Best for Hunters: Easiest Big Game to Hunt

New to hunting or looking for an easier big game hunt? You’re in the right place. In this article, I cover the easiest big game to hunt, with details on species like whitetail deer, antelope and more. I’ll cover their habitats, food sources and hunting strategies to get you started.

Quick Notes

• Whitetail deer are great for beginners because they’re so accessible and can be found in many different habitats.
• Wyoming antelope hunting is beginner friendly and fun if you know where the food and water is.
• First time hunting requires attention to licensing, scouting locations and always prioritizing safety.

Whitetail Deer: The Best for Beginners

For most hunters, whitetail deer are the big game animal. They’re the most popular large game species in the US and Canada and the best place to start for beginners. Their wide distribution and adaptability make them the most accessible and easiest to hunt of all species.

Whitetail deer can be found in dense forests to suburban backyards so they’re a versatile target for hunters. Knowing their habitat, diet and hunting strategies is key.

Habitat and Locations

Whitetail deer are found across the Americas in forests, agricultural fields and suburban areas. The highest populations are in states like Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Missouri.

Whether you’re hunting in open woods or closer to urban areas, whitetail deer are adaptable.

Food Sources

Whitetail deer are opportunistic eaters, acorns are their primary food source, especially in the fall and winter. They also eat tree buds, shrubs and various plants depending on their habitat so they’re highly adaptable.

Hunting Strategies

Being near food sources where deer are foraging increases your odds of success. Setting up stands near these areas is a good strategy and knowing the feeding and bedding patterns of deer will help your hunting tactics. Deer are crepuscular so they’re most active early morning and late afternoon so those are the best times to hunt.

Scouting is key to a successful hunt. Stand firm and be patient. Wait for them to make a move. Knowing the habits and preferences of whitetail deer will help with your planning and increase your chances of a harvest.

Pronghorn (Wyoming Antelope): Beginner Friendly and Fun

Wyoming antelope, also known as pronghorn, are fun and easy to hunt for beginners. Wyoming has a high population of antelope so there’s plenty of opportunities to get in on the action. And who doesn’t love antelope steaks?

Hunting antelope requires knowing their best locations, diet and strategies. This will help you make the most of your hunt.

Best Areas

Wyoming has hunting on state lands, Walk-In Areas, BLM land and the Hunter/Landowner Assistance Program. Private land can be accessed for a small trespass fee through various programs.

The open flat prairies of Wyoming are great visibility and hunting conditions.

Food and Water Sources

Antelope are attracted to waterholes and alfalfa fields especially during hot weather. Their diet is grasses, sagebrush and alfalfa which are key to their survival in the desert.

Knowing these food and water sources will help your hunting.

Strategies

Spot-and-stalk is very effective due to the antelope’s keen eyesight so be stealthy and patient. If other methods don’t work, spot-and-stalk a buck for a more challenging but rewarding experience.

Use decoys in late September to get antelope to come in close and a spotting scope to see them at longer distances.

Spot-and-stalk is a beginner friendly technique for antelope hunting, requires some effort but results are great. Remember patience and persistence.

Mule Deer: Great For Public Land Hunters

Mule deer hunting is great for beginners and experienced hunters. Public land means less pressure and more opportunity to get a deer. States like South Dakota are good for public land opportunities, light pressure and decent trophies.

Knowing where to find mule deer, how to get them to come in and what tactics to use will help your hunt.

Where

Mule deer live in grasslands, forests and mountains throughout the Western United States and Canada. They can be found on public lands, state parks, wildlife management areas and national forests so there’s plenty of opportunity.

How to Attract Mule Deer

Mule deer are attracted to food sources like shrubs and forbs so areas with these plants are good places to get them. During the rut, bucks are more active and can be attracted to does, as bucks will follow them.

Being near water or food sources is key in dry country.

Strategies

Using a silhouette decoy during the rut will attract mature bucks so you can hunt more aggressively. Glassing from high places will allow you to see deer movement and find active feeding areas. Still-hunting through areas where deer feed will increase the chances of getting mature bucks. Using these tactics will help your mule deer hunt.

For a little more challenge mule deer public land hunting has a wow factor that’s hard to beat. The variety of environments and the strategies required makes for a fun and rewarding hunt.

Elk: Challenging but Worth it

Elk hunting is the ultimate big game hunt. For most hunters the thrill of tracking and harvesting an elk is unmatched. But it’s also one of the tougher hunts, requires experience and endurance.

Where to Find Them

Elk live in mountainous regions, dense forests and open meadows, Idaho and Colorado have notable populations. These areas have the rugged terrain and cover elk like so there’s good opportunity for hunters.

Diet and Patterns

Elk are intermediate feeders, eating a variety of grasses, forbs and woody plants near their habitats. They adjust their diet based on season, favoring grassy ridges near water sources for travel and feeding.

Knowing these patterns will help you find elk better.

Proven Tactics

Using bugling calls during the rut will attract bull elk and increase your chances of getting your target. Remote areas will produce better results as elk have less pressure and are more likely to be there.

Elk hunting is tough but it’s worth it. The challenge and excitement makes it a must do for serious hunters.

Black Bear: A Different Option

For those looking to mix up their big game hunting black bear hunting is an exciting option. Although I would not say that this is something I do, but some hunters love the taste of this game animal.

Solitary and nocturnal they add a whole new dimension to the hunt and attract those looking for variety.

Where to Find Them

Black bears live in various forested environments, national and state parks throughout North America. They’re adaptable and can thrive in many forested areas so they’re available to hunters across the continent.

Attractants

Natural food sources like berries and nuts are the primary attractants for black bears, they often outcompete human provided baits. Berries, nuts and carrion are their favorite food.

In some areas baiting is allowed so you can use additional attractants to bring bears.

Tactics

Spot and stalk and baiting are the tactics, especially during early morning and late evening. Best times to hunt black bears are early morning and late evening when they’re most active and feeding. Master these and you’ll see higher success rates at black bear hunting.

Black bear hunting is a challenge and exciting so it’s worth adding to your list of hunts.

Big Game Gear

Having the right gear is key to any big game hunt. For budget hunters choosing affordable and reliable gear can make all the difference. Choosing versatile gear and shopping smart will get you within your budget without sacrificing quality.

Here are budget friendly gear recommendations: rifles, binoculars, and tents.

Rifle: Ruger American I

I think that the Ruger American I is a great rifle for budget hunters. $490 and sub-MOA accuracy will increase your chances of making a successful shot. Affordable and versatile the Ruger is good for hunting all big game and good for both new and experienced hunters.

I’ve also created a guide on how to choose a good hunting rifle as a beginner.

Binoculars: Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42

The Vortex Diamondback HD 10×42 binoculars are a budget hunter’s best friend, usually priced between $260-$360. They have a polymer frame and glass from the Philippines, great optical performance and durability.

Good for spotting game from a distance and overall hunting experience. But the best part about Vortex optics is their life-time warranty: no matter what happens to your gear, they’ll fix it or get you a new one. This is why as a newbie, I love the idea that even if it breaks, I will be set…for life.

Rangefinder: Vortex Diamondback HD 2000 Laser Rangefinder

The Vortex Diamondback HD 2000 Laser Rangefinder is one of the most popular entry-level rangefinders on the market. It works well, has a clear view, but one of the reasons newbies like it as much is again, their warranty – Vortex is one of a few (if not the only) companies that offer life-time warranty on their electric components.

It costs around $300 and you can

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Obviously there’s more gear you will need, but a rifle, a pair of decent binoculars and a rangefinder are the tools you can’t hunt successfully without.

First Hunt Planning

Planning your first hunt can be exciting and overwhelming. To have a successful and enjoyable experience you need to focus on the essentials: licensing, scouting and safety. By preparing well you’ll increase your chances of a successful hunt and have memories that last.

Licensing and Tags

To hunt in the U.S. and Canada you need a state issued hunting license which can be purchased at sporting goods stores. Plus specific licenses and tags are required depending on the state/province and game you’re hunting for to comply with local hunting laws.

Some areas like national wildlife refuges may require additional permits or user fees.

Scouting and Preparation

Scouting means exploring potential hunting areas to see wildlife and understand animal behavior before the season starts. Trail cameras can help you monitor deer activity and see their movement over time.

For elk and black bears scouting areas with fresh signs of activity especially during early morning or late evening will increase your chances of success.

Safety and Ethics

Safety first. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow hunting safety protocols to keep yourself and others safe.

And don’t forget ethics. It’s important to treat wildlife humanely and keep the hunting community intact.

Conclusion

Hunting big game animals like whitetail deer, antelope, mule deer, elk and black bears is exciting for both new and experienced hunters. Start with the easier hunts and work your way up to the more difficult species. Knowing the habitat, food sources and effective hunting strategies for each species is key to a successful hunt.

Get the right gear and plan well and you’ll increase your chances of success. Remember to prioritize safety and ethics and have a great hunt!

FAQs

What’s the best big game animal for a beginner to hunt?

Whitetail deer are the best big game animal for beginners because they’re common and easy to find. Plus it’s a great learning experience!

Where can I hunt Wyoming antelope?

You can hunt Wyoming antelope on state land, Walk-In Areas, BLM land and some private land if you get into access programs. Just check local regulations before you go!

What are the best hunting strategies for mule deer?

Glass from high points and still hunt through their feeding areas. Use silhouette decoys during the rut to attract those mature bucks.