Top Big Game Hunts on Every Continent in the World

Thinking about embarking on a hunting adventure on another continent? 

Do you know you want to hunt somewhere outside of the continental United States, but just cannot put a finger on where it might be the perfect destination? 

When it comes to the sheer thrill of the chase, very few types of hunting surpass the excitement of game hunting. This runs true across every corner of the globe, from alpine peaks to steamy wetlands.

Now, while making the decision to pursue an international big game hunt is exciting, choosing the perfect destination can be daunting. There are countless factors to consider, such as the time of year you have availability, your budget, and your ability to travel, but one of the most important aspects of the hunt is the type of game you wish to hunt. 

To help you narrow down that one aspect of your next international hunt, we took the initiative to break down the exact species of big game that make each continent unique, and where you might have the best chance at bringing one of these beautiful beasts back to camp.

So whether you’re looking for an extreme challenge or maybe you’d prefer an easier big game hunt, there is a destination out there that is perfect for you.

North America: The Land of Giants

First on our list is North America. 

While a lot of hunters, as we mentioned, might want to get away from the United States for a hunt like this, the fact of the matter is that the continent of North America has quite the offering of big game.

1. Rocky Mountain Elk: The Majestic Monarch of the West

History

Rocky Mountain Elk have deep roots in Native American culture, commonly being used as a food source, tools, and spiritual practices. 

By the early 1900s, overhunting and habitat loss had decimated populations, but conservation efforts led by organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have restored numbers across the West.

Best Locations

Top states when it comes to elk hunting include Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, all being known for vast public lands and elk herds with strong numbers. 

While public lands offer some great DIY hunts, private game reserves like those in Utah or Idaho provide some of the best guided trophy opportunities for Elk.

2. Mule Deer: The Western Icon

History

With their oversized ears and elusive nature, mule deer have been a cornerstone of western hunting traditions since frontier days. 

Populations have fluctuated greatly due to drought, predation, and urban encroachment, but hunting tags and strong habitat work are keeping them in the running as a top game species in North America.

Best Locations

Colorado again ranks high on the list, along with Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. 

Public land is abundant for mule deer hunting, but private ranches often yield better trophy bucks, as you might imagine. 

Mule deer are most commonly hunted in the rugged terrain of the Rockies and the Great Basin.

South America: The Exotic Hunting Frontier

The second continent we will dive into here is South America, home to some of the best deer hunting opportunities in the world.

1. Marsh Deer: The Ghost of the Wetlands

History

Native to the floodplains and swamps of South America, marsh deer have long been hunted by Indigenous communities for their meat and hides. 

Modern hunting is much more tightly regulated due to the species’ vulnerability, and ethical hunts are typically run in coordination with South American conservation agencies.

Best Locations

The Pantanal region of Brazil and northern Argentina offer some great, controlled hunting zones, especially during drier months when deer can be found in more concentrated numbers. 

Hunters should also expect to have to navigate lush, wet terrain when hunting Marsh Deer, and book through government-approved outfitters.

2. White-Lipped Peccary: The Elusive Forest Dweller

History

Traveling in large herds, these rainforest omnivores have often been hunted traditionally with blowguns and spears. Due to habitat destruction and poaching, legal hunting is limited and heavily monitored.

Best Locations

They are most often found in remote areas of the Amazon Basin, especially in Brazil and Peru, which offer legal hunts with local guides. 

Hunts are often paired with eco-tourism and support for Indigenous economies.

Africa: The Holy Grail of Big Game Hunting

One of the destinations that most hunters have sitting at the top of their list is Africa, and for good reason. While the two species we cover here are by far the most popular, the continent of Africa has what seems to be an endless variety of big game opportunities. 

1. Cape Buffalo: The Black Death of the Bush

History:

A symbol of strength and danger, the Cape Buffalo has earned its nickname for its power and unpredictability. 

It’s a cornerstone species in classic East African safaris and remains one of, if not THE top target for trophy hunters. Conservation funding from buffalo hunts also supports anti-poaching and local communities, all feeding back into the Cape Buffalo’s survival as a species.

Best Locations

Top destinations for cape buffalo hunts include Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, with most hunting conducted on private concessions or community conservancies. 

Hunting outfitters are by far the best opportunity for cape buffalo hunts, as they typically offer both traditional and modern safari-style hunts.

2. Greater Kudu: The Spiral-Horned Trophy

History

Revered in African folklore, kudu have been prized for their beautiful horns and elusive nature, making for a challenging but exciting hunt. Their camouflage and stealth make them one of Africa’s most sought-after species of plains game.

Best Locations

When it comes to Kudu hot spots, Namibia and South Africa are at the top of the list due to stable populations and excellent management. Botswana also offers kudu some hunts, though quotas are tightly controlled in the area.

Europe: The Continent of Ancient Game

When it comes to hunting royalty and history, Europe has a damn good argument for why they wear the crown. With countless species and forms of hunting being accredited to having started in Europe, there is a sense of tradition that comes with a European big game hunt.

1. Eurasian Wild Boar: The Resilient Survivor

History

A favorite among medieval nobility, wild boar hunting was once, and still is, a sport for European elites. 

Today, it’s just as much of a critical wildlife management tool as a sport, due to their explosive population growth in regions like Germany and Spain.

Best Locations

As mentioned, Germany, Poland, and Romania are hotspots, with hunts often conducted at night using thermal scopes. 

Traditional drives and bowhunts are also gaining popularity in Spain and Hungary.

2. Red Deer (Stag): Europe’s Monarch of the Forest

History

Red deer are well known throughout history as a staple of European hunts.

From Scottish highlands to Spanish sierras, they’re hunted with reverence and pageantry, with there being countless centuries of tradition behind European stag hunts.. 

Conservation programs have done an amazing job of bringing them back to areas where they were nearly extinct. While countries across South America are known for some of the largest Red Stags in the world, we felt that Europe still holds the crown due to their history of Red Stag hunts and the resurgence of European stags.

Best Locations

Scotland, Austria, and Spain are all great destinations for both free-range and estate-based red stag hunts. 

The “roar” season in the fall is when stags are most active and vocal, and the perfect time for a hunt.

Asia: The Land of Legends and Mythical Hunts

While Asia and Australia might fall to the last two spots on this list, Asia does have a unique history of hunting and some great big game offerings.

1. Siberian Roe Deer: The Arctic Phantom

History

Most commonly found in icy taiga and rugged mountains, the Siberian roe deer has a long and well-known history in the world of Russian hunting. Though smaller than its European cousin, its stealth and speed presents a worthy challenge and exciting hunt.

Best Locations

Remote regions of Siberia and Mongolia are home to some strong wild populations of roe deer. Hunts here are often paired with cultural exchanges with nomadic tribes or conducted from winter camps.

2. Ibex: The Alpine King

History

Ibex have long roamed the high-altitude terrain of Central Asia, having established populations for millennia. Their impressive horns and vertical climbs make them a holy grail species for mountain hunters.

Best Locations

The Altai Mountains, Kazakhstan, and the Himalayas are a hunter’s best bet for Ibex, but offer some intense (but rewarding) hunts. Expect thin air, steep terrain, and a real test of physical endurance.

Australia & Oceania: The Land of Unique Game

Last on our list, while not commonly thought of when it comes to international big game hunts, Australia has some interesting offerings that might peak your interest.

1. Water Buffalo: The Outback Titan

History

Introduced in the 1800s, the water buffalo has since thrived in Australia’s Northern Territory. With no natural predators, they became a pest species. Today, hunting plays a vital role in population control and supports Indigenous landowners.

Best Locations

The Arnhem Land region and Queensland are the top hunting destinations for water buffalo. Bowhunting is quite popular, but most hunts are rifle-based due to the animals’ size and toughness.

Choosing Your Dream Destination

Now that you have a better understanding of what exactly each continent has to offer in terms of its prized big game species, hopefully, your decision has become a little clearer.

Yes, there are obviously a variety of other factors to consider, like we mentioned earlier, such as cost and timing, but if you saw your dream trophy on this list somewhere, there’s a good chance that continent is where you should do some deeper research!