Have you ever heard the story about a giant 1600 lb grizzly bear that attacked a state park worker, only to die feet from his would-be meal? Well, the story is here. The truth is the titanic grizzly was ten feet tall and weighed somewhere between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds. Perhaps the most interesting part of the story was that the bear was not shot while charging. It never had a chance as a skilled hunter was the one who brought the ursine brute down for good.
Talk about bragging rights. But aside from fireside chat with a few beers, big game hunting offers so much more. Man pitted against beast, the pristine wilderness, and the solitary experience all culminate into one unforgettable journey. Here are the four top Big Game opportunities in the United States.
A Note before Embarkation
It is good idea take a hunter education course, especially if you plan to bring first-time hunters along on your hunt. There are great websites, like huntercourse.com, that cover all the hunting legalese, etiquette, and safety. Many states require a hunting license, and a hunting certification is often honored across state borders.
1. Grizzly Bear – Alaska
Photo by Shellie via Wikimedia Commons
The grizzly bear population in Alaska is at an all-time high. Depending on the location, grizzly bears can weigh in excess of 1000 lbs and stand nine feet tall on two legs. The Stoney River Lodge is one hunting lodge that offers a variety of Alaskan game, including black bear and grizzlies.
2. Hog Hunting – Florida
Photo by NASA via Wikimedia Commons
Hogs in Florida can be huge, and are one of the apex predators of the area. Okeechobee Outfitters specializes in hunting turkey, wild boars, and exotic animals such as alligator. The lodge is located in the middle of the Seminole Indian Reservation with more than 36,000 acres filled with a self-sustained herd of wild boar.
3) Bighorn Sheep – Oregon
Photo by Desert_Bighorn_Sheep_Joshua_Tree_4.JPG: Magnus Kjaergaard via Wikimedia Commons
Oregon, particularly the John Day River area, is the premier place to find Bighorn Sheep. If you hunt the river, plan to float by raft for a good part of the day. And don’t shoot the first ram you see! It can be hard to tell the difference between a 150 inch ram and a 175 inch ram if it’s your first time hunting. Let your guide help you.
4. American Bison – Montana
Photo by Jack Dykinga via Wikimedia Commons
There are few animals that possess the raw size and strength of the American Bison. Violent when agitated, these wooly beasts are hunted from a distanced and are not approachable. Bison meat tastes very similar to beef but with much less fat. In addition to the meat you will also take away the coveted bison hide which can be used as a rug, wall hanging or bedspread.
Buffalo travel in herds and so need to be hunted accordingly. High adventure ranch is a hunting lodge in the area that has a long standing of reputation customer satisfaction.
