Top 5 States for Hunters

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We’ve all played the "what if" game at deer camp.

You land that fully remote job. You can live anywhere in the U.S. The only criteria? It has to be a hunter’s paradise.

This exact debate recently blew up on a popular hunting forum, with hundreds of seasoned outdoorsmen weighing in on the pros and cons of the Lower 48 and beyond. The consensus? There is no single "perfect" state—but there are some heavy hitters depending on whether you’re chasing elk in the high country or whitetails in the hardwoods.

Here is the breakdown of the best states to call home if hunting is your lifestyle, not just a hobby.

1. The Dream: Alaska

For many, Alaska is the undisputed champion. It’s the last frontier.

The Draw:
The sheer amount of public land is unmatched. As one local put it, even living in downtown Anchorage puts you 30 minutes away from huntable land. The Over-the-Counter (OTC) opportunities for black bear, caribou, and moose are the stuff of dreams for Lower 48 hunters.
The Reality Check:
It’s not for the faint of heart. The cost of living is high, the winters are long and dark, and "accessible" is a relative term. To get to the prime spots away from the crowds, you often need a plane, a boat, or a serious ATV setup. It’s a logistical challenge, but the payoff is world-class adventure.

2. The Resident King: Wyoming

If you are looking to stay in the Lower 48, Wyoming seems to take the crown for resident hunters.

The Draw:
No state income tax and incredible tag allocation for residents. Living here changes the game for drawing premium tags. One hunter noted, "If you want to kill big mule deer bucks without waiting 10 years for a tag, Wyoming is the place." You get general tags for elk and deer that non-residents spend years building points for.
The Reality Check:
The wind. It never stops. And the winters can be brutal. But for unparalleled access to big game, many say it's worth it.

3. The "Western Corridor": Montana & Idaho

These states are the traditional powerhouses.

The Draw:
Massive expanses of National Forest and BLM land. If you love spot-and-stalk hunting and getting deep into the backcountry, these states are hard to beat.
The Reality Check:
Competition is increasing. As more people move West, the "pressure" on public land has gone up. However, compared to the East Coast, the access is still incredible.

4. The Texas Debate: Quantity vs. Access

Texas is a polarizing topic in the hunting community.

The Good:
The sheer volume of game. Whitetail numbers are insane, and you can hunt hogs year-round.
The Bad:
Public land is virtually non-existent. Texas is a private land state. As one Western hunter warned, "Texas will suck the soul out of a western hunter." If you are used to roaming free on public mountains, paying high lease fees to sit in a box blind over a feeder might not scratch that itch. But if you have the budget for a lease, the opportunities are endless.

5. The Midwest Sleepers: South Dakota & Wisconsin

Don't sleep on the Midwest, especially if you love a mixed bag.

The Draw:
South Dakota gets the nod over its northern neighbor for better resident tag policies. It’s a pheasant hunter’s heaven with solid deer and antelope opportunities. Wisconsin offers a massive whitetail culture, bear seasons, and great waterfowling.
The Reality Check:
You trade the mountain views for flatlands or hardwoods, but the freezer stays full.

The Verdict?

If you crave the wildest adventures and have the grit for it, Alaska wins. If you want the best bang-for-your-buck on tags and taxes, pack your bags for Wyoming.

But as one commenter wisely said: "The best state is where you can balance your work, your family, and your time in the woods."

Where would you move? Let us know in the comments.