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Dream Hunts: 20 Incredible Big Game Hunting Trips

From moose hunts in Canada to monster mule deer hunts in the desert, here are our picks for 20 hunting trips to plan your greatest outdoor adventure ever

By The Editors | Published Mar 4, 2021 5:24 PM EST

We know that big game hunting season is still months away, but just the idea of getting to travel more easily and safely this year already has us thinking about dream hunts. S we asked our experts to pick the best big game hunts in North America that the average hunter can actually pull off. To be clear: This isn’t another lists of cheap, DIY hunts (though some of these are easily taken on your own), nor is it a roundup of expensive outfitters. These trips are chosen for value. So, quit dreaming and start planning.

The 20 Best Hunting Trips for Your Budget

We’ve done the research—and taken many of these hunts ourselves—to create a list of the very best big game hunting opportunities and affordable hunting trips.

1. Where to Hunt Moose in Alberta

Logistics: Once you secure a moose tag from your outfitter, you just need a passport to get into Canada, the proper paperwork to get a firearm across the border, and a Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) card to hunt Alberta. Price: $5,000 to $7,000 — Will Brantley

2. Hunt Record-Book Black Bears in Northern Saskatchewan

Why You Should Go: Huge swaths of northern Saskatchewan are only accessible by boat or plane. Up there, most black bears die of old age. A few outfitters are pioneering into areas where bears have never been hunted. This region has the genetics for giant boars; it may be the best opportunity anywhere to shoot a true trophy-class black bear. Logistics: The best hunting is in June. Licenses are only available through an outfitter. Hunters fly into Saskatoon, and then make the rest of the trip in vehicles, floatplanes, and boats via the outfitter. Price: $4,000 to $5,000 (Guided) — Brad Fenson

3. Travel to Kodiak Island, Alaska, for a Blacktail Deer Adventure

Why You Should Go: If hunting blacktail deer on the home turf of the world’s largest brown bears doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, then we can’t help you. These true wilderness hunts are usually based from a boat that provides a dry place to sleep (and protection from bears). Good bucks abound here, and depending on the weather, you may find them anywhere from the beach to the high peaks. Logistics: The small planes and boats required to get to Kodiak make travel challenging. Transporters provide boats for D.I.Y. trips, but the hunting is up to you. Outfitted hunts are much more inclusive. Licenses are over the counter. For more information, go to adfg.alaska.gov. Price: $3,000 to $4,000 (Transported and unguided or guided) — B.F.

4. Stalk Giant Velvet Mule Deer in Alberta

Why You Should Go: Three-hundred-plus-pound muleys, close-range spot-and-stalk, and velvet antlers are indeed the stuff of dreams for most bowhunters: It’s what makes Alberta such a hot destination during the September bow season—and your odds only go up during gun season. The region is marked by rolling prairie, steep coulees, and a smattering of cropfields, making it the perfect place to grow trophy bucks, and to sneak up on them. Logistics: The only way to obtain a tag in Alberta is through an outfitter, but there are dozens in the region. The Alberta Professional Outfitters Society has a directory. Price: $3,000 to $4,000 (Guided) — B.F.

5. Why Idaho Is the Best State to Hunt Color Phase Black Bears

Why You Should Go: Idaho has one of the largest black bear populations in the Rocky Mountains, and a high percentage of color-phase bruins. From mid April through June, you can spot bears on south-facing slopes, munching on the green grass they need to flush their systems after hibernation. You can hire a guide, or spot-and-stalk from the dirt roads and trails coursing through national forest land for a rare D.I.Y. trophy. Logistics: There are plenty of tags available over the counter, and some units allow you to take two bears. There are dozens of reputable outfitters for both spot-and-stalk and baited hunts. Price: $2,000 to $3,000 (Guided); $1,000 to $2,000 (Unguided) — Ben Romans

6. Wyoming Pronghorns Is One of the Most Affordable Hunting Trips in the U.S.

Why You Should Go: ­Wyoming has more antelope than people, and an array of hunting opportunities. To chase a trophy pronghorn, you can build points for a managed area. If you just want to hunt antelope, there are zones where you can draw every year or buy a leftover tag, of which there are usually plenty. You can hire a guide, hunt on public ground, or hunt private ground for a landowner fee—or in some cases for free with permission. Logistics: Wyoming begs for a D.I.Y. hunt, but there are plenty of good outfitters, too. Wyoming Game and Fish’s new Hunt Planner is an invaluable resource. Price: $2,000 to $3,000 (Guided); $1,000 to $2,000 (Unguided) — B.F.

7. Welcome to Axis Deer Paradise

Why You Should Go: If you’re after adventure, natu­ral beauty, exclusivity, and the finest red meat on earth, then Lanai, a 90,000-acre private island 40 miles west of Maui, is the spot. You may see hundreds of animals in a day while hunting one of the world’s largest populations of free-range axis deer . There are mouflon sheep, too. The terrain is spectacular and ­diverse, with mountains, plains, and ocean vistas. Logistics: You’ll fly to Maui, Hawaii, then ferry to Lanai. The stunning Hotel Lanai is under $200 per night. Since the game is privately owned, you’ll pay an outfitter about $3,000 for one day (though bowhunters might need two) of guided hunting that includes a trophy stag and two non-trophies. Price: $3,000 to $6,000 (Guided) — Jeff Johnston

8. Chase Barren-Ground Caribou in Manitoba

Why You Should Go: Northern Manitoba borders Hudson Bay, and the mixed habitat along the shoreline is the historical migration route of central barren-ground caribou. This hunt won’t cost you much more than a D.I.Y. fly-in adventure in other parts of the North, but it’s logistically easier, and success rates on trophy bulls are much higher. Logistics: The region is only accessible by airplane, with licenses available through outfitters who take care of planning and details. Much of the hunting is done from boats, and from both permanent and spike camps. Price: $5,000 to $6,000 (Guided) — B.F.

9. Stalk Trophy Mule Deer in the Nebraska Sandhills

Why You Should Go: The Nebraska Sandhills are the up-and-coming place to kill a big mule deer buck. Miles of rolling hills are woven with creekbottoms and some agriculture. Like Alberta, it’s ideal habitat for growing big deer and for spot-and-stalk hunting—but more affordable, and with great D.I.Y. opportunities. Logistics: Permits are available via application, and most tags are good for either a mule deer or a whitetail ­(outdoor​­nebraska.​gov/​hunting​­seasons). There are significant chunks of public land, along with some excellent outfitters for hunting private ground. Price: $3,000 to $4,000 (Guided); $1,000 to $2,000 (Unguided) — B.F.

10. Tag a 350-Inch Bull Elk in New Mexico

Why You Should Go: The Gila National Forest in southwest New Mexico is 3.3 million public acres of famously good elk hunting. Secure a tag and you have a solid chance at killing a 350-inch bull. The terrain is largely sandy, and full of pinyon and ponderosa pine. The climate is mild. Though some outfitters use horses to get deep into the backcountry, plenty of the Gila is accessible on foot. Logistics: New Mexico doesn’t award preference points. Nonresidents hunting solo are allotted 6 percent of the licenses in a drawing pool; nonresidents who book with a guide, 10 percent. You can apply as a party to help your chances, and a good outfitter can assist you with the process and put you on elk once you’ve drawn. According to the outfitters we polled, most hunters get drawn at least once every four years, so put in now. Price: $5,000 to $6,000 (Guided); $2,000 to $3,000 (Unguided) — W.B.

11. Plan the Ultimate Big Game Hunting Trip in Montana

Why You Should Go: Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness is one of the only places in the world where you can rifle hunt rutting elk, mule deer, black bears, and wolves all at the same time. Hunter success with a good outfitter runs about 50 percent, meaning that a hardworking hunter should take two of the four species during a 10-day hunt, with pretty good trophy potential. Logistics: Riding in via horseback takes a full day and can leave you too sore to hunt hard the next, so opting for a picturesque helicopter ride into “The Bob” is worth considering—and less costly than you may think. Contact an outfitter early to apply for tags, and you’ll almost surely draw. Price: $4,000 to $6,000 (Guided) — Joseph von Benedikt

12. Travel to Utah for One of the Best Mule Deer Hunts Ever

Why You Should Go: Utah’s extended archery hunt offers a chance to chase rutting muley bucks on an easy-to-draw tag. Draw for any unit in the state (some regions are almost 100 percent odds even for nonresidents), but don’t hunt the regular season. Hold off and that unused tag will qualify you to hunt the archery-only area in the public-access Wasatch Mountains during late November and early December. There’s no rifle season here, allowing bucks to grow big and old. It’s arguably the best big-buck hunt in Utah short of drawing a premium tag, which can take decades. Logistics: You’ll need to earn an online-education certificate for this hunt, but it’s not difficult and well worth it. Prepare to glass big country, stalk up steep canyons in knee-deep snow, and shoot long. Price: $1,000 to $2,000 ­(Unguided) — J.v.B.

13. Chase Northwest Colorado Pronghorns

Why You Should Go: There are antelope all over the West. But if you’re after a true bruiser of a buck, few regions are better than northwest Colorado. Moffat County consistently produces more Booner speed goats than any other county in the state. The rolling landscape here has plenty of peaks and valleys for spot-and-stalk hunting, and numerous irri­gated alfalfa fields and livestock operations for water-hole archery hunts. Logistics: You can apply for points, hunt the ample BLM ground in the area, and probably kill a giant buck in a couple of days—especially with a rifle. The best trophy units here can take up to 15 points to draw, though with a little research, you can get a tag within five years in units that are almost as good. If you’re going guided, a number of outfitters have tags for sale every year. Price: $3,000 to $4,000 (Guided); $1,000 to $2,000 (Unguided) — W.B.

14. How to Plan a D.I.Y. Coues Deer Hunt

Why You Should Go: These tiny gray deer live in lonely, high-desert country, and they behave—and are hunted—more like desert bighorn sheep than whitetails. Prepare to have your mettle tested against steep, remote mountains infested with thorns—and your soul renewed by a backdrop of shockingly beautiful desert sunrises and sunsets. Logistics: Tags are easier to draw during the November pre-rut than for the December rut hunt. If you’re willing to build points, you can eventually draw a tag for a unit offering a legit chance at mature bucks with big genetics, though it’s possible to draw every year in some less popular units. Check the Arizona Game and Fish for details. Price: $1,000 to $2,000 (unguided) — J.v.B.

15. Guide Hunts for Mountain Lions in Idaho and Colorado

Why You Should Go: If you love the sound of hounds at work, intense physical challenge, and an element of danger, go on a mountain lion hunt. Both Colorado and Idaho have thriving cat populations, and the states are neck-and-neck for B&C entries. When the dogs strike a hot track, the experience is as intense as it gets. Logistics: Both states ­offer over-the-counter ­licenses and long seasons open to hunting with hounds, but you want to go later in winter. Ideally, you keep a flexible schedule with an outfitter and hunt after a fresh snow. Check regs closely; in Colo­rado, you must pass a free (but easy) online course before getting a license. Check quotas daily. And plan on bringing the meat home—it tastes just like pork. Price: $4,000 to $5,000 (Guided) — W.B.

Win the Lottery: Our Top 5 Bucket List Tags for the Ultimate Big Game Hunting Adventure

These five bucket-list hunts can take 10 years or more to draw. But you’ve just got to try…

1. Bighorn Sheep: Missouri River Breaks, Montana

If you draw, you can tackle this adventure on your own or hire an outfitter. Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks

2. Trophy Elk: Arizona

In several trophy units, bulls scoring 380 B&C or better are regularly taken, including some over 400. Arizona Game & Fish

3. Mule Deer: Utah

Odds of drawing in a trophy unit are long, but this 20-plus-point tag promises a muley buck of a lifetime. ­ Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

4. Mountain Goat: Colorado

You don’t have to leave the Lower 48 to hunt a billy if you’re persistent. Colorado Parks & Wildlife

5. Desert Bighorn: Nevada

The holy grail of sheep tags will cost $1,200 if you’re drawn. Nevada Department of Wildlife — B.F.

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Solo Hunting: 7 Safety Tips for Hunting Alone

Hunting is incredibly rewarding as a group bonding activity, but solo hunting can be a great escape from civilization. It allows you greater flexibility in where and when you go since you don’t have to coordinate and compromise with the rest of your party.

However, solo hunting comes with risks, especially if you’re covering rough terrain in an area with large predators. Safety is important during any hunt, but it becomes a matter of life or death during solo hunts.

The risks are manageable with enough research and preparation, so many experienced hunters solo hunt from time to time. Check out these seven tips for solo hunting safely to make your next adventure successful even if you tackle it alone.

1. Stay in Shape

The biggest assets you have while solo hunting are your physical strength and stamina . Whether you’re hauling elk back to your truck or traversing broad areas on foot, your fitness matters more when you’re hunting alone.

During the off-season, make sure to stay in good physical shape. Something as simple as taking long walks around the neighborhood each day can contribute to your overall stamina once it’s time to head back into the field. However, to build muscle and fitness, you should incorporate resistance and functional training exercises into your daily workout. Some of the best exercises for hunters in the off-season include deadlifts, scissor jumps, tire drags, and the Turkish Get Up. 

2. Communicate Your Route

Planning your route ahead of your hunt is always important, but it becomes even more essential when hunting alone. You’ll need to communicate your approximate route to family and friends who are staying behind, so they can inform authorities of your whereabouts if you don’t return on time.

Even if you’re unsure of your route because you’ll be tracking down game that can roam over a large area, at least set boundaries for how far you’re willing to wander. That way, anyone who has to come and search for you has a good starting point.

3. Bring a Satellite Phone

Cell phone coverage is more widespread than ever, but unusual terrain or even cell tower outages can interrupt your service. Even if you’ll be hunting in an area that usually has cell service, invest in a satellite phone to make sure you’ll have near-universal coverage in case of an emergency.

If you’re on a day trip and are not going far from civilization, you could forgo the satellite phone in favor of a spare cell phone fully charged and brought along in a waterproof bag. This gives you a backup in case your primary cell phone runs out of battery or is damaged. 

4. Check the Weather

Winter and summer both present unique challenges for hunters. Summer or early fall hunting requires carefully planning water breaks and clothing changes to avoid heat exhaustion. Remember to carry a water purifier straw or another additional water source to prevent dehydration while cutting your pack’s weight.

Even if you’re familiar with hunting in winter, brush up on how to stay warm while hunting  so you can stay safe while on a solo trip. You’ll want to have a plan for every part of your body, but you’ll need to pay special attention to your toes and fingers. These are the first parts of your body to get frostbite, and having them warm and in working order is vital to getting back to civilization alive.

When you’re hunting alone, there’s no one there to provide an additional source of body heat or lend you a layer. Consider postponing your solo hunt if temperatures will be dropping below 0° F, as windchill can quickly cause frostbite with little warning. Also avoid overnight hunting and stick to daytime hours if you’re not completely confident in your ability to stay warm.

5. Know Local Predators

Although being mindful of predators is always an essential part of hunting survival skills , it’s especially critical during solo hunts. Hunting alone means no one else is around to watch your back.

Pack bear spray and take extra care to clean up all food waste after meals. Take extra care around water sources, which may attract mothers and their young. You may want to avoid solo hunting during mating season, as this time of year makes male animals more aggressive.

6. Pack Emergency Supplies

It can be tempting to pack fewer first aid supplies when hunting alone, especially if your pack seems quite heavy. However, having a trauma kit on hand can make the difference between life and death in an emergency.

Other survival supplies are just as necessary as a first aid kit. Even if you have a satellite phone, it can take rescuers some time to reach you if you cannot extract yourself from rough or heavily wooded terrain. Carry a survival blanket, extra water purifier, and a set of flares at an absolute minimum. 

It’s also wise to keep extra water and food in your vehicle in case it breaks down at the very end of your trip. Don’t let this be the only source of emergency supplies, as they’ll be useless if you’re injured and stranded far from your vehicle.

7. Avoid Risks

Any hazard you encounter while hunting is much more dangerous if you don’t have someone around to help save you. Crossing high rivers, walking across old logs, and navigating rockfall areas could cost you your life if no one is there to get help for you.

If you encounter an unexpected situation that jeopardizes your route, consider changing your course. Although, ideally, your route should match the plans you communicated to your friends or family before departing, a small deviation is unlikely to prevent rescue if you need it.

However, if a significant reroute is required, use your satellite phone to contact someone and let them know. That way, you can avoid the hazardous area without putting yourself at risk in a potential search-and-rescue situation.

Safe and Successful Hunting

Solo hunting lets you make the most of your time in nature and helps you to hone your stalking, shooting, and tracking skills. However, it also means you have to stay fully alert at all times to remain safe and ready to handle any situation. 

If you’re sure you’re ready for the challenge, take note of these tips and double-check all your gear before you depart. No matter where your adventure takes you, focus on having a safe and healthy trip. The success of your hunt won’t matter if you get seriously injured and can’t make it home with your prize.

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Beginner's Guide to Solo Backcountry Hunting

By Eric Voris

I was 25, already had a family and a career, and suddenly started to feel “the call of the wild.” Suburban life was too predictable or too tame, and I found myself desperately needing some wild spaces. I thought back fondly on my years as a Boy Scout, and remembered an unrealized dream from those days: a completely solo backpacking excursion. Long story short, I scraped together some used/budget gear, picked a trailhead and a destination, followed by heading back into the wilderness all by myself for a quick overnight of pure solitude. The views were gorgeous, the wildlife sightings were plentiful, and that part of me that longed for wild spaces was in heaven. And then it got dark. Suddenly in the blackness, the fact that my research had told me bears and mountain lions could be in the area wasn’t just an interesting fact, but a source of abject terror. And right as those thoughts started to swirl in my brain, I heard a stick snap in the brush behind me…

Obviously I’m still alive and I am now a passionate solo hunter. I’ve spent more days and nights out by myself than I can track at this point. So, here I want to lay out some tips that have helped along the lonesome, and sometimes intimidating, walk that can be solo hunting.

Why Solo Hunting?

It could be argued, and has been by at least a couple people in my family, that solo hunting is just foolish. Why would a person head out into the wilderness completely alone to chase an animal? Don’t you know how many things could go wrong? And why would you want to do all of the work of dressing and packing that animal out by yourself? I’ve had to answer all of those questions to the people who love me, but on some level the truest answers lie in deep places of the soul that are hard to explain. There is something about solitude in wild spaces that refuels some of us like nothing else. But, there are a couple pragmatic benefits as well.

If you start solo hunting, you only have one schedule to manage. There are simply more opportunities available to get out in the field when you aren’t trying to coordinate the vacation days and family duties of several people. Aside from that, there’s also the benefit of making a smaller impact in the hunting woods. Less noise, less scent, and less movement means you’re just that much less likely to spook your prey when there’s only one unfamiliar creature moving around on the animal’s home turf. 

If any of that resonates with you but the whole idea of heading into the backcountry all by yourself sounds intimidating, here are a few considerations to help you ease into it.

It only takes a few minutes of searching to realize that backcountry hunting can be incredibly expensive. Add to that the fact that you’re heading out solo, and there’s no longer anyone to split any of the costs with. You can’t have one guy buy a tent while you buy a water filter and a stove; it’s all on you to amass the gear you need to survive out there. What I will say is that no one needs the absolute top of the line hunting gear to start out. In fact, it doesn’t even need to be specifically designed for hunting at the start. When I first started solo backcountry hunting, I used an old Kelty backpacking pack I picked up on clearance because it was bright yellow. I had a heavy, but effective, Amazon tent and my sleeping pad was from Wal-Mart. Yes, I love the gear I’ve upgraded to now, but if I waited until I had the discretionary income to purchase nothing but the best backcountry gear, it would have been years before I got out on my own. So, hit up the used market for general backpacking or camping gear, and you can put a basic solo hunting kit together pretty inexpensively. Doing so will put you in the field sooner rather than later.

Yes, heading into the backcountry solo is inherently more dangerous. If you get injured, sick, or even lost, there’s no one around to help you. But, with a few simple precautions, you can minimize those risks and help put the minds of your loved ones back at home more at ease. We should always be cognizant of living to hunt another day.

This should be part of your kit whether you’re solo or with 24 other people, but you obviously need to carry a complete first aid kit, and know how to use it. Aside from basic bandages and antiseptic, I always make sure I have some butterfly strips to hold a really nasty cut together and an ace bandage, or some sort of wrap, for a serious joint injury or even making a splint. Also, there will be plenty of options to care for my feet as I’m counting on them to get me back to the truck.

The one other addition that I think is often overlooked is a tourniquet. We head into the field with arrows, bullets, and razor-sharp knives, so the risk of sustaining a severe cut or wound is very real. Having a way to stop the bleeding in such an emergency could very literally be the difference between life or death. So, pick one up, and make sure you’ve researched and practiced how to use it.

Communication

While cellular networks seem to be getting better every day, there’s also no excuse anymore for not having a guaranteed way to get in touch with someone if you need to. If you’re heading into an area with no cell coverage, it’s worth the investment to get some sort of satellite communication device. The Garmin inReach is the industry standard in this area, but there are several other viable options as well. As long as you can get a hold of someone in case of emergency, you’ll head into the backcountry with so much more confidence. Side-note: that little device can also be a total marriage-saver if you have a spouse who tends to assume the worst when he/she hasn’t heard from you in a while.

Dealing With Fear

Because of that potential, one of the first pieces of advice I give to any new solo hunter/backpacker is to head back far enough that you have to stay. My first solo trip I chose to hike seven miles into the backcountry, and despite my terror as night fell over the mountains and scary mystery noises were starting to surround me, toughing it out all night actually seemed less frightening than hiking out seven miles in the dark. In retrospect, seven is probably way more than what’s needed, but I’d recommend heading in somewhere around 3-5 miles. Once dawn starts to wash over the hills the next morning, you’ll realize that it wasn’t so bad, nothing crazy happened, and you’ll already be building more confidence for your next trip.

Processing an animal alone is a different experience than with someone else. You don’t realize how much the “hey, hold this leg for me” tactic really helps until there’s no one there to hold that leg. So, if you’re heading out solo, make sure you add some paracord to your kill kit. Not only will this help when it comes to hanging meat, but you can now make a nearby tree your hunting buddy who will hold that uncooperative leg by tying it off while you’re working on it. 

Especially if you’re hunting something big like an elk, realize that it’s going to take you a while to get all that meat back to the coolers. That means you’re going to have to take some extra care, and maybe a couple extra steps in the process, to safely and effectively care for all of that meat. For starters, make sure you’re using high quality game bags . If you’re leaving meat hanging for upwards of a couple days, you’re going to need to make sure it’s completely protected from bugs and bacteria. Those old school cheesecloth-style bags just aren’t up for the task.

On another note, I highly encourage you to bone-out those quarters before hauling them back to the truck. Animal bones are heavy, and they make up for a sizable percentage of the total weight of that animal. Unless you’re some uber-foodie who wants to utilize every ounce of marrow from those things, leave the bones for the scavengers and just take the meat. This is also something that needs to be prepared for ahead of time, but is a fairly straightforward process that a couple of YouTube videos can easily get you up to speed on. 

The Mental Game

One thing that often goes overlooked when a person first starts solo hunting is the mental side of it. Beyond the potential for fear back there, you may not realize how much your hunting buddies keep you going when things get tough. On those long glassing days where it seems like perhaps aliens have abducted every animal that used to inhabit the drainages you’re staring at, it’s now just you and your thoughts trying to keep you motivated and hopeful. The temptation to pack it up and head back home early is much greater when there’s no one else to weigh in on that decision. I’ve talked myself into that a number of times, and I always regret it. 

The two tricks I’ve come to rely on to combat this are pre-planning my hunts and keeping plenty of candy on hand. By pre-planning, I mean going beyond just having a couple backup spots in mind, but already deciding when I’ll move to plan B if I’m not seeing what I was hoping for in plan A. That keeps you from getting frustrated and heading home early because you’ve already decided how your hunt strategy is going to progress for that trip. The candy is simply the best way I’ve found to keep my morale up. When the day gets long/hot and the animals just aren’t cooperating, it’s amazing what a handful of Sour Patch Kids can do to change my mood and get me back in the game. 

A Lifetime of Adventure

When that stick snapped in the pitch black behind me that night, I whipped around and shone my flashlight in the direction of the noise. Nothing was there. I turned back to my fire, tried to calm myself down, and then I heard more rustling in the tall grass. I whipped around again...nothing. The mystery noise and I went back and forth at least half a dozen times, and my level of panic was rising to pretty intense levels. Finally, I had enough, and when I heard another stick crunch, I stood up, threw my leg over the log I was sitting on, and charged at the source of the mystery noise. With blinding speed, a tiny, harmless bunny leapt out of the grass in my direction. I screamed like a wounded baby goat, tripped over my log, almost fell into my fire, and the little bunny went hopping off into the night. I sat down to avoid passing out, stomped out my fire, climbed into my tent, and lay awake in my utter shame and humiliation for most of the night.  But, as the sun rose the next morning, the embarrassment of nearly wetting myself over a 10 oz. rabbit had subsided, and I was left with nothing but a sense of pride and accomplishment. I ate breakfast, packed up camp, and hiked the seven miles back to my truck. As I dumped my pack on the tailgate and surveyed the gnarly terrain I had just spent 36 hours in all alone, I knew that this was only the beginning of a lifelong adventure I would pursue.

While I have some great friends and family that I thoroughly enjoy hunting with, I also plan several trips a year where I am intentionally solo. The adventure, the quiet, and the sense of risk and accomplishment restores me like few things I’ve ever experienced. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to increase their level of adventure this year.

Eric Voris is a freelance writer and content creator in Arizona.  To see more of his work visit www.latetothegameoutdoors.com

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8 Affordable Hunting Trips for the Budget-Minded Hunter

Many people think that you need big-time money to go on a big game hunting trip. While money can certainly buy you some exciting hunting experiences, you don’t need to break the bank in order to have a great time hunting. Check out our list of affordable hunting trips so that you can find how to have a great time hunting on a budget!

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Hunt Elk in Idaho

Hunt whitetail deer in kansas, hunt antelope in wyoming, hunt turkey in nebraska, moose in alaska, south dakota mule deer, hogs in texas, black bear in idaho, make sure you’re fully equipped for your big hunt.

Idaho may not be the first state that many hunters think of when they think of elk habitats, but there are plenty of good bulls that call Idaho home. Plus, the state provides over-the-counter tags at a first-come, first-serve basis , meaning that anyone has the opportunity to score an elk tag.

In order to find land to hunt elk in Idaho, you want to search in grasses and agriculture fields. There’s a plethora of natural forests, state forests (which are public), and private lands that are a part of the Access Yes! Program . If you have a GPS and a general bearing of your surroundings, you should be able to track down a bull, stalk him and get your chance at a kill.

Why It Made the List

The main reason that Idaho elk hunting made the list is the fact that you can primitively camp in most national forests at no cost. This saves you a good amount of money on lodging, meaning you can save most of your money on the tag, license, and permit (around $600 total), food, fuel, and more.

Price: Less than $1,500

Many hunters have heard the lore of the giant whitetail deer that roam in Kansas — and the stories are true. The entire state is littered with trophy deer, and although the price of a tag is pretty expensive (near $450), the rest of the trip is incredibly affordable, which makes it a great option for anyone looking for one of the best hunting trips on a budget.

The state of Kansas is broken up into four different regions for deer hunting, and the tags are all available through a drawing process. Once you get your tag, there are plenty of options for how you hunt. Depending on your budget, you can cut costs by camping in a tent or an RV, or if you have a little bit of wiggle room, you can stay in hunting lodges or motels. Do your research and find a method that works best for you to get a cheap hunting trip put together!

Price: $500 – $1,000

Have you always wanted to try out hunting antelope in the United States? Wyoming provides you with plenty of opportunities to hunt down some speed goats without breaking the bank.

Wyoming is filled with state land and walk-in areas that you can hunt in. However, you’ll want to accumulate some preference points before you try for a tag since the tags can go pretty quickly. If you aren’t able to get a tag, there are leftover tags available, which will have less public land and less trophy potential, but still a good amount of antelope.

Wyoming is filled with different opportunities for you to hunt antelope at an affordable rate. You can find lodging at a campground for less than $25 per night, and if you prepare correctly (pack food ahead of time) and cut corners, you should be able to tag an antelope for a great price.

Price: $1,000 – $1,250

When it comes to getting a lot of game for your dollar, it’s hard to beat a turkey hunt in Nebraska. In the spring, you are allowed up to three birds per season, and a single turkey permit costs a little over $100. Plus, with modern-day technology and smartphones, you can purchase extra permits on your phone, meaning that you can hypothetically get all three turkeys in the same day for less than $350.

If you’re looking for a cheap bow hunt, you’re not going to find many hunts that are more budget-friendly than a Nebraska turkey hunt. Once you’ve got your permits and your bow, the rest of the expenses are minimal. Most turkey hunting can be done on public land, and the state of Nebraska is relatively cheap in terms of lodging. As long as you don’t have to travel too far to get there, it’s an incredibly affordable trip to take.

Price: Less than $500

Many people would assume that any moose hunt would cost well over $3,000 — and when you mention that it’s in Alaska, you would think that it would cost $5,000+. While a tag and license do cost close to $1,000, if you’re willing to put a little bit of work in and walk for a ways, you can swing an entire moose hunt for closer to $2,000, which is a pretty cheap big game hunt.

Obviously, one of the most expensive parts of this hunt will be getting to Alaska. But, once you make it there, you’ll have to put some work in. Lace-up your boots and be prepared to stalk some moose — especially if you are looking for a bigger one.

Price: Around $2,000

Not only is there an abundance of mule deer in South Dakota, but there’s also an abundance in public land, and with reliable populations and relatively light hunting pressure, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get a mule deer without breaking the bank.

A deer license in South Dakota costs just south of $300, but once that’s been paid, you can be generally flexible with the rest of your expenses depending on how comfortable you want to be in your hunt. If you’re hunting near the national forests, you can find lodging for around $60/night. Take some time to do some planning and figure out when and where you want to go for your hunt.

Price: $1,400 – $1,600

Texas is a state unlike any other, so it’s only right that they have a hunting experience that’s completely unique. Not only can you hunt feral hogs in Texas, but you can do so at any time of the year and without a bag limit. Just purchase Item 157 (their “non-resident 5-day special hunting license) for a little less than $50 and you can hunt throughout the week!

There are some public hunting lands that you can utilize, but for the price, your best bet is to work through an outfitter and get put in a position to succeed. With such a low overhead cost and the affordable price of a license, spend the extra money on a good outfitter and make it the most productive week possible!

Price: $500 – $1000

A bear hunt may seem to be the pinnacle of pricey, but it doesn’t have to be! If you’re looking to hunt black bears in the Rocky Mountains, you can do so for a reasonable rate in Idaho from late spring to early summer.

If you want to keep the hunt under $2,000, you’ll have to go without a guide. Thankfully, there are plenty of tags available over the counter in Idaho, and some places even allow you to take two bears. Take to the national forest land and prepare to do some spotting and stalking for a while, but if you are patient, you should get the opportunity to find a nice bear.

Price: $1,500 – $2,000

Does one of these inexpensive hunting trips have you packing your bags and looking at dates? If so, you’ll want to make sure that you’re fully equipped for your big hunt! Have you considered hunting with a suppressor for these hunts? Contact the team at Silencer Central today and browse our selection of silencers and suppressors!

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by Cara O'Brien October 04, 2021

Ultimate Solo Backcountry Hunting Gear Guide

There are all sorts of manners and modes of hunting, but for sheer adventure, challenge, and personal fulfillment it's hard to beat the solo backcountry hunt. This is the ultimate test of a self-sufficient hunter, plus one of the premier wilderness experiences of any kind.

That's true whether or not you end up bagging anything. Being out in big, remote terrain by yourself, attuning your senses completely to the landscape and the animals on it, far from traffic and jibber-jabber and the 27-7 news cycle—that's a profound reward, regardless of the tangible outcome of your hunt.

Pulling off solo backcountry hunts demands that much more preparation and conditioning, though. It's just you out there, after all—well, you and the elk, or the muleys, or the bears—and having everything you need for both everyday logistics and emergency preparedness is entirely on your shoulders (literally). The last thing you want to discover out there in the wilds is a forgotten piece of essential equipment, or that you've failed to pack enough of the right kind of food to fuel your considerable exertions.

All this points to the importance of ironing down a backcountry hunting gear list ahead of time and checking off items as you pull them together and pack them up. This backcountry gear list is always going to be personalized to some degree for your specific needs, and it will change over time until you've hit upon a reliable, go-to inventory and meal plan. Usually, this means ditching extraneous or poor-performing gear, honing things down to a responsible minimum of good quality stuff that meets your needs and has your back just in case something unexpected or complicated occurs, such as an injury, nasty weather, or getting hardcore turned around.

Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned backcountry hunter, what you pack can make or break your hunt. And when it comes to solo wilderness hunting, “breaking” a hunt can sometimes mean putting you in big-time trouble far from civilization. What follows is a guide to compiling your own backcountry packing list. It's less an actual, nitty-gritty checklist and more an explanation of the general categories of wilderness solo-hunt essentials so you've got a foundation to build on in the context of your own preferences and needs.

(And right at the start, we'll point you to some additional resources from the Mountain House blog: our beginner-friendly introduction to hunting , and our rundown of hunting-season safety .)

Ultimate Solo Backcountry Hunting List

Let's dive into a basic solo-hunter gear list, starting with a pretty darn fundamental part of the operation: the backpack.

Hunting Packs

You definitely don't want to skimp on your backpack—we reckon that goes without saying. A key difference between recreational backpacking and backcountry hunting is that backpackers are generally carrying out a lighter pack at the end of the trip, whereas backcountry hunters are at least planning on (fingers crossed) hauling out a heavier load than they started with.

While you can make a backcountry hunt work with a regular, general-purpose backpacking pack, that's going to require more trips lugging out smaller amounts of a kill. Investing in a hunting-specific, multi-day backpack, specially made with a heavy-duty pack frame and other design features to tote much heavier loads, is really the way to go if you're interested in solo backcountry hunting.

The size of your pack depends on the length of hunting trips you're planning on typically taking, but generally speaking, you'll want a backpack volume somewhere between 3,000 and 6,000 cubic inches. A backcountry hunter heading out for a week or more may need a bigger pack, though ultralight folks may be able to get by for that period with a smaller one.

Spend plenty of time making sure your backpack fits you properly and that it's comfortable and snug when worn with a load. A poorly fitting or uncomfortable backpack can absolutely ruin your solo wilderness hunt, and even end up injuring you.

Aside from a bit more camo and blaze-orange, clothing for a solo backpack hunt looks pretty much like the outfit for any shoulder-season wilderness trekker. You should pack for effective layering, with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers, and shell layers giving you the means of responding to different weather conditions. Remember, a typical solo backcountry hunt will test your thermoregulation: You'll be sweating your way up steep slopes or across relentless ravines, sure, but also sitting for long periods glassing slopes. There'll be chilly—maybe even frigid—evenings and mornings, and hot afternoon slogs over rough country.

Avoid cotton and go with merino wool and synthetics when it comes to your backcountry clothes. Here's a basic breakdown:

• Short-sleeve and long-sleeve base-layer top
• Long underwear bottoms
• Insulating tops & bottoms (hoody, fleece, etc.)
• Waterproof/breathable shell, rain gear
• Down jacket/parka
• Sun hat & wool/merino beanie
• Gloves/mittens
• Lightweight & heavyweight socks

Rugged and insulating boots are a must: Hunting is a cross-country activity, after all, and you need footwear that can handle all kinds of substrates. And don't forget the essential accessories: knee gaiters, sunglasses, bandanas, etc.

An advantage of solo hunting is you can pare down the bulk and weight of your shelter. A lightweight one-person tent is a great choice, but a tarp tent or tarp shelter—such as those erected with trekking poles—can be a fine alternative for shaving off even more weight and saving more space.

As with so much on this list, you need to factor in the season and the environment when selecting a shelter: A late-summer bowhunter likely won't need as robust and weather-proof sleeping quarters as a rifle hunter headed for the high country in October or November.

Pack a ground cloth, tarp, or model-specific tent footprint for the floor of your shelter.

Sleeping Gear

While it's generally best to pack a sleeping bag rated to at least 10 degrees colder than the temperatures you expect to be dealing with on your hunt, remember you can boost warmth inside the bag with a bag liner and/or by wearing insulating layers to bed. A sleeping pad—closed-cell foam, self-inflating, or another kind—provides essential insulation on those chilly fall or spring nights. More than a few backcountry hunters bring along an inflatable/collapsible pillow as a luxury, though others simply choose to use wadded-up outerwear or other clothing to rest their weary head on.

Cookware & Food

As a solo backcountry hunter, you don't need loads of cookware: Just a cookpot and a long-handled utensil (sporks are ideal!). Nest your fuel canister and stove within the pot for maximum space efficiency—if you're using a canister stove with butane or isobutane fuel, that is. Liquid fuel can be a better choice for longer hunting trips, and for those conducted in particularly cold weather or up at high elevations.

When it comes to food, think calorie-rich (to meet your energetic demands out there) and varied (to keep things from getting boring). Depending on the sort of hunting you're doing, you'll likely want to be intaking anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 calories per day—significantly more than you're normally putting back at home.

Bring lots of high-quality snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate, and the like) to keep you satiated and powered up throughout the day when often enough you're not going to want to crack out the stove. Given the season's shortening days and dropping temperatures, plus the realities of maximizing daylight and working up a mean hunger covering ground, quick-cooking/instant/just-add-water meals are best for breakfast and dinner.

Hydration's even more important than food out there on your backcountry hunt. Pack a water filter or purifier alongside your water bottle and/or bladder.

Hunting-Specific Gear

We don't have the room to go into all the essentials when it comes to your chosen hunting weapon, be it a bow or a rifle. But obviously, bring along any necessary associated gear for it: extra broadheads, stabilizers, sight tape, and Allen wrenches for bowhunting, for example.

This category also includes your bagged game kit, secured in a drybag or stuff sack, and including such essentials as knives, sharpener, game bags, and cordage for securing carcasses and hanging meat.

Optics are likely to be some of the heaviest (and priciest) components of your kit, but they're also among the most important. Being able to adequately glass for game and to assess the sex, age class, condition, and distance of potential quarry are fundamental, making a pair of binoculars or two, a spotting scope, and a rangefinder very much worth lugging along. Don't forget the lens-cleaning cloth...

Then there are scents and calls, such as that trusty bugle for wilderness elk hunting. And, of course, make sure to safely and securely stow your hunting license and tags.

Navigation Essentials

Bring that GPS, absolutely: Nothing beats the ability to set waypoints when out scouting or actively hunting. But make sure you've got a baseplate compass and the appropriate hard-copy topo maps for your hunting area, as well.

Miscellaneous Gear: Wilderness Basics & Safety Essentials

Here's a catchall run-down of some other wilderness essentials to have along, including safety must-haves for those times when things go south when backcountry hunting (not counting your map, compass, and other aforementioned items that also can save your neck in a pinch).

• Headlamp & extra batteries
• Satellite messenger (Garmin InReach, etc.)
• First-aid kit
• Duct tape and/or electrical tape
• Trash bag (handy as an emergency poncho and for securing meat in a pinch)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, & other toiletries

If you're hunting in bear country—and particularly if you're hunting in grizzly country—don't forget your bear spray, not to mention either a bearbag and rope to hang it with or a bear canister.

Hunter Apps

Maybe you want to go totally old-school, and that's great, but otherwise, you might well benefit from some of the many awesome apps out there targeted at outdoor users in general and hunters specifically. From mapping apps to resources for monitoring weather, these can be fantastic tools to reinforce your own woodcraft skills. Examples of solid hunting apps include GoHunt Insider, GoWild, and HuntStand.

Things to Consider

When hunting in the backcountry, there's often great value in setting up a base camp and foraying out from there, sometimes overnight via rough-and-ready “spike camps.” These allow you to move about more lightly on the landscape as you scout for game. If you're not hunting crazy-deep into the backcountry, you may be able to efficiently arrange a long hunt by stowing food and fuel in your rig, then returning to it midway through the hunt to restock.

Springing a bit extra for titanium cookware and other gear can significantly reduce your pack weight.

Speaking of pack weight, we've so far not mentioned the option of doing a solo backcountry hunt with stock. Horses, mules, llamas—even goats—can help haul in gear and haul out meat and racks, whether you manage the animals yourself or you hire outfitters to help you with transport (while still actually hunting by your lonesome).

Choose Mountain House to Power Your Solo Backcountry Hunts

Look no further than our delicious array of just-add-hot-water meals and ingredients here at Mountain House to build out your backpack-hunting larder ! We've been feeding wilderness hunters for more than half a century with our nutritious, super-packable, and super-convenient freeze-dried eats.

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Baxter Bowman

Independent gear reviews & bowhunting advice

Key decisions: Solo Elk Hunting? Guided or DIY? Backpacking or base camp?

Alright, you’ve decided which state you’re going to hunt and you have a unit picked out (or close to it).  Before you start picking your elk hunting spots, dates, or planning logistics there are a few key questions you need to answer: Will you go solo or with a friend?  Do you want a DIY or guided trip? Should you backpack or use a base camp?

The answers to those questions will also influence how you train, what gear you should buy, and your hunting tactics, so they’re important to answer now.  I’ll lay out all the options and let you make the best choice for your situation.

Solo elk hunting vs going with a partner

I get this question a lot because it’s hard to find an elk hunting partner.  Let me get one thing out of the way: if you can’t find an elk partner, you should still go!   There are pros and cons to each approach but the only bad option is not going.  I’ve killed elk solo and with a partner, so I know from first hand experience that both are good options.  Here are the key things to consider:

Most people say safety is their primary concern with solo hunting but it’s not as big of a problem as it’s made out to be.  A well prepared solo hunter could actually be safer than multiple hunters that aren’t as ready.  Why? Response time is everything in an emergency. The sooner you get to care, the safer you are. Most partners won’t be able to physically carry you, so unless they’re well equipped it’s going to take a long time for them to go get help.

The game changer for solo hunting is the PLB (personal locator beacon).  PLB tech comes from EPIRB’s, which are satellite beacons that originally designed to locate sinking boats.  They were recently approved for on land use and alert rescuers to your location within several minutes (and will stay active for a day or two).  You have to register with the NOAA, and there are big penalties for using one if you don’t need it, but you know it will be reliable. 

I personally use the ACR ResQLink , which is one heck of a lot faster than a buddy hiking out to get help. Satellite communicators like the InReach Mini are really popular these days but remember that they’re not as reliable since you’ll have to take the time (and have the mental ability) to communicate your problem.  Also, if you ran down the battery using the texting/gps function or forgot to turn it off, you’re out of luck.

Regardless if you hunt with a buddy or go solo you should always leave your plans with others, pack an emergency shelter, take multiple navigation aids (and know how to use them!), and stay within your limits. Safety is more about your level of preparation than if you have a companion. A companion will always be safer but I personally don’t think solo hunting is very risky if you take the time to prepare.

Splitting the load

Three things are easier to split with a partner: the costs of the trip, the gear in your pack, and the effort to pack out an elk.  Trip costs really boil down to splitting gas and any lodging, so the difference will be a few hundred dollars if you’re going solo.  However, you can do things like sleep in the car that you might not be able to do with a buddy. 

If you decide to backpack you can split the weight of a tent, stove, water purifier, and kill kit with your partner. The difference will only be about 3-5 pounds, so it’s not going to hold you back that much.

Packing elk is the biggest hurdle of solo hunting.  Four trips instead of two adds up quickly if you’re a few miles in the backcountry when you get an elk down (3 miles away = 24 total miles of hiking!).  It’s best to line up a horse packer ahead of time if you’re solo. You don’t have to pay until you make the call, so it’s a no-brainer to have a packer ready just in case (trust me, you won’t mind the $400-600 cost if it’s needed).

Finally, it’s also easier to call in elk with a partner and you can split camp chores to get them done faster… but it is also harder to disguise two people sneaking through the woods.

Control vs conflict

Control is the most underrated factor in the solo vs partner decision.  Hunting solo gives you the freedom to do what you want to do on your schedule. That’s a huge draw for many guys and definitely does make an elk hunt more fun. That said, it is nice to have someone to balance you out sometimes.

All the married guys out there will get this instantly: it can be really hard (if not impossible) to find a partner that mirrors your hunting style, fitness, attitude, and motivation.  Balancing out your strengths and weaknesses is great but you really don’t want to figure compatibility during your elk hunting week. If you don’t know your partner very well make sure to conduct a small stress test (like a short weekend trip) before you commit to a long time alone in the backcountry.

Mental challenge

Solo hunting, especially backpacking, can be very mentally challenging.  You’re working harder, sleeping alone in the backcountry, and you don’t have someone to talk to.  Some guys crave that mental challenge and it does make success even sweeter when it does work out.  This one is about knowing yourself: if you’ll have a better trip with the support of a friend then the decision is already made for you.

Final suggestions for solo hunters

I referenced some of the challenges for solo hunters above so I’ll leave some suggestions here before we move in.  First, always follow the safety protocols I discussed above (and I definitely suggest buying that PLB and/or communicator). Small details like a kindle (for reading) and earplugs at night go a long way to helping mental stability.  Carry a sidearm or bear spray if it helps you feel comfortable out in the dark and get a great headlamp. Pay extra attention to your gear since you’ll have to carry it all yourself. Make sure to pick a max distance from the truck to hunt and/or line up a packer to help you get an elk out.  Above all, just go for it! The worst that happens is you learn that you’ll need a partner next year and you’ll gather valuable hunting experience.

DIY elk hunting vs using a guide

The hype around DIY, OTC, public land elk hunting is hard to avoid.  It’s plastered everywhere these days, even on the accounts of guys that film private land hunts.  Let’s get this straight: going with a guide can be a great option and there are good reasons to do so.  The decision is actually not black and white, it’s more of a spectrum of options with some pros/cons:

• You plan and pack everything
• You have to supply all the knowledge and equipment
• You do all the hunting, a packer helps you get the elk out
• $400-$600 per elk
• Great for solo hunting, if you’re unsure of your fitness level, or if you want to go pretty deep
• A packer carries you and your camp into the backcountry, drops you off, and picks you (and hopefully an elk!) up when you want
• $1000-3000 per person, per week
• If you’re older, want a more comfortable experience, or have partners that don’t quite match your level of motivation, this is a great option
• An outfitter or guide packs you into a location, takes care of chores like setting up and cooking, and might even point you in the right direction
• $2000-$5000 per person, per week
• Like a drop camp but with full service
• A guide (and generally a fully outfitted camp)
• $4000-$8000 per person, per week, depending on where you go
• You learn from someone one on one and will likely have a higher success rate than if you went alone (depending on the quality of your guide)

I primarily write for DIY hunters but I have a few strong opinions here: first, if it’s the difference between you going and not going, take whatever option gets you out there.  Second, even if you’re guided, extra knowledge and good gear will always make you a more successful elk hunter, so study up. Finally, things in life that come harder are always sweeter (and usually lead to a deeper appreciation or passion over time).  You can’t cheat that system. Hunting isn’t just about acquiring something, it’s about enjoying the pursuit of whatever you set out to achieve. If you know you want to go DIY in the future it’s best to get started now. A guide won’t necessarily teach you as much as your own successes and failures.

As a side note, there is another option: you can use pack horses, llamas, or goats to get yourself deep into the backcountry.  I’m assuming that if you have the knowledge to do that you likely won’t be reading this. Those are serious undertakings and I don’t recommend them for anyone that is relatively new.

Backpacking vs Car Camping for elk

Finally, the big question: should you backpack or hunt from a “base camp” like a car, cabin, RV, or drop camp?  There are a lot of misconceptions here that need to be cleared up.

Backpacking

First, the primary benefit of backpacking isn’t getting into pristine, untouched areas of the wilderness.  Hate to break it to you but there is plenty of pressure, even in the “backcountry”. Guides or packers generally drop clients 5-15 miles in, so even if you go in that far you’ll bump into plenty of their clients.  No, the real benefit of backpacking is that you spend far more time hunting since you can camp where the elk are instead of hiking there every morning.  It takes more effort to carry camp on your back (and you might not sleep as well) but you can sleep in much later. The major downside to backpacking is the cost and effort required to buy and organize your equipment. Remember, anything that is difficult is a barrier that will separate you from more hunters (and you can reuse that backpacking gear in the summer).

Base camping

Hunting from a base camp means you’ll get better sleep and carry a lighter load, but it also means you’ll be waking up far before dark to get moving each morning.  There’s a common misconception that it’s easier to hunt from the road when you actually need to hike twice the distance! Don’t believe me? There are very thorough studies that show elk are far more common 1-2 miles from the closest road.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen plenty of elk close to roads but you can’t count on it.  The primary benefit of a mobile base camp is that you can move if the elk aren’t around. Instead of spending a full day hiking in/out of a new spot, you can relocate quickly (and you don’t need all that expensive backpacking equipment).

Why not both?

But wait, if the best option depends where the elk are located, how do I choose an option before I go?  You can’t. That’s why I’m a big proponent of doing both. I leave a mattress in my truck and hike into a new area with all the backpacking gear I need for 3-4 days.  If I find elk near the car, great, I’ll hunt from base camp. If not, I’ll keep on backpacking. If I can’t find elk in a day or two, I’ll hike the short distance out and relocate the car.  That combination of the two approaches helps you avoid pressure and spend more time hunting elk which is what really matters.

A note on stationary base camps:  I generally don’t recommend cabins or lodges since you can’t relocate them (and elk get familiar with where they are).  The exception is cabins that let you access an area most people can’t, which balances the odds. Finally, drop camps are generally far enough away from anyone that the rules of pressure don’t apply.  But do remember that you can still backpack from a drop camp!

As always, the answers to the questions above depend on your individual situation. The answers are important because they dictate how you should choose spots to hunt. Backpacking with a buddy? You can go in a bit further and go higher than others. Solo elk hunting from the car? Make sure to pick lots of spots within 1-3 miles of the road so you can relocate quickly. Guided? They’ll take care of it for you. Next week I’ll cover eScouting in detail, so stay tuned to learn how to pick the best spots to hunt elk.

4 Replies to “Key decisions: Solo Elk Hunting? Guided or DIY? Backpacking or base camp?”

Great blog, great post.

I try to set up 2 camps when appropriate, base and spike camp. Base camp till I find a good spot after scouting to set up a spike camp. I’ve mostly hunted alone but partnered up a couple times. This last time it wasn’t good at all. Unfortunately we took his truck so we could take a ATV but he decides after just 5 days of hunting he wants to come home? What do ya do when it’s his vehicle? This year I’m taking my own vehicle but may partner up but am definitely Elk hunting either way. I do carry an Inreach, a Garmin GPS with onX map and a compass and of course a cell phone. Putting in for Montana draw. Trying to get partner who thinks purchasing a preference point is a waste of money to buy one too as we are thinking to purchase as a group. I’m retired and going during archery season but if unsuccessful will possibly do Rifle as well especially if I draw Montana and the Corona virus don’t get me.

I suspect I think like you in that I view a western Elk hunt (I live in NC) as not just a hunt but a real adventure!

Thanks Terry! 100% agree on it being about the adventure… just thinking about fall gets me going year round. Hopefully that comes across in the article, my goal is to get people out there. If they like adventure, they’ll love it no matter what happens.

Yeah that preference point would be important if you don’t want him to drag your average down. Love that multiple season tag in Montana. Another thought: Idaho has some OTC units that allow you to hunt archery and come back for rifle, but only for cows + spikes. Also, you can buy two tags there… one rifle and one archery if you really want. Would be about $1000 for both, but that’s not that far from the $890 Montana tag for a single elk. Just a thought if Montana doesn’t work out.

Seeing as I was born in NC I think we’re gonna be friends haha.

I did hunt Idaho once back in 2017 I think it was. Hunted unit 10 archery. (LoLo. ) Lots of smoke in the area from wildfires. Lots of Wolf sign. Saw a black bear and whitetails but no Elk. Did hear one bugle. Not much fresh elk sign though. Locals told me it once was a top unit for Elk before the Wolves. Spent better than 15 days there. A person never has too many friends.

Ah bummer, haven’t heard great things about lolo lately. I think all the elk migrated into the southern units…

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5 Awesome North American Combo Hunts

Posted  2022-03-31T08:18:00Z

Realtree Nation

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Get more bang for your buck by adding a second species to your next hunting adventure, DIY options included

North American hunters are fortunate. We get access to many different game species within our 50 states and 10 provinces. From gobbling turkeys to snarling grizzly bears, tons of potential hunting adventures exist. If you're willing and able to travel and have a hunting budget, there's enough opportunity right here in the homeland to keep you busy for a lifetime. Some of the best trips provide opportunity for multiple species, too.

Combo hunts are ideal when you have a burning desire to hunt a few different game species, but can't afford or fit in multiple hunting trips in one season. Further, your odds of success increase if the two species basically share the same habitat; you'll likely encounter one species if you don't encounter the other. These adventure-rich combos are trips most hunters can pull off with a modest budget, and without years of tedious planning.

5. Southern Hogs and Gobblers

The only place in the world where turkey hunters can chase the coveted Osceola subspecies, necessary to complete a Grand Slam, is in peninsular Florida. Due to demand, public lands are very busy during the March and April hunting season. Some wildlife management areas (WMAs) have a quota system that mitigates hunting pressure through a draw. There are also Special Opportunity Hunts in which you can increase your odds of drawing quality hunts by buying as many chances as you're willing to pay for.

Of course, going guided is wise if you have only three days to hunt and want to make sure you come home with your Osceola. Hunts usually range from $1,500 to $3,000, but some outfitters offer a guaranteed shot opportunity. If you only need an Osceola to complete your Grand Slam, this angle is your best bet.

Florida is also feral-hog central. One 19,000-acre orange grove I guided turkey hunters on extinguished 1,000 or so hogs via helicopter hunting, and there were still pigs galore. While feral hogs can be hunted nearly all year on Florida's WMAs, it is illegal to hunt them on WMAs during the spring turkey season. So, you could knock on some ranch doors to ask for permission, or you'll have to inquire with an outfitter about adding some pork possibilities to your trip.

Texas is another great destination for a springtime combo hunt for turkeys and pigs. Though it's difficult to pull off a DIY hunt here, since the state is mostly privately owned, many ranchers offer guided or semi-guided turkey hunts at a surprisingly reasonable rate. Texas is a great place to bag a true Rio Grande gobbler for your slam, too. Depending on where you're hunting, you might also be able to tack on feral hogs and even a javelina, without spending a whole lot of extra coin.

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4. Wyoming Mule Deer and Antelope

Wyoming intensively manages various big game species by areas and regions. Most big game licenses are issued through a drawing, but there are often leftover licenses available if you miss the application deadline or simply don't draw. Despite the hassle, Wyoming is a hunter's paradise if you can draw a permit. And there are many instances where deer and antelope seasons overlap, both during archery and firearm seasons.

I'm getting an itchy trigger finger just thinking about it. Mule deer and antelope hunting go together like bread and butter, with both species being iconic of the West. You might find elk in Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Tennessee, but you won't find antelope or mule deer anywhere east of the Dakotas, Nebraska, or Kansas. Both roam mostly the same habitat, so it's always possible to see one species while chasing the other.

Logistically, this hunt is straightforward, with basic motel lodging or tent camping. You can hunt on public lands and encounter lots of game in most areas/regions. As long as you have a mapping app like onX Hunt, are willing to hike a lot, and have good quality binoculars and maybe a spotting scope, you should have the time of your life.

3. Alaska Caribou and Salmon Fishing

Nonresidents can hunt The Last Frontier for caribou without a guide. With some planning, you can pull off a DIY caribou hunt along the Dalton Highway. There's an archery-only corridor along the highway; rifle hunters must hike 5 miles deep to reach areas where they can legally pursue the 'bou. Although you can reach caribou hunting areas by vehicle, don't be fooled; this hunt isn't easy.

You'll need to spend time researching logistics like airfare from your home state to Alaska, so get started. You'll need to rent a vehicle. You'll need to have camping and cooking gear arranged. You'll need to have a plan for keeping meat cool and getting it home without spoilage. Your phone likely won't have coverage, so in the event of an emergency, you'll be thrilled you brought a satellite phone. These and many more logistics make this hunt challenging to plan, but folks pull it off every year.

Another way to hunt caribou in Alaska is to hire a bush pilot to expedite you into caribou country. But, once your pilot leaves, you're alone for your hunt's duration, unless you hire an outfitter, which costs around $5,000 and up — not including tags and travel — in most cases.

It's also a pretty physical hunt. A caribou's normal pace is similar to a human's fast jog, so catching up to animals can be taxing. Expect to log many on-foot miles daily. But if you can find animals, you should be able to orchestrate a shot opportunity, especially if hunting with a rifle. Bowhunters, of course, should spend time prior to the hunt increasing their effective range with challenging drills, as most shots will be 40 yards and beyond.

Early caribou hunts pair well with salmon fishing, but you might want to reserve time for that before the caribou hunt or after. I've fished the Russian River and the Kenai River. I caught a few different salmon subspecies, such as the delicious coho and the run-of-the-mill pink (humpback), while also watching giant king salmon rise above water 100 yards from shore. Salmon definitely make a worthwhile add-on to a caribou hunt.

While camping, hunting, and fishing, don't ignore that an encounter with Alaska's apex predator, the grizzly bear, is a real possibility. Go prepared, packing a sidearm with some snort and / or a canister of bear mace.

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2. Colorado Elk and Black Bear

Colorado is a go-to state for elk hunters, especially those who didn't draw a hard-to-pull permit and want to hunt on an over-the-counter tag. The state maximizes elk hunting opportunities by making OTC tags valid in nearly 100 GMUs (game management units). Success rates in OTC units are very low, but if you want the flexibility to show up and buy a tag, Colorado is your state.

The best way to encounter elk is to learn the layout of the unit(s) you intend to hunt. Seek north-facing slopes with dark timber and a water source, and you'll usually find elk there, particularly if you're far from roads and trailheads. Many units enforce a 4-point-on-one-side restriction, but if the bull has a brow tine of 5 inches or longer, that supersedes the 4-point rule.

Elk in OTC units are rarely the screaming buglers you see on outdoor TV. You might encounter one bull that's incredibly vocal during a weeklong hunt, but don't expect to see or hear elk daily. You might go days without any notable action.

Colorado has many units in which you can buy an add-on bear license if you possess an archery or muzzleloader elk tag in an eligible unit. Nonresidents pay just $103.60 for the bear tag. Elk and black bears inhabit the same habitat, so it's entirely possible to encounter a black bear while elk hunting in Colorado. I've hunted a few different Colorado units, and I've seen bears and bear sign on each hunt. If you don't mind packing out a bear, the add-on tag can inexpensively soup up your Colorado elk hunt.

1. Texas Twofold: Whitetails and Feral Hogs

Back to the Lone Star State. The whitetail rut is just getting started in Central and South Texas when it's over in the northern states and provinces. That means that if you have a lease in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, or Minnesota, Texas won't cut into your rut hunting at home. DIY hunting is tough to do — not impossible, though — in Texas, as the state has minimal public land, and most private lands worth hunting on are leased.

A good way to go if you're flexible on antler size is an outfitted management hunt, in which mature bucks with inferior antlers are the target at a far better value than a trophy hunt. These hunts generally will treat you to ample deer sightings daily. If you have a thing against baiting or feeding, Texas probably isn't for you, as most operations hunt blinds/stands over feeders or corn-laced senderos. However, some outfitters offer active hunts where you call, moving and rattling until you drum up a buck.

The same pigs that roam Texas in the spring are there in the fall—and in fact, the survivors you didn't shoot during turkey season have probably multiplied. Many outfitters offer hog hunting in conjunction with a deer hunt at no additional or a minimal fee. Acres and acres of agriculture are daily uprooted by these marauders, and most ranchers hate them. You might be able to acquire permission to hunt hogs, but whitetails are pretty much lock and key. Regardless, whatever you're hunting in Texas, find a way to chase some pork, too. They're target-rich, challenging to hunt, and delicious to eat.

( Don't Miss: 41 Pieces of Sweet Bowhunting Gear for 2022 )

Make It a Combo

These and many other combo hunts exist within North America. If you have a list of animals you'd love to pursue, look for opportunities to knock out two in one trip. Like making your burger a combo with fries and a soft drink, making your hunt a combo by adding a second species can provide double the action without doubling the cost. Who wouldn't want that?

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ARIZONA | NEW MEXICO | UTAH | NEVADA | WYOMING | SONORA, MX

Guided elk hunts, arizona, new mexico, utah, nevada, wyoming.

Guided Elk Hunts

We are blessed and humbled to have successfully guided more elk hunters out West than any other outfitter. In fact, We are the only outfitter with two bulls represented in the Top Ten all-time record book! Our top bull in company history is “Turkey Foot” (2023) at just over 458 inches (gross) and “Waldo” (2021) at just over 440 inches (gross)!

Our Team offers full service guided and outfitted elk hunts in five states. We only hunt areas that provide superior age and genetic potential, generally targeting 330”+ bulls throughout the west. Bulls from 340”-380” plus are available during high moisture years in our premier units as seen in our photo album , on our social media , and our TV show . With both draw and private land opportunities available in five of the nation’s best elk states, there’s always a place for you with us in elk country!

Depending on the season and state, elk hunts can be booked as 5, 7, 10, or 14 day trips. Click one of the options below to learn about our guided elk hunts in each of the five states we serve, then contact us to plan your trip! Let’s start making memories today!

If you want to hunt for trophy bull elk with us–in any state, we strongly recommend joining Zero Outfitter Fees .

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Experience the best guided waterfowl hunts in america., welcome to ramsey russell’s us hunt list ™.

There’s no place like home. GetDucks.com has built a long-standing reputation for delivering excellent wingshooting worldwide, but the United States remains blessed with many unique hunting destinations for numerous wildfowl species. Here you will find only the best waterfowl guides in America and it costs you nothing.  As a convenience to countless hunters that rely on GetDucks.com’s trusted referral, we developed the US Hunt List™ to provide excellent waterfowl hunts that you book directly with our exclusive outfitter affiliates. Book with confidence, we’ve done our homework. Get your barrel hot experiencing everything from timber mallards to spring snow geese, sandhill cranes to sea ducks and much more.

Whether simply making memories or collecting bucket list experiences, the US Hunt List™ puts you in touch with the right people. From affordable to upscale packages, the US Hunt List™ makes it easy to find and book your next US hunting trip directly with a reputable outfitter. Our growing list of affiliated US outfitters will make your hunt one to remember. Look no further than our US Hunt List™ for package details, then look to the skies. It’s duck season somewhere. The next great hunt is closer than you think.

Alberta Canada Duck and Goose Hunt

Ranchland Outfitters best-of-best Alberta Canada Duck and goose hunting packages feature excellent waterfowl hunts, world-class food, unrivaled hospitality.

• Inclusive Ranchland Outfitters package includes lodging and meals, professional guide services, scouting, ammo, hunting transfers, and bird processing.
• Choose either 3- or 6-day packages
• September through early November, and even into mid-December!
• Specializes in exclusive groups of 6-8, but smaller groups welcomed, too
• Millions acres stretching from boreal forest to US border
• Mallards, pintails, Canada geese, cackler geese, snow geese, white-fronted geese.

Arkansas Duck Hunting

Arkansas duck hunting camp experience on one of the state's most coveted properties. Location, location, location - smack in the middle of a 6,000- acre federal sanctuary, the area literally swarms with ducks daily.

• Exclusive property surrounded by federal sanctuary holds many ducks for the entire Arkansas duck hunting season.
• Predominately mallards, pintail, gadwalls, green-wings and more
• Spacious, covered blind holds up 8-10 guns is very easily accessed with short, dry walk.  Leave the waders at home!
• Large, deluxe 4-suite lodging
• Excellent home-cooked meals provided
• Located 30 minutes from Bastrop, 1 hour from Monroe, LA
• Corporate group rates

Arkansas Spring Snow Goose Hunting

Arkansas spring snow goose hunting provides an early jump on light goose conservation order hunting, and Dirty Bird Outfitters are affordable white devil specialists.

• Located 1.5 hours from Memphis and 40 minutes from Stuttgart, prime spring snow goose country
• February 1-28 season dates
• Professional guide services, daily scouting, private grain field leases
• Hunt over 1500+ premium full-body, wind socks, rotaries and flyers, 4 e-callers
• 6-10 hunters (6 get exclusive use of field with no other hunters)
• Special Discount 5-Day Package February 1-5
• Youth Discount only $175 daily

Delaware Duck Hunting

Delaware Sea Duck and Brant Hunting

Delaware sea duck and brant hunting package presents the perfect opportunity to collect scoters, Atlantic Brant, long-tailed ducks, and American black ducks. Low hunting pressure, dedicated guide and mobility ensure high-success hunts.

• Sea duck hunting from boat or layout
• Full-day hunting combo options
• Low-pressured hunting areas
• Plan B options during seaduck hunt weather-outs
• Hotel lodging, restaurant meals not included
• Nearby non-hunting activities

Kansas Duck and Goose Hunting

Big Kansas Outdoors delivers high-energy, action packed Kansas duck and goose hunting in Central Kansas. It's the kind of waterfowl hunting for which Kansas has become famous.

• Dry-field and wetland hunts for ducks and geese
• Waterfowl-only and waterfowl-upland combos
• Value-priced packages include lodging and meals
• Full-time scouts find the active feeds, full-time guides make it happen
• Within a day’s drive for most of the US
• As featured on The Grind and Heartland Waterfowl

• Kansas Duck Hunting

Kansas Duck Hunting at Carter's Big Island Hunt Club is about mallards and more mallards. This is Kansas mallard hunting over water at its finest.

• Mallards, mallards, mallards
• All-day duck hunts or until limits
• Lodging and meals not included
• Private, family-owned properties
• Flooded green-timber reservoir
• Flooded grain-crops (corn, milo, millet)
• Pitblinds, sled blinds

Louisiana Duck Hunting – Coastal Marsh at Venice

Never more than 3 steps away from the duck blind - Inclusive package for individuals, families, and corporate groups that want to cast or blast (or cast and blast) while living it up like cajun kings.

• Coastal Louisiana duck hunting, inshore or offshore fishing, perfect Cast & Blast
• Premium lodging and excellent chef-prepared meals featuring regional specialties
• Spacious lodge sleeps up to 18
• Accepts booking 1-18+ (no mixed groups)
• Excellent early blue-winged teal hunting (September), regular duck season November-January)
• Plus inshore and offshore fishing

• Manitoba Canada Duck and Goose Hunting

Birdtail Waterfowl has perfected the Manitoba Canada waterfowl hunting experience for ducks and geese. Highly organized, everything runs like clockwork.

• Best total-package waterfowl hunt in Manitoba Canada. Period.
• Extremely large and productive hunting area, diverse habitats
• Mallards, pintails, Canada geese, cackling geese, snow geese, white-fronted geese, sandhill cranes–and unbelievably great diver hunts for those that choose
• Chef-prepared meals, private cottages, excellent attention to details
• Youth hunter discounts, non-hunting spouses welcomed
• September through early-November

Mississippi Duck Hunting – Tallahatchie Hunts

Mississippi duck hunting at its very best in fabled Tallahatchie County

Superior combination of friendly, experienced guides, comfortable private lodging, and excellent Mississippi duck hunting on some of the most coveted duck hunting properties in Mississippi.

• Guided Mississippi duck hunting
• High-success rates, easy hunt access
• With or without lodging
• Huge southern breakfasts provided daily
• Afternoon hunting options deer, rabbits, quail
• Convenient to Memphis airport and  non-hunting attractions

Missouri Duck Hunting

Missouri is usually where many mallards hang out until until hard water and snow cover finally drives drive them further south.

• Greenheads, gadwalls, green-wings, pintails and specklebellies
• Rice, beans, flooded timber. Properties most rested week-days
• 3-day packages include lodging, home-cooked meals, guided hunts
• Comfortable blinds
• For 4-8 guests. Solo hunters welcomed (share bind)
• November through early January

Nebraska Duck Hunt

World-class Nebraska duck hunting targeting mallards and Canada geese in the fabled North Platte River Valley. Long-time professional outfitter has a proven track-record for success in Nebraska and Wyoming.

• High-quality duck hunting experiences for mallards and migrator Canada geese along legendary North Platte River
• Impressive 95% repeat-client bookings for past decade, completely sold out last 10 years
• Duck hunting eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska
• Professionally guided duck hunts, experienced guides, heated blinds, premier private properties
• Choose hotel and private lodging-style accommodations. Local meals available nearby
• Private air services within minutes, commercial air services in Denver (3 hours)

New England Sea Duck Hunting

World renown for its eider hunting, New England waterfowling offers an incredible change of scenery and is an excellent place to check off lots of North America waterfowl species. RPM Outdoors specializes in making your hunt priorities a reality.

• 17+ years experience for eiders, other sea ducks, divers, dabblers, mergansers, geese
• Best place in US to harvest prime American black ducks
• Customized hunt plans reflect hunter priorities, not a “one size fits all” type 1/2-day hunt
• Includes hotel accommodations, full-day hunting, continental breakfasts, made-to-order lunches
• Recognized as foremost among US waterfowl collectors and taxidermists
• Nearby non-hunting spouse activities abound

North Dakota Pheasant Hunting Combo

Guided North Dakota Pheasant Hunting package offers options for pheasant hunting only, or a true pheasant hunting plus waterfowl hunting combo. Ringneck Resort represents a long-standing reputable outfitter program and highly experienced guide-staff..

• North Dakota pheasant hunting combo to include waterfowl hunting
• Pheasant hunting-only packages available (wild, preserve or both)
• Inclusive packages includes signature meals, well-stocked bar
• Spacious, well-appointed lodge sleeps 48 guests. Ensuite rooms.
• Solo hunters welcome. No party-size too big or too small
• Bring your own dogs or hunt over Ringneck Resort’s excellent dog power

North Dakota Waterfowl Hunt

Dirty Bird Outfitters delivers the best guided North Dakota waterfowl hunting experiences. North Dakota duck hunts, North Dakota goose hunts and North Dakota swan hunts are their specialties.

• Guided North Dakota duck hunting combo packages
• High-success North Dakota Swan Hunts (must draw tag)
• Early- and late-season North Dakota Canada Goose Hunting
• Packages include meals and lodging
• NEW Home-away-from-home lodge (constructed 2021)
• Small, highly experienced and professional staff
• Mallards, wigeons, pintails, cackler geese, Canada geese, white-fronted geese, light geese, tundra swans
• Waterfowl hunting opportunities August through mid-December

Oklahoma Duck Hunt

Oklahoma duck hunting a little over an hour drive from Dallas - as good as it gets. We've promoted this hunt for a very long time, always happy client feedback.

Excellently guided Oklahoma duck hunts are located a little over an hour north from Dallas.  Perfect opportunity for a morning hunt before work or an easy weekend hunt with friends, family or business associates.

• Located 1 to 1.5 hours from downtown Dallas
• Expertly-guided Oklahoma duck hunts, afternoon hog hunting available
• Oklahoma and Texas depending on bird activity
• Mostly dry blinds, waders not always needed
• Cabin accommodations for up to 8 can be provided
• Meals not included

Ontario Canada Duck and Goose Hunt

Canada geese and mallard persist for entire season where massive grain agricultural landscape sandwiches between St, Lawrence and Ottawa rivers.

Sick about drastic honker and mallard bag limit reductions in Atlantic Flyway? An affordable cure awaits just a short drive away in Ontario!

• Small, highly experienced staff caters exclusively to client groups of 4-8 hunters
• Plentiful Canada geese, mallards, divers and generous Canadian limits.
• Value-oriented package includes chef-prepared meals, excellent lodging, licenses, bird processing
• Short drives to hunt areas (only about 15 minutes away)
• All hunts conducted from A-frame blinds for your shooting convenience

Saskatchewan Canada Goose and Duck Hunting

Northern Skies Outfitters - energetic staff is detailed oriented, proven experience delivering the classic prairie Canada waterfowl hunting adventures.

Classic, action-packed Saskatchewan Canada field hunting for geese and ducks in the Land of Living Skies!

• ALL-INCLUSIVE Choose from 3- to  6-days (or more)
• Excellent decoys and gear, professional guides and spotters
• Famous “Tiki Hut” Blind super comfortable
• Perfectly quaint lodge accommodations, home-cooked meals
• Canadas, cacklers, light geese, specks, mallards, pintails
• Solo hunters accepted; 11-hunters minimum exclusive group
• Thousands square-miles of hunting area well off beaten path

Saskatchewan Canada Waterfowl Hunts

Prairie Limits Outfitters delivers superior Saskatchewan Canada waterfowl hunts in "The land of Living Skies."

Delivering consistently great Saskatchewan Canada waterfowl hunts is what Prairie Limits Outfitters does. Young energetic staff of go-getters are highly experienced.

• Mostly dry-field hunts for Canadas, cacklers, white-fronts, snows, mallards and pintails, sandhill cranes
• Choose between 3- or 5-day waterfowl hunting packages
• INCLUSIVE packages, choose either Fully Guided or Premier hunting experiences
• New lodge conveniently located to community amenities
• Fly into either Saskatoon SK or Edmonton AB

Texas Duck Hunting – Gulf Coast Redheads and More

Run-N-Gun Adventures accesses the greatest percentage of the entire world’s population of overwintering redheads on nearby Laguna Madre and surrounding areas for the Texas duck hunting experience of a lifetime. But LOTS more, too.

• Trophy Redheads on Matagorda Bay
• Pintail, teal, mottled ducks, black-bellied whistlers, white-fronts, snows and more
• 50,000+ acres exclusive, intensively managed properties
• Cast & Blast packages and afternoon hunts available
• NEW 11,000 sqft luxurious lodge, chef-prepared meals
• Located only 1 hour from Houston

Texas Goose Hunting – Panhandle

Texas goose hunting the west Texas panhandle remains America's best kept secret. Countless, shallow playa lakes in a landscape of agriculture provides perfect overwintering habitat for thousands of geese, ducks and sandhill cranes.

• High-success hunting (goose or crane limits are the norm)
• Canada geese, white-fronts, snows, ducks, sandhill cranes, and more
• Many exclusive hunting properties within 1-hour radius of Plainview
• Combos and afternoon hunts available
• Camp-house lodging available (not a hotel hunt)

Texas Teal Hunting – Coastal Prairie

Texas blue-winged teal hunting program is BEST - perfect location and management produce a greater concentration of blue-winged teal than many hunters will witness elsewhere in their lives.

• Best blue-winged teal hunt in US, period
• Limits are the rule, not the exception (5.5 teal per hunter average)
• Short 16-day September season
• Convenient to Houston, Texas
• Executive lodging for 21 guests, southern home-cooked meals
• Youth hunter discounts
• As seen on MOJO TV and in Wildfowl Magazine

Wyoming Duck Hunt

Wyoming duck hunt at Mountain View Mallards entails plentiful mallards and Canada geese in one of the most stunningly beautiful parts of America. Hunt comfortably from heated blinds and enjoy the show.

• Predominately mallards and Canada geese, other species seasonally
• Upscale, newly constructed 6-bedroom lodge, with excellent amenities
• 3 excellent chef-prepared meals daily, dinner feature beef
• December-January primetime
• Comfortable heated blinds, professional guide-staff
• For 2-6 hunters, maximum 12 guests
• Fly into Billings MT or Cody WY

• Wyoming Waterfowl Hunting

World-class hunting for mallards and Canada geese along the legendary North Platte River in Wyoming-Nebraska with long-time professional outfitter that has a proven track-record for success.

• High-quality hunting experiences for mallards and BIG migrator Canada geese along legendary North Platte River
• Hunting eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska
• Professionally guided hunts, experienced guides, heated blinds, premier private properties
• Hotel accommodations and local meals available nearby
• Alberta Canada Duck & Goose Hunting
• Arkansas Duck Hunts
• Atlantic Flyway Guided Waterfowl Hunts
• Colorado Duck Hunting
• Delaware Duck & Waterfowl Hunting
• Duck Hunting in the Southwest
• Florida Guided Duck Hunts
• Goose and Duck Hunting in Saskatchewan Canada
• Guided Waterfowl Hunts in the Central Flyway
• Louisiana Duck Hunting
• Maryland Duck Hunting
• Midwest Duck Hunting
• Mississippi Duck Hunting
• Mississippi Flyway Duck and Goose Hunting
• Missouri Waterfowl Hunts
• New England Duck Hunts
• North Carolina Waterfowl Hunts
• North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting
• Oklahoma Waterfowl Hunting
• Ontario Canada Waterfowl Hunting
• Pacific Flyway Waterfowl Hunts
• South Dakota Duck Hunting
• Texas Waterfowl Hunts
• Washington Duck Hunts
• Waterfowl Hunting in the Mid-Atlantic
• Waterfowl Hunting in the Northwest
• Waterfowl Hunts in the Southeast

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The Good Old Days Are NOW

THE HUNT OF A LIFETIME IS WITHIN YOUR GRASP.   Whether you’re a first-timer, a once-in-a-life-timer, or an every year traveler, great duck hunting is only a few hours travel away. Hunt of a lifetime is a tall order – it takes far more than stackwood piles of dead birds to achieve that lofty ideal.

That’s why GetDucks.com hunts feature not only high-quality shooting but everything in its necessary context. The food, the atmosphere, the service, the effort, the people and the places for which this wonderful tradition of ours is revered. We deliver it to you in the most proficient manner possible.

Our professional diligence produces deeper satisfaction, richer travel experiences and undistracted, best-of-the-best hunting. You deserve nothing less. That’s what distinguishes our GetDucks brand from the rest.

Hunting for Beginners: 7 Hunts Ideal for First Time Outdoorsmen and Women

These are the best options for new hunters..

Hunting has probably the largest learning curve of any outdoor activity out there. Many people think pursuing and harvesting wild game is easy. Until they get out into the field and start hunting for themselves. Usually, the first hunt is a bit of a wake-up call for newbies that this is not going to be as easy as they thought.

Which is why it is important to choose the right hunting trip suitable for new sportsmen and women. You can get out there and start pursuing almost anything , but these options are slightly easier than the others and provide a good learning experience that can later be translated over to tougher big game animals.

By this point, most new hunters should know the hunting regulations, and they should still have their hunter safety course fresh in their minds. The animals in this beginner's guide to hunting are just what we think are ideal introductions to the hunting experience.

This may not be one of the most exciting critters to pursue, but the great thing about squirrels is they are plentiful, and easy to bag for first time hunters. There are almost no special skills involved in hunting them either. Just find a quiet spot in the forest, sit down, and wait. You usually will not have to wait long to start seeing them. The great thing about small game is it can really help to hone your shooting skills. And a squirrel is extremely easy to field dress and prepare for the dinner table without feeling overwhelmed like many newbies are with a deer or other big game. As a bonus, the hunting license for most small game animals is cheap, which means you can try out hunting on these guys without breaking the bank on tags.

If you know some experienced hunters who can take you, going after ducks or geese is a great way to get out for your first hunting season. It's a great way to practice hunting from a blind. Especially since it is usually a more action-packed hunt than you might experience deer hunting. Even novices can often find success on public land with a good mentor. Just make sure you're using non-toxic shot. It's a necessity when pursuing ducks, geese, or any other waterfowl on federal lands. As a bonus, butchering of waterfowl is mostly straightforward and simply enough for any newbie to master quickly.

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There are many kinds of upland game birds, but the pheasant is one of our favorites for newbies simply because there is nothing quite like flushing a rooster from cover. This type of upland bird hunt does require the use of a dog, so it's best to go with a mentor who has one already trained. Still, when the roosters are really flying, a newbie can experience some of the most action-packed hunting to be had. This type of hunt is also a good place to put those skills learned from your hunter education course into play. Because it involves a lot of muzzle control while walking. Also, you must quickly learn to identify a rooster from a hen because most states do not allow the harvest of hens. This helps new hunters develop excellent trigger discipline.

The great thing about doves is you do not need a bunch of expensive equipment to hunt them. Just about any shotgun will do the job with some size 7 or 8 shot. Maybe consider a spinner decoy to help draw in wary birds, but those are cheap. You don't even really need camo. Most dove hunting happens in the early season when it is warm, so newer hunters need not worry about getting cold. Some hunters simply wear jeans and T-shirt and have no problems getting a limit of birds. Aside from offering great action, doves are easy for new hunters to learn how to clean, and dove Jalapeno poppers make an excellent first wild game recipe to try out with animals you've harvested yourself.

Another small game hunt with a low bar for entry. We like the rabbit because you can do it with or without a dog to help flush the animals. Even without a dog, rabbits are usually easy to find and flush once you learn what to look for. Once again, new hunters do not need a ton of fancy hunting gear. A good pair of boots and a reliable shotgun will do the trick. Although we do recommend a good orange vest and a pair of pants that are briar proof. You will be beating a lot of low, thick cover to find these animals . Rabbits are easy to field dress and prepare too, which will help new hunters get ready for big game hunting.

If you live in a state like Texas or Florida, feral hogs are not a bad choice for a first-ever hunt. Hogs leave some of the most obvious signs in the woods when they are rooting. Most of the time, you need only to set up near food and it will only be a matter of time before a sounder shows up. Feral swine are incredibly tough animals, but that's why we like them for newbies. This is an animal to practice shot placement on. If you can drop feral hogs on a consistent basis, you should have no problems with a mule deer or whitetail deer when the time comes. Just be warned that not all hogs may be edible, which is fine, because these things are mean and invasive. State wildlife agencies want as many dead as possible, and most of the time, they don't care how you do it, so long as the job is done.

Early season deer hunting

For the prospective deer hunter, we recommend the early season as the ideal time for a new hunter, especially youths, which is why they hold youth season so early. In the late summer and early fall, the deer are still usually behaving in a predictable way, making it easy for even the greenest of hunters to pattern them with a little hard work and discipline. You are also likely to see a lot of deer before their behaviors become more erratic due to the rut later in October and November. For newbies wanting to hunt deer right away, an early season muzzleloader or archery hunt is often just the ticket. Just make sure you get your deer field dressed and quartered up quickly. Venison can spoil quickly in the warmer temperatures of the early season if you do not take proper precautions.

Products featured on Wide Open Spaces are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

For more outdoor content from  Travis Smola , be sure to follow him on  Twitter  and check out his  Geocaching  and  Outdoors with Travis YouTube channels . 

NEXT:  THE AXIS DEER AND HOW THEY'RE IMPACTING PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES

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The Best Hunting Tents of 2023

A top-notch hunting tent not only provides protection from the elements and a place to sleep, but it's also truly a home away from home.

When fall hits and the air starts to cool , it means hunting season is finally here. Hunters across the nation begin preparation for not only chasing their hunting dreams but also spending more than a fair share of nights out in the hills. And while some have campers to bring along, most folks are breaking out the camping gear and crawling into a tent night after night.

Whether you’re setting up a cozy truck camp or trekking deep into the backcountry, we’ve broken down a list of tents that will serve on all fronts.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys, or jump to the category you’re looking for. At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide.

• Best Budget
• Best Wall Tent
• Best Rooftop
• Best Ultralight Dome
• Best 4-Season Tent
• Best Stove-Capable
• Best One-Person Minimalist
• Editor’s Pick

Best of the Rest

Best budget: kelty discovery trail 2p.

Since 1952 Kelty has been creating outdoor products, so they know a thing or two about living outside. Its new-for-2022 Discovery Trail 2P tent ($115) hits on all levels, delivering performance and efficiency at a price that won’t make you choke on your breakfast.

This three-season freestanding dome-style tent tips the scales at 4 pounds 14 ounces. It’s got one door and a generous vestibule provided by the rainfly. Both the rainfly and the floor are made from 68D polyester, with the canopy being No-See-Um-Mesh. On the inside, you’ll find storage pockets as well as a vent to let things air out.

The Discovery 2P comes with two aluminum poles, a bag of stakes, and a Shark Mouth carry bag for easy packup.

One of the coolest features of this tent is Kelty’s Quick Corners. The aluminum poles simply slide into these at all four corners and in no time, the frame of the tent is set. After attaching a few of the tent clips to the poles in place, you’re off to the hills to find the buck of your dreams.

Backpack into the mountains or set up a comfy truck camp. The  Kelty Discovery Trail 2P  is ready and will make sure you’ve got money left over to hit the burger joint at the end of your hunt.

• Price: $119
• Capacity: 2 people
• Weight: 4 lbs., 4 oz.

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Backcountry

Best Wall Tent: Montana Canvas

Talking about tents for hunting camps without mentioning a traditional wall tent would just be wrong. Montana Canvas keeps the legacy that is wall tents alive with its Traditional 10 Oz. Canvas Wall Tent.

They are the ultimate in protection from the elements and offer about as comfortable living conditions as one could get south of an actual log cabin.  Montana Canvas’s Traditional 10 oz. Canvas Wall Tent ($1,490-3,970) is made right here in the USA from grade A canvas. That canvas is treated for fire, mold, and mildew.

A generous dimension of 23x23x26″ provides plenty of room, and the 62 pounds of material provide ample strength. That weight does not include frames, floor, or fly, which are sold separately.

What does come with the tent is a storage bag, stakes, rope (200 feet), and rope tension adjusters. You’ll also get one standard-sized window on the back wall and a zippered (YKK) door with a buckled weather flap. Oh, and let’s not forget about the 5-inch oval stove jack so you can put that stove to use when the temps drop.

The canvas life is a good life. If a traditional cabin-style wall tent sounds about perfect for you, don’t sleep on the  Traditional 10 oz. Canvas Wall Tent  from Montana Canvas. Sleep in one.

• Price: $1,390-3,970
• Capacity: 6+ people
• Weight: 62+ lbs.

Check Price at Montana Canvas

Best Rooftop: Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2p Tent

The benefits of  rooftop tents  are many, and those benefits translate seamlessly right into hunting camps. For the hunter looking to tap into the rooftop tent world, the  Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer ($1,500) will serve you well.

Thule/Tepui is well known in the rooftop tent game, and its Explorer Ayer lives up to the brand’s good reputation. This tent is made from a coated 600-denier and 260G poly-cotton blend that are both UV and mold-resistant.

The 2p model of the Explorer Ayer can sleep up to two people and comes with a comfortable 2.5-inch high-density foam mattress. The total weight of the tent comes in at 100 pounds with a weight capacity of 400 pounds.

On the outside of the Explorer Ayer, you’ll find attachment points for lamps as well as several areas to store extra gear. Inside the tent, there are panoramic skylights and windows that give a view of the stars and also help keep the tent ventilated. And with the four internal storage pockets, you can enjoy some organization in your tent.

Let’s face it. Setting up and tearing down camp takes time, which is time being taken away from hunting. Rooftop tents, like the  Explorer Ayer , offer an efficiency that gets you in the field quicker. More time hunting and less time fiddling with camping gear.

• Price: $1,500
• Weight: 100 lbs.

Best Ultralight Dome: Nemo Hornet 2p

Ounces add up to pounds, and pounds equal pain. For the backpack hunter looking to cut weight but still carry the classic dome-style tent that we all know so well, the Nemo Hornet 2p ($400) is as good as they come.

The Nemo Hornet 2p is a three-season semi-freestanding ultralight tent made with comfort and livability in mind. By using top-tier products and innovation, Nemo is able to keep the weight down and space up. And 2 pounds, 6 ounces is all that’ll be weighing down your backpack with the Hornet 2p. All Hornets come with stakes, repair patches, guy-out cord, and Nemo’s Divvy Dual stage stuff sack.

This is a one-pole construction tent, so setup is an absolute breeze, as is not having to juggle with multiple poles in the field. And the poles are clipped onto Nemo’s patented Flybar volumizing pole clips. This helps increase space while keeping the weight down.

There is a door on each side of the tent, with each having its own vestibule for storing gear. This a great feature for those looking to share this tent with someone. You’ll also find a light pocket where a headlamp can be placed to help light up your tent at night.

Backpack hunters need efficiency and effectiveness without compromising performance in the field. The  Nemo Hornet 2p tent  is a winner in all categories.

• Price: $400
• Weight: 2 lbs., 6 oz.

Check Price at REI Check Price at Backcountry

Best 4-Season Tent: Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT

Hunting season doesn’t stop at three seasons. Those looking for a four-season tent demand exceptional performance and durability. For the best in that category, Hilleberg reigns supreme with its   Nallo 2 GT ($970).

Hilleberg has long been known for tents with superior strength and durability. This is why Hilleberg easily lands in the best four-season tent category. Made out of Kerlon 1200 on the outside tent fabric and held up with 9mm poles, this tent is a bomber setup that is ready for the worst of conditions.

Its all-weather construction brings those outer tent walls all the way to the ground, and its tunneled design offers a healthy amount of living space — all of that with only four pegs required for setup.

The Nallo 2 GT is a single-entry tent that can house two individuals and gear. It has a generously sized extended vestibule for this reason. This provides plenty of room to store gear outside of your sleeping quarters. Not to mention that the vestibule is completely enclosed for extra protection.

You can purchase an optional footprint to cover the entirety of the tent floor and vestibule. On top of that, the outer tent and inner tent can be used separately, adding to the versatility of the Nallo.

One word comes to mind for the  Nallo 2 GT , and that is “bombproof.” The Nallo 2 GT from Hilleberg is the ultimate in all-weather tent designs.

• Price: $970
• Weight: 5 lbs., 1 oz.

Check Price at BlackOvis Check Price at Hilleberg

Best Stove-Capable: Kifaru Sawtooth

When the temperatures drop, being able to utilize a wood-burning stove in a tent is an absolute game-changer. The Kifaru Sawtooth  ($930-1,330) is a favorite among hardcore hunters needing the aid of a stove for late-season hunting trips.

The name Kifaru stands tall in the hunting community. Kifaru, as its slogan says, makes “gear for life.” From backpacks to  sleeping bags , Kifaru knows what it takes to live in the mountains for extended periods of time. The uniquely designed Sawtooth tent was made with durability and practicality in mind.

Coming in at 4 pounds 8 ounces, the Sawtooth will excel whether you’re at the truck or heading deep into the backcountry with a buddy. You’ll get two poles but will have to order your own stakes. Twenty stakes are the recommended number for optimal performance.

Kifaru also offers a footprint for the Sawtooth if you’d like. And, of course, hunters have the option of Kifaru cutting out a stove jack. Sizes of either 3.25, 3.5, 4, or 6 inches in diameter are available. These numbers are based on the stove designs Kifaru sells.

This all-weather tent is held up by a front pole and rear pole, with the entrance located at the front pole. The cool thing about this design is that it offers the efficiency of a tarp with the stand-up room of a tipi.

So, by sleeping towards the shallow end, by the rear pole, the Sawtooth will enable one to stand up toward the front pole and get dressed. It’s the little things that matter, and this one has a big plus.

Home is where the heart is, and Kifaru puts plenty of heart into designing their gear. The  Sawtooth  is a shining example of that in a stove-ready package.

• Price: $930-1,330
• Weight: 4 lbs., 8 oz.

Check Price at Kifaru

Best 1-Person Minimalist: Stone Glacier SkyAir ULT

Some hunters like to bring it all and the kitchen sink, while others are true minimalists. If it’s the simple life you’re after in a tent, the  Stone Glacier SkyAir ULT  ($170) has your name written all over it.

Stone Glacier has only been in the tent game for a few years, but the company has amassed a dedicated following for its minimalist designs. Their SkyAir ULT keeps the pack weight down, tipping the scales at a mere 8 ounces, yet is large enough for two hunters and gear.

The outer tarp fabric is made of nylon 6, 6 ripstop 10D Sil/Sil and is reinforced with nylon 6, 6 ripstop 30D sil/sil. Included with the tent are six stakes and a stuff sack.

One of the ways Stone Glacier keeps the weight down is by doing away with tent poles. Instead, you’ll set the SkyAir ULT up with your trekking poles.  One in the front and one in the back. And if you choose, Stone Glacier also offers a mesh insert, flat footprint, and vestibule that are sold separately.

The total weight for all of that with the tent is 1 pound, 11.3 ounces, by the way. Still super lightweight and functional.

The  Stone Glacier SkyAir ULT . It’s everything you need and nothing you don’t.

• Price: $170
• Capacity: 1+ people
• Weight: 1 lb., 11.3 oz.

Check Price at Stone Glacier

Editor’s Pick: Argali Absaroka 4P Tent

We couldn’t complete this list without adding a quick editor’s pick.

“I have now hunted in the  Argali Absaroka 4P Tent ($398) for archery elk season here in Montana, and though I haven’t put it through the rigors of a hard snow or cold temps, the sheer lightweight nature of this tent is impressive. The ability to add a stove to this setup at such a minimal weight means I’ll be able to test this tent throughout the year (with the addition of the insert ).

“I can’t report on longevity, durability, or winter hardiness just yet, but to say I’m impressed is an understatement. It deserves a spot in our Best Hunting Tents — until I can prove otherwise.” — Rachelle Schrute , Hunt & Fish Editor

• Price: $398
• Capacity: 4 people
• Weight: 1 lb., 14 oz.

Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 4-Person

Oh, the Best of the rest: a category for those gear items that don’t fit anywhere else or fit everywhere else. For that, we landed on Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 4-Person Tent   ($400).

The Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic is a classic design that has stood the test of time. Its seven-pole design and 75-denier polyester ripstop construction make for a tent that can handle anything that you can. This four-season dome-style tent includes 24 aluminum stakes, 16 tie-downs, a 2-ounce seam sealer, and a repair kit to boot.

The shape is the real gem here. That, combined with the pole layout, creates an extremely stable platform capable of handling extreme weather. The total weight of the tent is 24 pounds, 11 ounces.

On the outside of the Alaskan Guide Tent, you’ll find reinforced guy line loops. And on the inside, there is a rugged 210-denier polyester oxford floor along with multiple storage pockets for gear.

Also on the inside, there are roof hooks, cup holders, and a gear loft to aid in organization. All of the zippers on the tent are #8 and #10 YKK zippers.

Alaska offers some of the harshest testing environments there are. And after 25 years of testing tents, the  Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic   from Cabela’s is still standing. It’s the Best of the Rest for a reason.

• Weight: 24 lbs., 11 oz.

Check Price at Cabela’s

Why You Should Trust Us

We spend a ton of time in the field hunting in various conditions, terrains, and locations. From sweltering heat to sub-zero chill, we’ve hunted through it all. One thing that can make or break a hunt is a bad camp setup.

Our tents are our reprieve from the elements. They give us shelter after being exposed during long hunts, and for the most part, we carry them and their parts on our backs. We’ve learned what matters most and what can be left behind.

We know the value of a strong canvas tent and stove when the temps dip. The lightweight nature of the best backpacking tents versus the protection they offer is at the forefront of our minds.

Rain. Snow. Wind. Heat. Cold.

We’ve been there. We’ve done that. We’ve slept in tents through it all.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Hunting Tent

Choosing between floored and floorless tents.

One of the most significant differences between all of the tents listed above is that some of them have floors, and some don’t.  While it may not seem like much, there are some considerable pros and cons of each route. To have a floor or not? That is the question we will explore.

Floored Tents

Floored tents are completely enclosed tents with some type of floor that separates you and your gear from the elements. These are the most popular style of tent used for hunting and just outdoor recreation in general.

The biggest benefit to having a floor in your tent is keeping what’s outside, well … outside. And more particularly, I’m talking about the creepy-crawlies. When there is a floor, you don’t have to deal with the possibility of a mouse or spider scurrying across your face. I’ve dealt with it, and it sucks.

Not having to deal with those little buggers is not only less of a hassle overall, but it leads to better sleep. Our tents need to be the place where we reset and recharge. It’s hard to do that with a pesky critter keeping you up.

Along with that, a floor gives a person a dry place to set things down in the tent. Things like extra clothing, electronics, etc. Without a floor, if the ground is wet or covered in snow, you don’t have that luxury.

While having a floor is nice and all, it isn’t all peaches and cream. For one, having a floor often eliminates the ability to utilize a wood-burning stove. The floor can be a fire hazard, and while wood-burning stoves provide a nice warm and fuzzy feeling, the possibility of your “home” going up in flames while you sleep is a different game and not one I recommend playing.

Another downside of a floor is that whatever you bring into the tent on your boots generally stays in the tent. Be it rocks, sticks, mud, etc. — it makes for a mess if you’re not conscious of your footwear. And if you’ve got wet clothes, guess what? Yeah, that water is coming inside with you.

Lastly, this is more for backpack hunting, but a floor is more weight. There is a reason that quite a few backpack hunters prefer a floorless shelter, and this is one of the big ones. Less weight in the pack means less stress on your body.

Floorless Tents

Floored tents might be the most common tent used throughout the outdoor/hunting community, but floorless tents have been at this game for much longer. Be it Native American tipi-style shelters or just the classic lean-to shelter made out of logs and sticks, floorless tents are the original hunting tents.

There is way more living area in these floorless tents than tents with a floor have, especially when taking the weight into consideration. Two-person floorless tents seem to actually be two-person tents. With a floored tent, a two-person tent really means one person, comfortably. It’s a tight squeeze for anything more.

Believe it or not, sleeping in the dirt within the walls of a floorless tent is also less messy. There isn’t a tent floor to get dirty, and the ground is simply the ground. Fewer worries about mold, mildew, and just general filth: no post-hunt hose-off required. 

Floorless tents offer yet another convenience, and that is being able to cook inside your tent. ( Be bear aware! ). Whether on a wood-burning stove or just a backpacking stove, there is no floor creating a fire hazard. So, when the alarm sounds in the morning, just roll over, fire up the stove, and get the coffee going.

(We don’t recommend cooking inside your tent in high-density bear areas. Eat away from your tent and keep your food in a secure place, whether that’s in a tree or in your vehicle.)

When we take away the floor, we open up the door to potential visitors. Things like mice, spiders, and whatever else is lurking about can freely move right into your humble abode. When temperatures drop, this doesn’t seem to be as big of an issue.

If you’ve done a little window shopping, you may have noticed that floorless tents are more expensive than tents with floors. So, there aren’t as many budget options to get into the floorless game as there are in the floored one. This limits folks from living the floorless life altogether.

Floorless tents usually have a way bigger footprint than floored tents. There are floored tents the size of a deer bed, meaning finding a spot to set one up is much easier. Floorless tents, however, require some more real estate. In really steep country, this could pose a problem.

Parting Words

Floors or no floors, each one of these tents serves a purpose, and some shine brighter in certain situations than others. Try them out for yourself. That is the only accurate way you’ll know if one is better than the other for you.

For instance, I’ve found that I prefer to sleep in a floorless tent when it gets colder, but hate it during warmer months when I’m contending with all manner of bugs. I would have never known that had I not tried. You know what they say:

If at first, you don’t succeed, at least you tried it out and disqualified it from the possible options that might fit you best.

Or something like that.

Fall Bear Hunting: Proven Tactics for Success in the West

Opportunities to hunt fall bears in the West are vast, but it’s no easy feat. Here are some methods, tips, and tricks to help put bear meat in your freezer. Read more…

Well before starting his contributions to Gear Junkie, Josh Kirchner was a roofer for his Dad’s family business for 15 years.  Josh’s Dad brought him up with a strong sense of the outdoors taking him on regular camping, hunting, and fishing trips.  It was throughout that time that he developed such a potent love for hunting.  

In 2014 Josh decided to start a blog called Dialed in Hunter.  It was a place where he could express his love for hunting and serve as an online journal to reflect on.  Little did he know, people were reading it, and some were editors.  After harvesting his first bear in 2015 he got his first article published in Bear Hunting Magazine.  From that point, his writing and content production snowballed.

Come 2020, Josh self-published his book Becoming a Backpack Hunter – A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting the Backcountry.  Having gone through the wringer of trial and error learning the ins and outs of how to backpack hunt, he wanted to release a from-front-to-back guide for newer hunters looking to get off the beaten path.  Since doing so, he’s received an overwhelming amount

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Hunting in Montana

43 hunting trips from 7 outfitters starting from a 230,701

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Montana on map, about hunting in montana.

The fourth-largest state in the United States, Montana is a hunter’s and outdoorsman’s paradise. Covering 147,000 square miles, Montana is split into distinct eastern and western regions by the Continental Divide. Most of the major mountain ranges (there are at least 100) are in the west. About 60 percent of the state, most of the eastern section, is prairie, but there are a number of isolated peaks and ranges that interrupt the prairie landscape. Huntable species in Montana include black bears, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, Rocky Mountain elk, Shiras moose, mountain goats, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, turkeys, wolves, and bison. There is also excellent hunting for upland birds and waterfowl in most of the state. Montana’s wildlife is well managed, with excellent trophies of nearly every big-game species being taken in the state every year. Some of the largest bighorn sheep in the world come from Montana, especially the Missouri Breaks region; however, drawing odds are extremely low. Hunting in Montana is conducted on both public and private land, and permission is required to hunt on private land. Outfitters and guides must by licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry. To hunt in Montana, you need a general big-game or species license as well as, in some cases, a permit entitling you to hunt in a specific area or type of animal. A Conservation License is also required. Consult with your outfitter and be certain that he or she is able to either provide the needed licenses and tags or instruct you on how to purchase them. Many of Montana’s hunting opportunities are only available through a draw system, which requires planning ahead. In some cases, however, licenses are available for purchase over the counter or outfitters have tags available for nonresident hunters. Big-game animals must be properly tagged before the carcass is removed from the kill site or before the hunter leaves the kill site. Montana requires that all hunters and guides must wear a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange visible above the waist. The rule does not apply to archery hunters hunting during the archery-only season, but it does apply to bowhunters hunting during the general big-game firearm seasons. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with Montana’s hunting regulations before you begin your hunt, even if you are hunting with an outfitter. Rules surrounding season dates and hunt area boundaries can be complex, and because rules often differ from species to species and region to region, be sure to read up on specific regulations for you particular hunt. Find information at Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks ( fwp.mt.gov ) and specific hunting regulations here: http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/regulations/default.html .

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The 13 best solo cruises for 2024 (no supplement fare).

Set sail for a solo adventure at sea.

The Best Solo Cruises

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Relax by the pool, attend shows, dine with new friends and more on your next solo cruise.

Whether you're embarking on your first cruise alone or you've been on solo cruises before, single travelers will find more options than ever when it comes to cruising solo. Many cruise lines offer single staterooms with the same amenities as other cabins, at a price similar to what you'd pay with double occupancy fares. You'll also find special promotions where the single supplement fee is reduced or waived, making it more affordable to reserve a spacious stateroom or luxurious suite with even more amenities – including personalized butler service, an added perk of booking with many luxury lines .

If you're ready for a maritime adventure, an extended vacation or simply a quick getaway from home, these top cruise lines offer some of the best options for solo travelers on waterways around the world.

Lines with solo accommodations and waived fees

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Launched in 2010, Norwegian Epic was the first cruise ship in the industry to feature studio accommodations for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line offers this category on nine of the 19 ships in its fleet, including the newest ship, Norwegian Viva. These cabins, at an average size of 100 square feet, are designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind. They have no single supplements – and studio rooms on board Norwegian Bliss even boast virtual windows.

Guests of the studios get access to the private Studio Lounge. In this exclusive space, you can socialize with other solo travelers and enjoy complimentary refreshments. There are also singles meetups throughout the voyage and plenty of fun-filled onboard activities to mingle with like-minded cruisers. Solo travelers can check out all the fun for singles on Norwegian Viva this winter on a cruise to the Caribbean , or in spring 2024 as the ship sets sail for the Mediterranean .

Book a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers interior and balcony solo cabins for single cruisers on its Meraviglia-class ships: the MSC Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa and the newest vessel in the fleet, MSC Euribia. The second-newest ship, MSC World Europa, has 28 cabins – 10 Studio Interior and 18 Studio Ocean View staterooms – designed specifically for solo travelers. MSC World America, set to debut in 2025, will also feature the solo studio staterooms.

During voyages with MSC Cruises , single cruisers are invited to a complimentary, hosted cocktail party to mix and mingle with other solo travelers. The daily program is also an excellent source to discover additional activities, entertainment and opportunities to meet other cruisers. You'll have onboard special events like the themed 70s-inspired Flower Party and the White Party, where the ship is decked out in festive white decor and guests don their best white attire. In addition, there are various sports tournaments, or you can show off your culinary expertise during a MasterChef competition.

MSC's Caribbean and Bahamas cruises departing from Miami and New York City feature an overnight visit to Ocean Cay, the line's private island and marine reserve. While there, singles can participate in fun-filled evening activities like a Champagne Sunset Cruise or a glow paddleboarding excursion in the lagoon, then attend the lively Luna Libre Party and the lighthouse show.

Find an MSC Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Holland America Line

Three of Holland America Line's newest ships each offer 12 solo cabins to accommodate single travelers: the Pinnacle-class Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Konigsdam. These ocean view staterooms range in size from 127 to 172 square feet and feature the same amenities as the double occupancy cabins but with a double bed. The cruise line's Single Staterooms are priced for one person. If a guest chooses to book a different stateroom, single supplements for double occupancy cabins are as much as 100% over the standard fare, depending on the voyage and the cabin category.

Long committed to solo travelers, the line offers many activities where guests can meet other singles such as wine tastings, cocktail mixers, exercise classes, daily quizzes, sports challenges and more. If you're a solo traveler and a member of AARP, Holland America is now the exclusive cruise benefit provider to AARP's members. Solo cruisers will have access to an AARP member-only onboard credit that ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the itinerary and stateroom category.

For itineraries, Holland America's Alaska cruises and cruisetours are perfect for solo travelers, offering many opportunities to connect with fellow cruisers. Another favorite for singles is the line's fall voyages sailing from Boston to Québec City or Montreal.

Explore Holland America Line deals on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International features studio staterooms on select ships that range in size from 101 to 199 square feet. These solo accommodations include interior rooms, virtual balcony staterooms and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. The cabins do not carry the single supplement fee singles encounter when booking other types of staterooms, making them an attractive option when traveling alone.

Once on board the ship, solo cruisers will have countless options to engage and socialize with other travelers. When it comes to dining with Royal Caribbean , make a reservation at the Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki for an entertaining meal with new friends, or join fellow foodies for the intimate Chef's Table experience (the dining venues vary by ship). Singles can also participate in onboard activities like trivia contests, drink seminars, escape rooms, dance classes and pool parties.

If you need more thrills to stay busy and to meet people, Royal Caribbean's ships feature world-class shows and entertainment alongside adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, there are plenty of opportunities to meet and chat with other passengers at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Luxury line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers single cruisers 183 square feet of beautifully appointed space in solo accommodations that come without single supplement fees. These ocean view staterooms feature a queen bed, a panoramic picture window, a private spa bathroom with a rain shower and body jets, a stocked minifridge replenished daily with personal favorites, and other luxurious amenities. Single guests can also book other stateroom or suite categories with single supplements starting at 50% of the double occupancy price.

The line's three intimate yacht-style cruise ships – World Navigator, World Traveller and the new World Voyager, whose inaugural season begins in Antarctica in November 2023 – are all-inclusive . Meals at all the dining venues, premium beverages and wines, gratuities, culturally immersive excursions, and more are included in the fare. With fewer than 200 guests on board, there's an atmosphere of conviviality on these ships – especially when exploring remote destinations with like-minded and adventurous travelers during expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Celebrity Cruises

Tim Aylen | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' new Edge-class ships offer some of the best options for solo cruisers. The line's two newest vessels, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent (set to debut in late 2023), each boast 32 single staterooms with an Infinite Veranda. In addition, Celebrity Apex has 24 solo cabins, and Celebrity Edge features 16 staterooms for individual guests. These one-person accommodations offer a minimum of 131 square feet of space and the same upscale amenities you'll find in other category staterooms on their ships. Solo guests can look for special promotions where the single supplement is waived on select Celebrity voyages throughout the year.

Once on board the vessel, check out the daily program for activities conducive to meeting others – like wine tastings, cocktail-making classes and more. You'll also enjoy thrilling top-notch entertainment around the ship in The Theatre, The Club and Eden. A few popular cruises for singles are the line's Caribbean and Mexico itineraries on Celebrity Beyond.

Book a Celebrity Cruise on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The hip vibe on board the adults-only Virgin Voyages ships is ideal for solo cruisers looking to meet other travelers. Its superyacht-style ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady – offer 40 interior cabins ranging in size from 105 to 177 square feet. There are also six Sea View staterooms with portholes boasting between 130 to 190 square feet of space. These Insider and Sea View cabins are designed and priced for single travelers, with amenities like high-tech mood lighting and roomy rain showers. The line also runs promotions where solo cruisers can book double occupancy staterooms without paying a single supplement.

Activities and festival-like entertainment around the ships foster fast friendships. Diners will enjoy the interactive experience at Gunbae, the lively Korean barbecue venue. The "grog walk" is a fun pub stroll where solo sailors can join fellow mates while sipping and snacking their way through all the signature bars. For even more fun, check out the evening shipwide events such as the themed Scarlet Party, which features live music and immersive experiences. The line also hosts meetups for singles throughout each voyage.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Avalon Waterways

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways' river and small-ship cruises traverse waterways around the world, including in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The company waives the single supplement on a selection of staterooms, including its Panorama Suites, on select European and Asia departures. The company recommends booking early as the specially priced cabins do sell out. Solo travelers make up about 10% of the passengers on this river cruise line .

Avalon's fleet of Suite Ships operates in Europe and Southeast Asia and features cabins with a minimum of 172 square feet. About 80% of the staterooms are Panorama Suites, which have 200 feet of living space, beds with a view and the river cruise industry's only open-air balcony. With Avalon excursions, solo cruisers have opportunities to meet like-minded guests during immersive tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, yoga or fitness classes, biking or hiking trips, and more. Single guests can choose to dine at tables for just two people or ones that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Read: Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

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AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Two single occupancy staterooms are available on four of AmaWaterways' river cruise ships: AmaDolce, AmaDante, AmaLyra and AmaCello. These accommodations do not have single supplement fees. Solo cruisers can also book staterooms with a 20% single supplement on select sailings in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that this pricing does not apply to certain stateroom categories and suites.)

With the friendly, small-ship atmosphere, solo cruisers will find it comfortable to socialize with other passengers and the crew. Onboard activities and immersive excursions also create opportunities for fostering friendships, especially among like-minded travelers. Excellent options for solo cruises include themed sailings centered around music and wine or the magical Christmas markets itineraries along the Danube, Rhone and Rhine rivers.

Explore AmaWaterways deals on GoToSea.

Lines with discounted supplement fares

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's special offers for solo travelers include reduced single supplements of 25% to 50% of the double occupancy rate on select sailings. The line's four midsized sister ships – carrying no more than 700 passengers – are mostly all-inclusive. Amenities included in the cruise fare include most meals; standard spirits, wines and beers; bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty teas and coffees; shuttle service in port; gratuities; and complimentary AzAmazing Evenings ashore or Destination Celebration experiences on the ship. Dining at the two specialty restaurants is an additional cost unless guests have accommodations in the Club World Owner's Suites, Club Ocean Suite or Club Continent Suite.

Single guests on Azamara cruises will find events during the sailing and venues around the ship where you can mix and mingle with other solo travelers and chat with the friendly crew. Intimate and culturally immersive excursions also create opportunities to meet passengers with similar interests. Azamara Onward, the latest ship, boasts the new Atlas Bar, a great spot to meet other travelers.

For itineraries, Azamara's signature "Country-Intensive Voyages" are a favorite of solo cruisers, including the 10- or 11-night Greece Intensive Voyage. For an extended sailing, check out the festive 12-night Carnival in Rio Voyage, which features a stop in Rio de Janeiro during the city's famed Carnival.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Cunard Line

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line features dedicated solo staterooms on its three ships, priced at approximately 166% to 174% of the equivalent double occupancy cruise fare. Guests can choose between a spacious Britannia Inside or Britannia Oceanview cabin, or opt for a larger stateroom with a single supplement. For a little "me time" pampering while on board, solos will appreciate 24-hour room service, complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine. Single guests will also be invited to get-togethers. You can either dine alone at venues around the ship such as the main dining room or choose to share a table with other passengers.

With an international mix of travelers, single cruisers will find many opportunities to meet and chat with others, especially during a Transatlantic Crossing. During the sailing, you'll find many enriching and relaxing activities that encourage socializing. According to Cunard , there's a sense of camaraderie and a passion around the voyage – and the unique travel experience of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Find a Cunard Line cruise on GoToSea.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Luxury line Silversea Cruises offers 25% single supplements on various voyages throughout the year, including expedition cruises to destinations like the Galápagos Islands , Antarctica and the Arctic, and Greenland. The line's all-inclusive fares include luxurious ocean view suites, gourmet dining, complimentary wines and spirits, gratuities, onboard enrichment and entertainment, shore excursions, and more. Solo travelers will even have personalized butler service to indulge their every whim.

The line's fleet of a dozen intimate ships, carrying no more than 728 guests, offers a clubby atmosphere perfect for meeting solo and like-minded travelers. Single guests will also have the opportunity to engage with other solo passengers during a welcome reception with Champagne at the beginning of each voyage. Popular itineraries for Silversea's single cruisers include its Transoceanic journeys, a bucket list trip for many cruisers .

Explore Silversea Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn has special offers throughout the year where solo cruisers can take advantage of reduced pricing equal to double occupancy fares or discounts on the single supplement starting at 25% above the double occupancy fares. These rates are available on select voyages, including expedition cruises. Frequent solo cruisers and members of the luxury line's Seabourn Club Diamond Elite will also find reduced single supplements on Diamond Elite Single Supplement Sailings. In addition, club members receive invitations to exclusive events, where they can meet and mingle with fellow cruisers. Solo passengers are also invited to sit with the ship's officers, crew and entertainers at dinner – and there are hosted get-togethers for single travelers.

Solo cruisers will enjoy beautifully designed oceanfront suites and all-inclusive amenities on board Seabourn 's intimate ships. These perks include world-class dining; complimentary premium wine and spirits; a spa and wellness program in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil; included gratuities; and the line's enrichment series, Seabourn Conversations. Single cruisers looking for an extended holiday will enjoy longer voyages on the line's newest purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit.

Compare Seabourn cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. She used extensive research and experience as a solo cruiser to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Party Cruises
• The Top Transatlantic Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• Solo Travel for Women: The Best Places and Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

The Best Places to Travel Alone

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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Best Places to Travel Solo | Money

Traveling exposes us to new places, cultures and people. For many, it’s one of the great joys of life. If you’re an independent spirit looking for safe places to travel by yourself, our guide can be an excellent place to start your research.

Keep reading to learn about our top picks for the best places to travel alone and how to make the most of your trip.

Our Top Picks for Best Places to Travel Solo

• Barcelona, Spain: Best for first-time solo travelers
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Best for solo backpacking
• Montreal, Canada: Best for solo female travelers
• Chicago, Illinois: Best for going on solo travel tours
• Ljubljana, Slovenia: Best budget solo travel destination

Best Places to Travel Solo Reviews

Best for first-time solo travelers: barcelona, spain.

• Offers many travel experiences in a single city
• Easy to get around town without a car
• Year-round good weather means you can visit in any season
• More expensive than other options on our list
• Can get very busy during popular travel times

Why we chose it : Barcelona is a beautiful and historic European city with something for everyone to enjoy. It boasts stunning gothic architecture, sandy beaches, a bustling nightlife and prices that will help you stretch your budget.

Spain is considerably affordable compared to other European countries, and Barcelona is its crown jewel. The city has roots tracing back to the end of the 1st century BCE and beautiful architecture throughout its winding streets, such as Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and his world-famous unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia.

If you tire of exploring Barcelona’s impressive history, gorgeous Barceloneta Beach is just a few minutes away from the city center. And at night, you’ll find plenty of entertainment options, from rooftop bars and clubs to concert venues and flamenco shows.

Barcelona is excellent for first-time solo travelers because its compact layout, wide sidewalks and excellent public transportation makes getting around town without a car a breeze. U.S. travelers can also visit for up to 90 days without a visa . However, Barcelona is more expensive than other options on our list and can be very busy during popular travel times.

Best for solo backpacking: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Very affordable accommodations, food and attractions
• Is easy to navigate, with a developed transportation system
• Has a vibrant expat community
• U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to visit Vietnam

Why we chose it : Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and affordable city that offers a wide range of attractions for solo travelers, from inexpensive food and accommodations to an abundance of cultural and historical sites.

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City has become something of a bucket-list item for many backpackers. Its vibrant culture, friendly people and amazing food attract millions of tourists annually. And it’s also one of Vietnam’s safest cities .

Try some of the mouth-watering street food available in pretty much every corner of the city (especially Districts 1, 3 and 5), do some shopping at the Ben Thanh Market, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral or book a tour of the Mekong Delta to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Getting around is also pretty easy, with many transportation options, from the new metro to buses, taxis and motorbikes. However, one thing to keep in mind is that U.S. citizens need to apply for a Visa before they can be granted entry into Vietnam.

Best for solo female travelers: Montreal, Canada

• Very safe and walkable city
• Visitors can stay for up to six months without a Visa
• Toronto is only five hours away by direct train
• Not a great option for budget travelers
• The winter weather can be harsh

Why we chose it : Montreal is one of the safest cities in Canada, and it is only a short flight away for travelers from the U.S. The city has a vibrant art scene, a diverse population and plenty of old-world charm with its mix of classic and modern architecture.

Traveling solo as a woman might cause your loved ones some anxiety. But Montreal is a great place for women to travel alone. The city is safe and offers much to do, from beautiful architecture, such as Notre-Dame Basilica, to artisanal shopping in Old Montreal. And while the population is predominantly French-speaking, many residents also speak English, so you should have no problem communicating.

Visitors from the United States can stay in Montreal for up to six months without a visa. It’s also a good point of departure for exploring the rest of Canada. Trains depart for Toronto several times a day, and the trip is about five hours.

Accommodations in Montreal can be more expensive than in other international destinations, but enrolling in the best hotel rewards programs may help.

Best for going on solo travel tours: Chicago, Illinois

• You can find many different types of guided tours
• Has an excellent public transportation system
• One of the best culinary destinations in the U.S.
• Weather can be unpleasant if you visit at the wrong time

Why we chose it : Chicago is home to some of the best travel tours in the country. From river cruises to walking food and drink excursions, you’ll have no problem filling your time in the Windy City.

Chicago is one of the best places to travel in the U.S. It’s home to a wide variety of guided tours, covering everything from the city’s mob history to its architecture and natural landmarks. And if you love Chicago dogs or deep-dish pizza, you can take a walking food tour to enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants in a single day.

Chicago is also home to inspiring architecture, such as Willis Tower and Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. The city is a more affordable place to visit than other U.S. cities of its size, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. And if you visit in summer, you’ll have perfect weather for relaxing on the beaches of Lake Michigan, located in the heart of the city.

Depending on what you’re looking for, visiting the city between May and October could be your best bet, as winters can be very cold, with average temperatures ranging between 22 F and 37 F.

Best budget solo travel destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia

• A highly affordable travel destination
• Easy entrance requirements for U.S. citizens
• Classic European architecture and dining options
• Plenty of green spaces to lounge and relax
• Doesn't have a strong nightlife culture
• Crowds can be overwhelming during peak travel seasons

Why we chose it : Slovenia is one of the most affordable European countries, and Ljubljana is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations. It’s home to classic European cobblestone streets and its stunning architecture and exhibits can keep you busy for weeks without breaking your budget.

Ljubljana is an affordable European destination with beautiful green spaces and incredible architecture, including the Ljubljana Castle and the Robba Fountain. It’s also highly walkable and pedestrian-friendly, as car traffic is banned in the city center.

Hotels are cheaper here than in more popular destinations such as France or Italy, which is a big reason why Ljubljana is one of the best international places to travel . There are also many great affordable restaurants and open-air cafes.

U.S. citizens can remain in Slovenia for up to 90 days without a visa, making it easy to extend their stay with the money they save.

However, Ljubljana is not known for its nightlife, as many bars close earlier than elsewhere in Europe. Plus, it has become more popular in recent years, and crowds are abundant during peak seasons, especially the summer.

Other places to travel solo we considered

We compiled our list of the best places to travel alone by evaluating global destinations based on safety, affordability, cultural and historical sites and convenience, among other factors.

Although the following destinations didn’t make it into our top list, they’re still worth considering as you plan your travels.

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Close to beautiful natural landmarks
• It's possible to see the Northern Lights when conditions allow
• Home to many museums and several Michelin-starred restaurants
• More expensive than other popular travel destinations
• The region's weather can be bleak
• Long periods of darkness and sunlight can interfere with your sleep schedule

Reykjavik is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with stunning mountains and beaches everywhere you look. However, it’s an expensive destination and experiences prolonged periods of darkness and sunlight that may be difficult to adjust to.

• Some of the best food in South America
• Miles of beautiful coastline to explore
• Friendly locals - many of whom speak at least some English
• Travelers can suffer from altitude sickness in some popular attractions
• The city is sprawling, which can increase travel times and make traffic worse

Lima is a beautiful South American destination with picturesque beaches and affordable accommodations. It’s also a foodie’s dream, with a wide variety of tasty local and international restaurants available at budget-friendly prices.

Just remember that traffic congestions are common and can make it hard to get around. Additionally, some travelers may experience altitude sickness in high-altitude locations like Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Knoxville, Tennessee

• Has beautiful outdoor settings
• Minimal traffic
• Moderate prices for accommodations
• There isn't as much to do in Knoxville as in other travel destinations
• Public transportation options are limited

Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee, but it maintains a small-town feel. It’s home to beautiful attractions, such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the World’s Fair Park, and has enough cultural exhibits and museums to keep you busy.

Nevertheless, there isn’t quite as much to do here as in other cities, and public transportation is comparatively limited.

Places to Travel Solo Guide

Traveling alone can be intimidating, but a little preparation can go a long way. This guide covers some of the best travel tips to help you plan your next solo trip.

Why travel solo?

As with everything, there are pros and cons to traveling alone.

Some of the benefits of solo travel include:

• The ability to plan trips according to your schedule
• Paying less for dining and experiences
• Stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know yourself better
• Having more time to reflect and relax in peace

Of course, to enjoy your solo vacation to the fullest, practice general safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, do some proper research before visiting new places and consider hiring a guide if you’re doing outdoor activities in remote locations.

How to travel alone

Traveling alone can be a wonderful experience. But it often requires more planning and initiative than group trips. The following tips for traveling alone should help you make the most of your next solo trip.

Research your travel destination extensively

The more research you do before visiting a destination, the more prepared you will be to enjoy it. Pay close attention to the following:

• Climate : Be aware of the weather conditions at your destination to avoid potential hazards, pack the right gear and plan appropriate activities.
• Top attractions : Plan your itinerary by mapping out the attractions you want to visit and checking their distance from your accommodations. This will help you create a realistic schedule and determine if you need to book transportation for any day trips.
• Cost : Consider the average cost of accommodations, meals and attractions to create a realistic budget.
• Public transportation : This is an important consideration, as visiting a destination with insufficient or unreliable public transportation translates into additional expenses.
• Language barrier : Consider downloading translation apps or learning basic phrases in your destination’s native language if English isn’t widely spoken there.
• Food : If you have any dietary restrictions, check the availability of suitable food options at your destination and plan your meals.

Stay connected with your friends and family

When traveling alone, keep your loved ones informed of where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing. That way, your family can call for help if they don’t hear back from you in a reasonable timeframe.

Depending on your destination, you may consider purchasing an international SIM card or an international phone plan with your existing carrier to text and call your people back home.

Finally, you can register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department. STEP is a free service that allows you to receive automatic safety and travel updates from the U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting. It also makes it easier for friends and family to reach you in an emergency.

Consider travel insurance

If you’ve spent quite a bit of money on non-refundable travel expenses and it hasn’t been that long since you made your initial trip deposit, consider travel insurance to safeguard your investment. A travel insurance policy can help you recoup a portion of pre-paid travel expenses if you cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

Travel medical insurance could also be worthwhile if you’re going on an extended trip, as it would cover some of your medical expenses in an emergency, including medical evacuation and repatriation. And some plans even include additional services like language support, which could be helpful if English isn’t widely spoken where you’re visiting.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, check out our guide to the best travel insurance companies .

Try new things

Now that we’ve covered some of the most important things to do before leaving for a solo trip, let’s explore how to get as much enjoyment out of your travels as possible while you’re there. The best advice we can give you is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

If you genuinely want to experience everything other cultures have to offer, you can’t spend your days doing the same things you do at home. So take a chance and live as the locals do. You’ll be happy you did.

Interact with the locals

The best way to forget you’re traveling alone is to befriend the locals. Your new friends can keep you company, guide you to the best places in town (the ones that aren’t in any tourist guides) and help to make your trip more enjoyable overall.

Meeting locals is much easier to do now than before the Internet. A wide variety of online resources can connect you to local events and groups where you can meet people. Some of the best options for this include:

• Facebook expat groups for the destination you’re visiting
• The subreddit for your destination (such as r/Paris and r/Chicago)

Some professional and religious groups may have international meetups as well. This can be a fantastic way to meet locals with whom you already have something in common.

Take plenty of pictures (with you in them)

Last but not least, make sure you take plenty of pictures to share with your people back home. Landmarks can be great, but you should also be in some of the photos. Most people will happily snap pictures of you if you ask nicely.

What to do when traveling alone

Traveling alone can be one of the best experiences of your life or a challenge that quickly loses its appeal. To give yourself the best chance of having an ideal trip, remember the following strategies during your travels:

• Be flexible : Flexibility is a must for solo travelers. You’ll have more fun if you take advantage of chance encounters and throw away your schedule when necessary.
• Take group tours and classes : Just because you arrive at your destination alone doesn’t mean you must spend every minute there alone. Group tours and classes will help you meet people and give you a chance to socialize when you’re feeling lonely.
• Stay in places that encourage talking : If you’re concerned about feeling lonely, consider staying at a hostel or bed and breakfast. Shared accommodations like these are more affordable than the best hotels and can be a great way to meet people.
• Gather first-hand advice : You can use Reddit and other resources to read about the experiences other solo travelers have had at your destination. These firsthand accounts can alert you to problems you may not have considered otherwise and new opportunities for fun.
• Sign up for free rewards programs : Airlines , hotel chains and third-party booking sites often have reward programs that help you save money if you’re a frequent traveler. You may also want to look into the best airline credit cards and best travel credit cards if you plan on traveling alone regularly.
• Prioritize your safety : Traveling alone can make you a target, so prioritizing safety is important. Be proactive about telling others where you’ll be and take yourself out of situations you feel unsure about to enjoy your trip without incident.

Staying safe is a critical consideration for solo travelers. One way to do that is by avoiding reckless behavior, such as drinking excessively and venturing alone into places locals deem unsafe.

Take the time to thoroughly research your destination, share your travel plans with friends and family and prepare an emergency plan.

Finally, consider travel insurance. If something does happen while you’re traveling alone, it will provide financial support so you can go to the hospital without worrying about breaking your budget.

You could save up enough money to make the cost of travel insurance negligible by signing up for one of the best airline rewards programs .

Places to Travel Solo FAQ

What are the safest places to travel alone, is solo female travel safe, how old do you have to be to travel alone, how we chose the best places to travel solo.

We evaluated the best places to travel solo based on the following criteria:

• Cost of accommodations, experiences and meals
• Crime rates
• Reviews and guides from experienced solo travelers
• Natural and cultural attractions
• Strictness of entry criteria

Summary of Money’s Best Places to Travel Solo

© Copyright 2023 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

Home Page › Our tours › Towns of the Golden Ring. Trips out of Moscow › Dacha Tour

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Explore Russian Summer Life: Visit Russian Dacha!

People from Northern countries soak up every bit of pleasure out of summertime. Its days are numbered, and we do our best to store up the sunshine for the long, cold months that make up the rest of the year. Russians are among those who take full advantage of the brief, hot weather.

At summer’s peak, many Russians don’t venture far. The reason is dachas , our country houses. August brings the harvest for our small garden plots, but a dacha is much more than just an economic benefit: it embodies a culture dating back to Communist times.

The dachas is a unique phenomenon in the life of anyone who lives in the boundless expanses of the Russian Federation. A small plot – just 0.15 acres – with a few currant bushes, apple trees and a vegetable patch, a little wooden house with no telephone or running water and a discreetly located outhouse. I’d love to how you mine.

How we’ll get there:

I believe that it’ll be fun to experience the Russian suburban train (electrichka), which is very popular in our country. Electrichka is inexpensive and it might even be faster than a car as it doesn’t depend on the traffic. Travelling by commuter train you’ll be able to see ordinary people and possibly talk with them. Sometimes trains offer you such “free entertainment” as listening to numerous vendors and musicians. But local trains might be crowded at certain times of the day so in some cases we’d recommend you to go with us by car.

What we’ll do:

We start the trip with the tour of Dmitrov , an ancient Russian town, founded in 1147 and called Moscow younger brother. It is located 1 hour drive out of Moscow.

Learning how to prepare a Russianlunch:

First you choose the right meat, then the right recipe for the marinade.The fire has to be started and allowed to burn down until it’s almost out, but still smouldering. If you catch it at that moment, then the meat will roast evenly and not burn.

Meanwhile, the fire keeps threatening to go out, compelling family and guests to furiously fan it with pieces of cardboard. We serve sashlik with baked potatoes, pickled vegetables and of course Russian vodka. Lunch is followed by traditional Russian tea drinking .

You’ll be so involved, you won’t even notice when it’s time to go back to the city.

The tour cost is 200 USD.

Tour price is for 2 people but I can accommodate up to 6 people in this tour, however the price will change.

Transportationis extra.

Tour duration: 8 hours

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Electrostal History and Art Museum

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Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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