wilderness and high accessibility to public hunting lands, catering to those looking for a remote, immersive experience. The Southeast also shines here, with Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida offering significant public access and a favorable hunting environment.

The 10 Best U.S. States for Public Hunting

Alaska 69.9
North Carolina 66.7
Alabama 57.5
Arizona 52.7
Louisiana 51.8
Colorado 48.6
Nevada 45.1
Florida 44.8
Wyoming 44.2
Massachusetts 37.9

The states with the lowest rankings for public hunting access generally face a few shared challenges: limited public lands, shorter hunting seasons, and often, higher competition for available hunting spaces. California ranks lowest due to restricted public access and regulatory limitations that reduce the overall hunting experience. Many of the lowest-ranked states are in the Northeast and Midwest, regions where densely populated areas limit the availability of open hunting lands. States like Connecticut and Vermont, for instance, have fewer public lands and a shorter hunting season, which can make it challenging for hunters seeking consistent, quality hunting opportunities. While private lands may offer some possibilities in these states, the lack of accessible public spaces restricts options for the average hunter.

The 10 Worst U.S. States for Public Hunting

California 2.7
New Hampshire 7.1
Indiana 7.5
Washington 7.8
Connecticut 8.9
Vermont 9.8
Iowa 10.0
Illinois 10.2
Michigan 10.3
Maine 12.4

The Best States for Hunting by Category

When it comes to selecting a state for your next hunting adventure, priorities differ some hunters seek diverse game, others prefer longer seasons, and many look for ample public land. Here's how the top states stack up across each of these key categories:

Diversity of Game Species

States with the widest variety of game species give hunters more opportunities to explore different types of hunts, which adds excitement and challenge to each trip. Here are the top states for game diversity:

North Carolina 25 species
Minnesota 24 species
Alaska 23 species
Arizona 22 species
Nebraska 21 species

National Average: 12.8 Game Species

North Carolina leads the nation with 25 diverse game species, followed closely by Minnesota and Alaska. This high diversity provides a more varied hunting experience, ideal for hunters interested in pursuing everything from large game, like deer, to small game and waterfowl. States like North Carolina and Minnesota, with an abundance of lakes and forested land, naturally support a variety of species, making them attractive destinations for hunters looking to mix up their targets throughout the season.

Longest Hunting Season

Longer hunting seasons give hunters flexibility and extended time to plan their trips. Here are the top states ranked by the length of their hunting season:

Alabama 12 months
Virginia 6.5 months
Florida 6 months
Rhode Island 5.5 months
North Carolina, Alaska, Nebraska, Idaho, Kansas, Nevada, Hawaii 5 months

National Average: 4.1 Months

Alabama stands out with a full 12-month hunting season, making it an appealing option for hunters who value year-round accessibility. Other states like Virginia and Florida also offer generous hunting seasons, allowing hunters to plan trips throughout much of the year. Alabama's unusually long season is a unique advantage, catering to those who enjoy frequent hunts on a flexible schedule.

Acres of Public Hunting Land

The availability of public hunting land is critical for hunters seeking accessible areas to practice their sport. Here are the top states ranked by acres of public hunting land:

Alaska 17,435,297 acres
Colorado 3,571,072 acres
Arizona 1,737,767 acres
North Carolina 1,301,914 acres
Nevada 1,261,446 acres

National Average: 686,144.4 Acres

Alaska far surpasses every other state, offering an impressive 17 million acres of public hunting land. This vast expanse of terrain allows hunters to truly immerse themselves in the wild, and makes Alaska an unparalleled destination for those seeking a remote, open experience. Colorado and Arizona, though smaller, also provide large areas of accessible land, catering to hunters in the western U.S. looking for high-quality public spaces. For many hunters, the size and accessibility of public lands are essential for enjoying the sport without limitations.

The Full Ranking Data

View the Interactive Ranking Data

Explore the interactive chart linked above to see how each U.S. state ranks in terms of hunting opportunities, with factors like public land access, season length, and game diversity all contributing to each state's overall score.

Methodology

To determine the best states for public hunting, we analyzed all 50 U.S. states across five key factors that are important to hunters. Each factor percent of public hunting land, acres of public hunting land, hunting licenses issued, diversity of game species, and deer hunting season length was weighted by importance, then scored from 0 to 5. The scores were combined to reach a total out of 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable conditions for hunters. Data for this analysis was collected in October 2024 from trusted sources like Hunting Locator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, and Find Law.

Closing Thoughts

As any experienced hunter knows, choosing the right location can make all the difference in the success of a hunting trip. By exploring factors like game diversity, public land availability, and season length, we've highlighted the top U.S. states where hunters can make the most of their time outdoors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or looking to try hunting in a new state, these insights can help you maximize your experience.

At Sportsman's Guide, we're here to support every step of your journey with gear and resources designed for outdoor enthusiasts like you. From top-quality hunting apparel to essential equipment, browse our collection to prepare for your next hunt in one of the country's best states for hunting.

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