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, while Alaska and California are home to the elusive black-tail, Nevada and Utah and several other states have mule deer, and the diminutive Coues deer can be found in Arizona.
How do you hunt a deer? East of the U.S. center spot the treestand is king, with the South and Texas also utilizing ground blinds. The Northeast’s quiet forests and those of the Pacific coast can be great for spot-and-stalk hunts, while long-range glassing and a tactical approach to getting within range are the provenance of western states. For a unique thrill, the South’s deer drives, often using dogs, are about fast shots, filled tags and a celebration feast for the community.
(Trivia: The only state that lacks a native deer population is Hawaii!).