The best bowhunting destinations are areas that are exclusively earmarked for bowhunters. However, these are few and far between, especially because other types of hunting tend to be more popular as a recreational activity for many people across the world.
Some of the places listed here are open only to bowhunters, while others are shared with hunting enthusiasts wielding a wide range of weapons.
Preparing for Your Hunting Trip
If you’re going to a bowhunting destination out of state or even overseas, make sure that you have everything you’ll need for the trip. Apart from your mandatory equipment, don’t forget your license and tags as well. Familiarize yourself with the local hunting regulations and have all the necessary paperwork in order.
Here are a few other tips to remember:
- Pack for warmth. Bring a warm sweater, hat, coat, and gloves. If you’re planning to camp out, bring some sleeping pads to protect you from the cold.
- Have your rain gear with you. Some bowhunters prefer to stay at camp when it’s raining. However, as long as you have a waterproof raincoat with you, you’re good to go.
- When hunting, ensure that you pack enough water and sustenance to give you energy while you wait.
Best Bowhunting Destinations
Here are just a few of the best places in the world to go bowhunting:
- Arkansas, USA
There are more than 30 archery only, designated areas in Arkansas covering over 62,000 acres for whitetails. Although there is an allocated season where firearm hunters are allowed to hunt deer in the area, for the rest of the year, only bowhunters are allowed access to these spots.
An important thing to remember is that the state government only allows 40 tags for some units. This means hunters must shoot a doe before they become eligible to take a buck. Moreover, bowhunters can only harvest whitetails that already have four or more points on one antler.
- Alaska, USA
Alaska has always been a favorite state for all types of hunters. Many parts are still regarded as wild and untouched. It is home to species like the Sitka blacktails, muskox, caribou, moose, bear and other wildlife rarely found in any other state in the country.
What makes Alaska a prime hunting destination for bowhunters is moose. Taking these giants with a bow can be quite a challenge, and is definitely a unique experience for intermediate to advanced bowhunters.
If you are planning a trip to Alaska, make sure that you take some time to visit Kodiak Island. Not only will you find a large amount of blacktail deer that you can hunt, it is also home to some of the largest specimens of brown bears.
- Alberta, Canada
Alberta has a lot of big-game species including the Rocky Mountain elk, Canada moose, cougars, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep. However, most of the hunting areas are located on private land. If you are not a resident, you are required to hunt with a guide.
There are specific times during the year that you’ll find yourself hunting with other hunters. However, most of the time, the local government only allows bowhunters to legally hunt in the area.
- South Island, New Zealand
If you want to hunt amidst the beautiful backdrop of Middle Earth, South Island is the perfect place for you. The island is not just the filming location of the Lord of the Rings movies, it also offers some of the best deer hunting experiences anywhere in the world.
The landscape is breathtaking so you won’t get bored while waiting for game. More importantly, there are no hunting seasons and you don’t need to apply for a license. You can just set up camp and hunt to your heart’s content.
Conclusion
Bowhunting requires careful planning, problem solving and smart strategies. There are plenty of places that offer the ideal terrain and game to make your experience a good one. Make sure you choose a location that offers the perfect combination of adventure, safety and comfort. You want to have a memorable experience and you won’t get that with just any run-of-the mill weekend hunt.
