The Most Popular Wild Game in Each Region of America

When it comes to the Northeast, two words dominate hunting season: white-tailed deer. From Pennsylvania to Maine, these iconic creatures are the bread and butter of hunters. With dense forests and rolling hills, the terrain is perfect for stalking the ultimate trophy buck. In states like Vermont and New York, deer camps are sacred. Families gather for generations, trading stories about the one that got away.

But the Northeast isn’t all about Bambi. The region’s waterfowl scene is just as robust. Ducks and geese take center stage along the Chesapeake Bay and upstate New York. Mallards, wood ducks, and Canada geese are among the most sought-after species, with hunters setting up blinds in marshes and along rivers. 

Small game is also a huge part of the Northeast’s hunting tradition. Squirrels and rabbits keep hunters on their toes, and for the nocturnal hunters, raccoons provide a unique challenge. Coon hunting, often done with the help of trained dogs, is as much about the experience as the harvest itself.

If you’re looking for hunting that’s equal parts thrill and grit, head south. Feral hogs are the South’s most infamous wild game. They’re destructive, they’re dangerous, and they’re delicious—if you know how to cook ‘em. Texas leads the charge in hog hunting, with the added bonus of helicopter hunts for those who want to take the fight to the skies. (Yes, it’s as badass as it sounds.)

Then there’s white-tailed deer, again reigning supreme in the South’s hardwoods and bottomlands. The season stretches longer in the South than almost anywhere else, giving hunters plenty of time to fill their tags. And let’s not forget about turkey hunting. Spring gobbler season is practically a religion in states like Alabama and Georgia. There’s something primal about the challenge of calling in a longbeard—a true test of patience and skill.

For upland game enthusiasts, quail hunting is a cherished Southern tradition. Bobwhite quail own the skies in states like Georgia and Mississippi, where hunters and their dogs take to the fields for fast-paced action.

Texas Hill Country deserves special mention. Among the regular roster, it’s also a hotspot for axis deer and blackbuck antelope. Exotic game species thrive in this region thanks to private ranches and conservation efforts, making it a prime destination for hunters looking for a tall tale to tell the grandkids one day. 

And for waterfowl? Look no further than Stuttgart, Arkansas, proudly known as the Duck Capital of the World. Hunters from all over flock to this region during duck season, targeting mallards, teal, gadwalls, and pintails. The flooded rice fields and timbered bottoms of Arkansas create the perfect habitat for these birds, making Stuttgart a mecca for waterfowl enthusiasts.

Florida’s wild game offerings are as unique as its landscape. The state’s subtropical climate and diverse ecosystems make it a haven for hunters after the unconventional trophy. Osceola turkeys, found only in Florida, are a prized species for turkey hunters aiming to complete their Grand Slam. These birds inhabit the state’s palmetto prairies and pine flatwoods, offering a challenging and rewarding hunt.

Wild hogs are another popular target in Florida. With a year-round season and no bag limits on private land, hog hunting in the Sunshine State is a thrilling way to manage the invasive species while filling the freezer. Many hunters use dogs to track and bay hogs, adding an extra layer of excitement to the hunt.

Florida also has its share of exotic and invasive species. Iguana hunting in South Florida has gained traction as a way to control these non-native reptiles, which can wreak havoc on native ecosystems. And for those looking to hunt in swampy, remote areas, alligators offer a truly Floridian challenge. Sunshine State hunters gear up for gator season with harpoons and bang sticks, proving that Florida hunting is as wild as it gets.The state’s regulated gator hunts are a unique experience, combining skill, patience, and a healthy dose of adrenaline.

Small game, including squirrels and rabbits, is abundant throughout Florida, making it an ideal place for hunters of all skill levels to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re navigating the mangroves, stalking game in pine forests, or wading into marshes, Florida delivers one-of-a-kind hunting experiences.

You can’t talk about Midwestern hunting without shining a spotlight on white-tailed deer. Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas boast some of the biggest bucks in the country, thanks to fertile land and careful conservation. The Midwest is where dreams of bagging a Boone and Crockett trophy come true.

The land can’t have all the fun. In the wide open skies of places like South Dakota, pheasant hunting is a time-honored tradition. Roosters bursting from golden fields create memories for upland hunters that last a lifetime. Pair that with the region’s healthy populations of wild turkey and waterfowl, and it’s clear that the Midwest lives up to its hunting reputation. Ducks, like mallards and teal, and geese, including snow and Canada geese, are commonly hunted along the Mississippi Flyway.

For those looking for something a little different, small game hunting for rabbits and squirrels is a big deal in this region. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to the sport, keeping the hunting tradition alive for future generations. Raccoon hunting is also popular, especially in rural areas where the tradition of running dogs is alive and well.

Hunting in the Appalachian Mountains is as challenging as it is rewarding. Stretching through states like Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina, the rugged terrain is home to white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.

Squirrel and rabbit hunting are deeply ingrained traditions here, often serving as the gateway for young hunters learning the ropes. Raccoon hunting is also a hallmark of Appalachian culture, with coon dogs leading the way on nocturnal adventures.

Tennessee, with its mix of forests and fields, offers a diverse array of hunting opportunities. Bobcats, quail, and even wild boar populate the Volunteer State, making it a destination for hunters seeking variety.

When it comes to the West, the word “big” comes to mind. Big skies, big landscapes, and big game. Elk hunting is king here, with states like Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming leading the pack. There’s nothing quite like hearing a bull elk bugle in the crisp morning air—it’s enough to rip chills down your spine.

Mule deer are another Western staple. Known for their larger-than-life antlers and high-country haunts, they offer a unique challenge to hunters willing to climb rugged terrain. And let’s not overlook pronghorn antelope, the speed demons of the plains. Spot-and-stalk hunts across the sagebrush make for an unforgettable experience.

The West also delivers exceptional opportunities for bobcat hunting. These stealthy predators are a test of patience and skill, often requiring hunters to track them across vast, rugged terrain.

If that’s not enough adrenaline for you, the Wild West offers some of the best opportunities for bear hunting. Most hunters contend the dense backcountry of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are the hotspots to tag America’s beast. 

Rain-soaked forests and towering evergreens make the Pacific Northwest a unique hunting ground. Black-tailed deer are the crown jewel of this region. Smaller and more elusive than their whitetail cousins, they demand patience and skill to track in the dense underbrush.

The region also boasts an impressive elk population, particularly Roosevelt elk. Coastal Oregon and Washington hunters brave tough conditions for the chance to bring home one of these massive beasts. And if you’re a fan of wing shooting, the Pacific Flyway offers world-class waterfowl hunting. Ducks and geese flock here in droves, creating opportunities that draw hunters from across the country.

For a challenge, try your hand at cougar hunting. Mountain lions are plentiful in craggy states like Oregon, and they’re as stealthy as they are powerful. It’s the ultimate test of a hunter’s resolve.

The Southwest is a region of extremes, and its hunting opportunities are no different. Coues deer, a smaller subspecies of whitetail, are the ultimate prize in Arizona and New Mexico. These elusive deer are known as the “gray ghosts” for good reason—they’re nearly impossible to spot in their desert homes.

Javelina, also known as collared peccaries, are another staple of Southwestern hunting. These pig-like creatures travel in herds and offer a unique experience for those looking for something off the beaten path. And let’s not forget about elk. New Mexico and Arizona are home to some of the largest bull elk in the country, with hunters traveling from all over for a chance at these high-desert giants.

If you’re into upland game, the Southwest also delivers with quail hunting. Gambel’s and scaled quail thrive in the arid landscape, providing fast-paced action that’s as exhilarating as it is rewarding.

With punishing landscapes and unpredictable weather, Alaska is the ultimate hunting destination for those looking to push their primal limits. Moose reign supreme, with hunters enduring brutal conditions for a chance at a truly massive prize. Then, of course, there’s the iconic grizzly bear. Stalking one of these apex predators in the wilds of Alaska isn’t just a hunt—it’s a rite of passage.

Dall sheep, found only in Alaska’s rugged mountains, are a bucket-list species for many hunters. Their snow-white coats and high-altitude habitats make them one of the most challenging and rewarding hunts in North America.

Kodiak Island, in particular, offers world-class big game hunting. Known for its legendary Kodiak brown bears, the island is also home to black-tailed deer and mountain goats. The unique, remote landscape of Kodiak demands preparation and determination, but the rewards are unparalleled.

Caribou and mountain goats round out the list of Alaskan game, offering unparalleled opportunities for adventure. The sheer remoteness of the hunts here sets them apart from anything else in the lower 48.

Hunting isn’t just about the game. It’s about the stories, the camaraderie, and the traditions passed down for generations. At Rural Brand, we celebrate those traditions with durable gear that pays homage to our rural roots. Our hats and tees are designed for folks who love the land, embrace the grind, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

So, whether you’re stalking whitetails in the Midwest, dropping greenheads in the Northeast, or hog hunting in the South, do it in style. Wherever the truck’s headed, Rural Brand is up for the early mornings—as long as breakfast’s on your dime.