The Best States for Hunting Ranches

Owning a ranch provides ranchers with many benefits, such as immersing themselves in nature on a daily basis. Whether you choose the wide-open spaces of Colorado, Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming, you will always have access to some of the most spectacular terrain and vistas in the world. But one of the major attractions for many people heading out West is big game hunting.

The mixture of terrain and vegetation, coupled with small human populations, makes the area the perfect habitat for an abundance of wildlife. While many people visit out West for hunting trips, some people are tempted to purchase their own property. In this post, we will explore three of the best states for hunting ranches.

Factors to Consider

Finding an ideal spot for a hunting ranch depends on many factors such as budget, acreage, location, type of hunting available, and access to local amenities and transport infrastructure. Each state has its own regulations regarding hunting licenses and seasons, with some landowners qualifying for private landowner tags.

If you want to hunt a specific type of animal, you will need to search for properties that have ideal cover, vegetation, and water sources for these species to thrive. Locations near national parks and national forests are usually good places to choose due to the level of conservation and lack of development in the area. If your property is the ideal habitat for big game, they may wander down to your property.

Colorado

If you like hunting elk, there is no better place than Colorado. The state is home to the largest population of elk anywhere in America, including the largest herd in North America: the White River Elk Herd. In addition to elk, there are large numbers of mule deer, pronghorn, and whitetail deer, with different hunting options available throughout the season.

There are over 23 million acres of public land scattered throughout the state, framed by the majestic Rockies. If you are looking for more privacy, there is a great variety of private hunting lodges or even the option to own a plot on the exclusive private community of Elk Creek Ranch.

Montana

Big Sky Country has some of the best huntable lands anywhere in the United States with large populations of pronghorn, bighorn, elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, black bears, moose, and bison wandering the lands. Montana is also an excellent spot for waterfowl and upland bird hunting, as it lies on key migratory routes.

While the state doesn’t have the largest elk population in the United States, it is well-known for its big bulls.

Wyoming

Wyoming is another excellent state for elk hunting due to the large numbers that traverse the Rocky Mountains. The national forests and the immense Yellowstone National Park provide perfect habitats for elk and a variety of challenging hunts. Heading East, Platte County has one of the largest population of elk in the state.

If you are interested in other species of big game, there are many great opportunities throughout the state. Moose can be found in the mountainous areas, while the Green River area is perfect for mule deer.

A Sound Investment: Hunting Ranches in Utah

Utah is an ideal hunting destination with its mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and national parks creating prime habitats for a variety of big game and waterfowl. No matter whether you are looking for challenging hunts in the mountains or enjoying leisurely hunting trips within your property, Utah has something to offer all kinds of huntsmen.

Trophy Hunting on Ranches in Colorado

Colorado is known as one of the leading states for trophy hunting, especially when it comes to mule deer and elk. The combination of elevations and vegetation, as well as abundant water resources, makes it an ideal habitat for these two big game species. The state also provides numerous recreational activities to enjoy when not hunting.