Join the
+ONE® MOVEMENT
From small game and upland birds to big game, waterfowl and even the creatures that define the term “top of the food chain," hunting offers a priceless bond with the natural world, food for the table and a welcome respite from the world’s daily grind.
Learn MoreAll About Hunting
From small game and upland birds to big game, waterfowl and even the creatures that define the term “top of the food chain,” hunting offers a priceless bond with the natural world, food for the table and a welcome respite from the world’s daily grind.
GET STARTED IN HUNTING
If just one in three hunters add one new person to our hunting traditions, we’ll secure a strong future for generations to come. Be the one. Ignite the passion that can change the course of someone’s life forever. For all hunting has done to enrich your life, join the +ONE movement and invite someone hunting. Share your experience with posts on social media. #PlusOneMovement.
+ONE Partner Organizations
Working together to encourage responsible mentorship in local communities.
FIND A RANGE
Hunting ACTIVITIES
Deer Hunting
Hear the words “deer hunting” and you’ll likely think of the ubiquitous whitetail—and for good reason. You can find this species in 44 states, usually in plentiful numbers on private and public lands. In five of the six states the whitetail doesn’t call home, you can still deer hunt, but in Alaska and California it will be for the elusive black-tail, Nevada and Utah are home on the range for mule deer, and Coues deer have Arizona for an address. (Trivia: The only state that lacks a native deer population is Hawaii!).
Hunting ACTIVITIES
Pheasants
With a helicopter rise at the flush preceding its zippy horizontal flight for yonder, a long tail that’s distracted more than a few hunters to miss and a cackle that mocks when you do, this gaudy bird reigns the world of upland bird hunting. So popular is this bird in the vast plains of the Midwest that opening day is legitimate cause to skip school, work, church and afternoon college football. If you’ve ever been to an opening day in Pierre, South Dakota, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
Hunting ACTIVITIES
Elk
Considered one of the most majestic animals on the continent, the Rocky Mountain elk is emblematic of western hunting. From the bugling of herd bull monarchs keeping their harems of cows in line to the breathtaking vistas and, oh, those towering tiers of antlers, this is a prized experience for anyone with the patience to hike the miles and put the hours in behind a binocular to plan a stall. Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah are always top destinations, but reintroduced populations in states like Kansas, Kentucky,
Hunting ACTIVITIES
Wild Turkeys
They’re not just for Thanksgiving anymore! In fact, America’s wild turkeys are as much a sign that spring is here as the Easter bunny. With eyesight that puts an eagle to shame and an all-too-often reluctance to come within range despite the lively “conversation” between bird and a hunter’s slate call, spring turkey seasons are a challenge that see camo-clad, shotgunners head to the woods and fields in droves.
Hunting ACTIVITIES
Waterfowl
Four flyways, colorful species small and large, the art of the decoy and the thrill of a Labrador retriever leaping over the boat’s bow to make an enthusiastic retrieve of goose or duck make waterfowling one of the most thrilling hunting sports around. It’s also one of the oldest—drawings of waterfowl have been found in Ice Age caves, Egyptian tombs and even the artwork of B.C.-era Peru. America’s earliest settlers from “across the pond” found their new home in the East boasted a nearly unlimited supply of ducks, geese and swans—good eating for starving Colonials.
Find a preserve
WHERE TO HUNT
Wingshooting
Hunting preserves—private, regulated properties that stock game animals—are a great resource for hunters. They provide a controlled environment and an increased chance for success. Big-game preserves often include one-on-one guiding, great for novices, while upland bird preserves are a favorite for training young bird dogs.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Hunting Basics And Tips
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Hunting safety is the first priorityWatch a safety video or take a hunter education course to learn more. |
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Read hunting laws and regulationsHunting laws and regulations vary from state to state. Learn more. |
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Wear proper hunting gearThe more comfortable you are, the longer you’ll hunt and the better the chances for success. |
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Essential hunting equipmentCheck out where to buy hunting firearms and ammo for your next trip. |
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Go with a friendInvite someone new hunting. Check out the apprenticeship hunting program. |
Obtaining A Hunting License
Hunting licenses can be purchased at various places, including local firearms retailers and angler supply stores, as well as directly from the local wildlife management departments online. States usually require hunters to take a hunter education course before they take to the woods, but many make exceptions if the hunter will be accompanied by a fully licensed and experienced hunter through an apprenticeship program.
Celebrate National Hunting & Fishing Day
Celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day!
On the fourth Saturday of every September, NHF Day recognizes generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the conservation of our nation’s rich sporting heritage and natural resources. One of the main goals of National Hunting and Fishing Day is to recruit new hunters and anglers by encouraging participation and increasing public awareness of the connection between hunting, angling, and conservation. Through self-imposed fees and excise taxes, sportsmen and women have raised more than $57 billion--that’s more than $100,000 every 30 minutes being raised for conservation. Now on its 51st year, NHF Day is the largest, most effective grassroots movement ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and conservation. Launched by Congress in 1971 and heavily promoted by NSSF for decades, NHF Day is now administered by Wonders of Wildlife Museum and has consistently recognized hunters and anglers for their leadership in wildlife and conservation. Find national, state, regional and local organizations hosting related events.Get Started
Hunting, Fishing, and Shooting Sports are not just great American pastimes – they are the very foundation that supports the model of wildlife conservation created more than a century ago in this country. By introducing new audiences to these activities, we ensure that wildlife and wild places will be protected for generations to come. Hunting is a useful and beneficial wildlife management tool that ensures and maintains the health and abundance of game species and the balance of our natural resources. There are a number of species, from upland birds to big game animals to hunt. Learn more about these species from game bird and game animal organizations.Take the Pledge
Take the pledge and submit a photo of you engaging in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, or shooting to enter our exclusive NHF Day giveaway featuring a custom hat, stickers, and a Bass Pro Shops gift card!Share Your Images
Upload an image of you hunting, fishing or target shooting and tag @NHFday on social media using the hashtag #GuideToOutside or Upload an image to be featured here!10 Interesting Hunting Social Media Posts This Week
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Rare Albino Moose.
Located in Alaska—Awesome to see. 🎥: @thealaskalife #TheLegendLives #AlbinoMoose #Outdoors pic.twitter.com/fBDOYlm8fE — Field & Stream (@FieldandStream) October 1, 2024
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Babe Ruth didn't just set records on the baseball field. ⚾️https://t.co/Zf1pxXDzCs
— Deer & Deer Hunting (@deerhuntingmag) October 3, 2024
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WATCH: Opening Day: Minnesota. Link below!
The first installment of our new annual Opening Day film. This year’s story features Bob St. Pierre and the Hildebrand Family. This film is about friendship, family, and the importance in passing on our bird hunting traditions. This is… pic.twitter.com/MtrjHVKUlT — Quail Forever (@quail4ever) October 3, 2024
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Somebody say ROOSTER? pic.twitter.com/51sRJxeqaX
— Cabela's (@Cabelas) October 2, 2024
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I think this is one of the largest Eurasian brown bears that I have ever caught on camera. #Transylvania #wildlife #cameratrap #trailcamera #brownbear pic.twitter.com/D8Pdx1sPaH
— Paul White (@p_aulwhite) October 2, 2024
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View this post on InstagramA post shared by El Chaparral Ranch ®Official (@elchaparralranchofficial)
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Follow LetsGoHunting on twitter and stay tuned for more updates from the hunting community.Like and share if this is you! - Public Land Whitetails #ITSINOURBLOOD #outdoors #deer #deerseason #trailcam #picture #whitetail #trailcampic pic.twitter.com/xBB6bJy8CT
— Sportsman Channel (@SPORTSMANchnl) October 2, 2024
9 Eye-Catching Hunting Tweets This Week
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It's September, of course we had to share one of our favorite elk covers circa 1922.
Tap the link if you’re interested in owning this cover: https://t.co/92yroA2piG #elk #elkhunting #elkseason #bullelk #outdoors #outdoorlife #coverart #magazinecover pic.twitter.com/VNGe7RtUb6 — Outdoor Life (@outdoorlife) September 9, 2024
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MAJESTIC, MAGICAL and MAGNIFICENT!
THIS IS WHY… . .#Yukon @rogueriveroutfittersyukon pic.twitter.com/iYuRjI437L — Jim Shockey (@JimShockey_) September 8, 2024
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Dialed in. pic.twitter.com/l3T02j0yZk
— Springfield Armory® (@Springfield_Inc) September 7, 2024
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We are less than a month away from opening day here in Iowa🔥 Who has already been hunting this year?? #ozonics #ozonicshunting #hunting #bigbucks #iowa #hr600 #bowhunting pic.twitter.com/HeuSeMCrv6
— Ozonics Hunting (@OzonicsHunting) September 10, 2024
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Ducks Unlimited released their State Waterfowl Survey, giving waterfowlers a peek at what to expect this season. Here are the 24-25 duck numbers via WILDFOWL Magazine: https://t.co/dCRxbML1cI#FindYourAdventure #outdoors #duck #duckseason #ducks #ducksunlimited #numbers pic.twitter.com/tnnsRo70cf
— Outdoor Channel (@OUTDChannel) September 11, 2024
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How to Grip a Compound Bow for Better Hunting Accuracy https://t.co/nb1tQ96kAx
— Outdoor Life (@outdoorlife) September 11, 2024
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Adventure awaits. . . .#hornady #hornadyammo pic.twitter.com/J8HSAgCFMn
— Hornady (@TeamHornady) September 10, 2024
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Stocking up for winter...#spypoint #trailcamera #trailcam #whatgetsyououtdoors #gamecamera #trailcams #whyispypoint #trailcameras pic.twitter.com/m8GCPv5oRx
— SPYPOINT Trail Cameras (@SpypointCamera) September 10, 2024
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Follow LetsGoHunting on twitter and stay tuned for more updates from the hunting community.Do you have history with a buck you are after this season? - @deersociety #ITSINOURBLOOD #outdoors #deer #deerseason #history #whitetail #whitetaildeer pic.twitter.com/EJu77K3UwZ
— Sportsman Channel (@SPORTSMANchnl) September 13, 2024
10 Early Season Hunting Tweets You Should See This Week
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Congrats to 8-year-old Connor Jackson who killed this Aiken County Beast!!! Way to go young man! - Shared by Carolina Sportsman#ITSINOURBLOOD #hunting #outdoors #deer #deerseason #whitetail #velvet #velvetbuck #southcarolina pic.twitter.com/vj5WSkW3z3
— Sportsman Channel (@SPORTSMANchnl) September 1, 2024
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Start them young 🗣️
They will never forget these moments. 🎥: @nicolenorth_00#LegendsInTheMaking #ElkHunting #KidsOfTheOutdoors pic.twitter.com/UGFxahXCwt — Field & Stream (@FieldandStream) August 30, 2024
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“There’s something special about an early season, archery antelope hunt. It sets you up for the fall like no other hunt. You have to shoot well, make precise movements, and not be seen. If you don’t, you’ll quickly be reminded.” - Identical Draw pic.twitter.com/nkVftdjeGF
— Vortex Optics (@VortexOptics) September 3, 2024
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BACK FROM SPIKE CAMP WITH OUR CARIBOU SHED ANTLER HAUL! #yukon pic.twitter.com/PgXtQH6mYz
— Jim Shockey (@JimShockey_) September 6, 2024
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It is officially 'Safety Click & Tail Wag' eve.
We hope everyone out in the field for Opening Day of Dove Season stays safe and finds success 🐦 🎥: @grumpyduckco #TheLegendLives #DoveSeason #Hunting #LaborDay pic.twitter.com/64Vj0AoMPo — Field & Stream (@FieldandStream) August 31, 2024
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The National Wild Turkey Federation is hosting its Conservation Week Sept. 22-28 to bring awareness and excitement around natural resources conservation and the critical role hunters play in creating Healthy Habitats and Health Harvests. Read More: https://t.co/1SBP7xnhYE
— The National Wild Turkey Federation (@NWTF_official) September 6, 2024
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Are you shooting or are you passing?! 📸: @DruryOutdoors pic.twitter.com/5GCY7bPe7v
— Cabela's (@Cabelas) September 4, 2024
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Finally, a traffic jam worth tolerating. #estespark #colorado #rmef #elk #huntingisconservation pic.twitter.com/9Sdk7vzrUx
— Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (@RMEF) September 3, 2024
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Happy #NationalWildlifeDay! Did you know Arizona is the most biologically diverse inland state and home to 800+ species? To learn more about our science-based wildlife conservation efforts, visit https://t.co/fYKVEGVsni pic.twitter.com/q4LdWWjws0
— Arizona Game & Fish (@azgfd) September 4, 2024
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Follow LetsGoHunting on twitter and stay tuned for more updates from the hunting communityGetting our rattling horns ready.#Realtree #RealtreeAPX pic.twitter.com/PhmiiSuRhU
— Realtree (@Realtree) September 6, 2024
Top 9 Must-Read Outdoor Tweets This Week
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Show Time! #eastmans pic.twitter.com/YlkIVbTQyH
— Eastmans' Hunting (@eastmans) August 27, 2024
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Congrats to Mark from @TheGivenRight - Hunting on his dandy early season 205" Velvet Muley. Now that is how you start off a season! #ITSINOURBLOOD #hunting #outdoors #deer #deerseason #muledeer #muleyhunting pic.twitter.com/h1uReCSxCB
— Sportsman Channel (@SPORTSMANchnl) August 26, 2024
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RMEF after dark. #rmef #elk #huntingisconservation #SaturdayMood pic.twitter.com/Us5yvq7wc2
— Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (@RMEF) August 18, 2024
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VELVET MONSTER SPOTTED IN IOWA😳 They don’t call it ‘Land of the Giants’ for nothing… Wow. Video: David Blum pic.twitter.com/IyoKMEEpZ2
— Drury Outdoors (@DruryOutdoors) August 20, 2024
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Duck hunters watching their fishing buddies, patiently waiting on hunting season.
🎥: @meatball_summit#TheLegendLives #GoodDog #Fishing #Hunting #Outdoors pic.twitter.com/NCLW9Sqd9L — Field & Stream (@FieldandStream) August 24, 2024
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The wait is almost over.#Realtree pic.twitter.com/8GgaK3M7VJ
— Realtree (@Realtree) August 27, 2024
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Happy National Dog Day from the good girls and boys here at Vortex HQ! #VortexNation #VortexOptics #NationalDogDay #Dog #BestFriend pic.twitter.com/GwC7jYVrg5
— Vortex Optics (@VortexOptics) August 26, 2024
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No words needed.#eastmans pic.twitter.com/w9dEY5pDoB
— Eastmans' Hunting (@eastmans) August 25, 2024
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Follow LetsGoHunting on twitter and stay tuned for more updates from the hunting communityHere are the 3 most important things for antler growth! #deer #deerhunting pic.twitter.com/4NUcr6hFy8
— Deer & Deer Hunting (@deerhuntingmag) August 25, 2024