Which Animals Can You Legally Hunt In USA? (For 2024))
As sensible human beings, we must understand that hunting for a game is not only morally but ecologically incorrect too. Killing innocent animals just for recreation has resulted in extinction pr endangerment of many species across the globe.
However, hunting for food is considered natural and is acceptable in most countries including the US.
USA allows hunting under some acceptable conditions like- hunting for food, hunting for defense and hunting a species which is responsible for preying away on other species, causing them to flee or get endangered.
Hunting season is here! Here's what you need to know.
However, no other game can compare the thrill and booty of hunting so if you’re looking for some raw adventure then here’s a handy list of the wild bounties you can aim for:
Pronghorn
These antelopes are known for their extraordinary vision and unbeatable velocity. They’re not real antelopes but something between a goat and a buck.
Organized hunting for pronghorns is common in public land and even the beginners can try their hands at hunting these creatures.
As the pronghorns rely on vision rather than scent, it’s easy to shoot at them staying out of sight.
Ducks
Hunting season is open: get your gear ready for duck hunting.
Ducks are other favorite games with those who have a specific license for gunning down this fowl. After you graduate hunting tests you're an official duck-hunter.
Some of the popular choices are black duck, wood duck, and shelduck duck.
Grizzly bear
The thrill of the hunt: Grizzly bears are one of the many game animals legally hunted in the USA.
Bears are being hunted since prehistoric times. Bears were a popular choice for Neanderthal packs as one bear could serve for the entire pack.
Even today bear hunting hasn’t lost its charm and grizzly bears are topping the preference lists. However, grizzly bears are one of the most expensive games coming with a price tag of $1000.
Follow These Hunting Ethics: 7 Hunting Ethics That Every New Hunter Should Know.
Bison hunting
If you want to brag about shooting down a beast among your friends and relatives then all you need is a bison. The cost of hunting a bison is $4000-$7000.
Bison are also known as American buffaloes are the largest land mammals. Though once protected species due to over hunting, now have repopulated once again.
Hence there are many hunting expeditions which are organized by hunting coaches, for you to enjoy.
Caribou
Caribous with their crown-like antlers can add a touch of a rare royalty to anybody’s hunting room. The majestic antlers of the male can alone weigh up to 20 pounds and are a real trophy for adorning walls of your hunting gallery.
The Caribou hunting is much in vogue this Christmas holiday. There are many hunting expeditions which you can join.
Mule deer
Hunting public land mule deer is another favorite game in chilly winters. No trophy can beat a mule head with a crown of antlers.
Mule deer are hunted on A hefty price tag starting from$1000 and can shoot up to $5000.
Foxes
Exploring the legal hunting options for foxes in the USA
Red and grey both kinds of foxes can be hunted legally. The best part is that once you’ve acquired the license from the authorities, there is no daily bag limit.
Muskrat
The muskrats dine on scanty vegetation. Muskrats can be hunted in a few areas of the States with low caliber weapons.
Bobcat
Some areas of the nation allow to hunt bobcats; others don’t. Check out if you’re not outside the areas which allow bobcat games. There is no daily bag limit for Bobcats.
Minks
Mink can be hunted in certain areas of the States during a particular interval of the year. Make sure you own a firearm larger than .22 caliber.
White-tailed deer
In the heart of nature: A successful White-tailed deer hunt.
The white-tailed deer has been the hottest choices among the hunters from a decade or so. There are three seasons: archery, regular firearms and muzzle loads.
The seasons and rules vary, according to the areas of hunting.
Wild Turkey
Turkey Season: A Guide to Legally Hunting in the United States
USA has both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons. The hunting schedule is fixed according to the season. The hours are decided according to sunrise and sunset.
Must Read This Article: Poaching - History, Facts, Consequences and Hope.
Cottontail Rabbit
Hunting in the great outdoors: Cottontail rabbits are a popular target for sportsmen and women.
October marks the begging of the cottontail rabbit hunting and the daily limit for this amazing rabbit is up to 6.
Black bear
In recent years, most of the state has been opened up for bear hunting. There are three seasons viz- regular, muzzleloader, and archery.
American woodcock
The American woodcock is one of the most fascinating upland birds. It is nearly the size of a mourning dove, the woodcock has a bill that makes it stand out, and ears are placed forward on the face, between the eyes and the bill.
The daily bag limit is 3.
Wood duck
This species of duck is considered by many as the most colorful and beautiful of all the ducks. Hence they’re very popular as games among the naive and seasoned hunters alike.
These are few of the animals that can be hunted legally however, one should keep the season and area in mind.
Ben Casnocha is an accomplished hunting writer whose passion for the outdoors and wildlife has driven his literary pursuits. With a deep-rooted connection to nature and a keen understanding of the hunting world, Casnocha brings a unique perspective to his writing, blending his experiences in the wilderness with insightful observations.
