How to Plan a Multi-State Hunt in One Season
Turning One Season into Multiple Adventures
For hunters who crave variety or want to maximize opportunity, planning a multi-state hunt in a single season is a rewarding challenge. North Dakota, for example, is a prime destination for early September whitetail hunting, offering unique opportunities due to its early opening days. Additionally, the challenges and strategic importance of applying for moose tags cannot be overstated. Whether you’re chasing elk in Colorado, whitetail in Kansas, and mule deer in Wyoming—or mixing in upland birds and waterfowl—understanding draw odds and prioritizing quality hunts can help you create a hunting schedule that stretches across borders without stretching your budget or your patience.
Know the Seasons and Species
Start by researching season dates in each state. For instance, states like Montana and Wyoming offer a general elk license that can be easier to obtain compared to limited quota permits. Understanding draw odds and point systems for antelope hunting is crucial for planning effective hunting trips. Many western states offer earlier archery seasons, mid-season rifle windows, and late hunts for muzzleloaders. Additionally, focusing on easier to draw hunts can help you maximize your chances of securing tags and planning a seamless hunting season. Consider how different species and weapons overlap. Hunting pressure can affect game density and trophy quality, making it important to choose your hunts wisely. This allows you to stack hunts with minimal gaps and avoid unnecessary downtime. Mapping out a calendar helps you visualize how hunts can be chained together across state lines.
Understand Licensing and Application Deadlines
Some tags are over-the-counter, others require points or lottery applications months in advance. The application season, typically spanning from the end of a hunting season into the spring and early summer, is critical for planning and submitting applications. Keep a detailed list of deadlines and application results. Prioritize the toughest draws first, then build the rest of your season around what you are drawn for or plan to purchase. Understanding how preference points work in each state can significantly influence your application strategy and increase your chances of drawing the desired tags. Building points is essential to enhance draw odds for quality hunts, as accumulating points can secure permits for desirable hunting options. Don’t overlook walk-in programs, leftover tags, or landowner vouchers in states that offer them. Developing a comprehensive application strategy that includes backup plans and budget considerations can improve your overall success.
Budgeting for the Season
Multiple hunts mean more expenses—licenses, fuel, lodging, gear, food, and possibly meat processing or shipping. Hunting on public land can be a cost-effective option, as many states offer vast tracts of accessible land for hunting. Estimate the total cost of each trip ahead of time and be honest about what’s feasible. However, hunting on private land may offer less competition and better conditions, though it often comes with additional costs. Some hunters save year-round for a big season, while others offset costs by camping or sharing travel and gear with partners. A well-built budget keeps things realistic and enjoyable.
Plan Your Travel Smart
Look at your destinations on a map and plan a route that reduces backtracking. Consider the trade-off between applying for a high-quality hunting experience in one state versus seeking more frequent hunts by applying in multiple states. Before you leave home, ensure you have all necessary permits and have planned your route to minimize travel time. Combine nearby states in the same trip and consider camping close to state borders when chasing overlapping hunts. When hunting unfamiliar territory, it’s crucial to allow extra time for scouting and adapting to new conditions. If you’re traveling by truck, organize your gear in bins or duffels by hunt to keep things efficient and avoid digging through everything at each stop.
Manage Meat and Processing
If you’re successful early in the trip, you’ll need a plan for cooling and storing meat. Proper planning for meat storage and processing is essential for ensuring harvest success and maintaining the quality of your game. Bring coolers with frozen water jugs or dry ice, and know where to find processors along your route. Some hunters coordinate shipping meat home or donate it locally if travel logistics make keeping it unworkable. Check transport rules for each state, especially if crossing state lines with wild game.
Staying Legal Across Borders
Every state has different regulations on blaze orange, shooting hours, carcass transport, and tagging. Some states offer controlled hunts with specific regulations and limited entry, so it's important to understand these rules to stay compliant. Download the latest hunting guides and store them in a binder or on your phone. Many states now offer mobile apps with maps, tagging tools, and reporting systems. Read up on CWD zones, carcass restrictions, and proof-of-sex requirements, especially if planning to drive meat or antlers between states.
Pack with Precision
With multiple hunts, you’ll need clothing and gear for a variety of climates and game. When planning to hunt challenging species like bighorn sheep, ensure you have the appropriate gear for high-altitude and rugged terrain. If you’re planning to hunt challenging species like mountain goat, ensure you have the appropriate gear for high-altitude and rugged terrain. Pack your clothing system in labeled bags—early season, cold weather, waterfowl, upland. Keep your weapons clean and locked between hunts, and bring cleaning kits to maintain them. Make a checklist for each hunt and stick to it to avoid forgetting essentials as the season wears on.
Be Flexible
Weather changes, draw results vary, and plans fall through. Staying flexible also means being prepared for the upcoming season by having backup plans and alternative hunts in mind. The most successful multi-state hunters are those who can pivot and adapt. If a hunt goes poorly or you tag out early, use extra time to scout new ground or try a small game hunt nearby. A flexible attitude keeps the trip fun even when conditions aren’t ideal.
FAQs
How many states can I realistically hunt in one season?
Most hunters can manage two or three states, especially if focusing on several western states with overlapping seasons and opportunities. However, focusing on hunting in a single state can impose limitations and requires strategic planning to maximize opportunities. It depends on your time off, budget, and how flexible your travel is.
Do I need to apply for tags in every state?
Not always. Some states offer over-the-counter tags or leftover draws. Understanding the point system is crucial as it directly affects your draw odds and the likelihood of obtaining hunting tags. Prioritize draws early and fill in with OTC tags as needed to ensure you have hunting opportunities even if you don’t draw your first choices.
What’s the best way to handle meat on a long trip?
Use high-quality coolers with frozen jugs or dry ice. For example, black bears require specific handling techniques to ensure the meat stays fresh and safe for consumption. Process locally if possible, or ship meat home if your route or weather makes long-term storage risky.
Can I transport game meat across state lines?
Yes, but check regulations. Some states have restrictions tied to CWD or require proof of sex and tagging to stay with the meat. For instance, New Mexico has specific regulations regarding the transport of game meat to prevent the spread of diseases.
Is it worth doing multiple hunts in one season?
Absolutely, if you plan ahead and stay organized, multiple hunts can lead to great hunts and memorable experiences. It’s a great way to maximize your season, see new country, and grow as a hunter.