🦌Whitetail Deer
SE, Midwest, NE, TX
PEAK: Oct–Dec
Rut peaks mid-November across most of the country. Scout food sources in October. Entry and exit routes matter more than stand placement.
TOP CARTRIDGES
.308 Win.30-066.5 Creedmoor7mm-08.243 Win
License: Over-the-counter in most states
🫎Rocky Mountain Elk
CO, WY, MT, ID, NM, UT, AZ
PEAK: Aug–Sep (rut)
Bugling bulls respond to cow calls and bugles Sept 1–25. Public land elk require fitness — plan 10–15 mile days. Draw tags required in most units.
TOP CARTRIDGES
.300 Win Mag7mm Rem Mag.338 Win Mag6.5 Creedmoor (archery range)
License: Draw required — apply Feb–April depending on state
🦃Wild Turkey
49 states (not Alaska)
PEAK: Apr–May (spring)
Spring gobblers respond to yelps and clucks at first light. Set up before first light. Patience beats moving. Fall turkey runs Sept–Nov in most states.
TOP CARTRIDGES
12 GA #4–6 shot20 GA heavy load.410 (limited range)
License: Over-the-counter in most states
PEAK: Fall (Oct–Nov)
Bait hunting legal in some states — check regulations. Spot-and-stalk over food sources in fall. Spring bear hunts available in OR, MT, ID, AK.
TOP CARTRIDGES
.308 Win.30-06.44 Mag (handgun).350 Legend
License: Varies: OTC in some states, draw in others
🦆Waterfowl (Duck/Goose)
All 4 flyways
PEAK: Nov–Jan
Federal duck stamp required ($25) for hunters 16+. Scout migration maps by flyway. Timber hole hunting produces in flooded fields. Cold fronts push birds south.
TOP CARTRIDGES
12 GA steel shot (required)3" and 3.5" loads#2 or #BB steel for geese
License: Federal Duck Stamp + state license required
🦌Mule Deer
Western states — CO, WY, UT, NV, AZ, NM
PEAK: Oct–Nov
Spot-and-stalk on high ridgelines. Glassing is the skill — cover country before committing. Bucks often bed below ridgelines on the downwind side.
TOP CARTRIDGES
.308 Win6.5 Creedmoor.30-067mm Rem Mag
License: Draw required in most states
