I am looking for an out of state, DIY hunt that is different from what we witness in Alabama. If you could pick one state to hunt, where would you go? Why? I'm not partial to just whitetails. I am honestly open to anything.

I'm in KY now and there are deer everywhere. Literally everywhere. I almost walked into a doe on the sidewalk two weeks ago.

To me, go out west. Figure out some way either through $$$$, through knowledge, or through drawing the right tag to elevate your odds. It’s a very different experience than alabama. Even if it turns into a camping trip it’s pretty fun. But you want to at least know you have a chance

I’m partial to mule deer out west. Just check into how to obtain a tag in the different states. I put in for New Mexico 5 years before I was drawn. The first year I put in archery I got a tag. Also be aware of the public land areas in whatever unit you are trying for (some units don’t have as much). Some states have open gate or similar programs where ranchers allow hunters to utilize their lands as if it were public. Some give large ranches a specific number of tags and the ranchers can sell them to allow people to hunt their property.

Western KY is a great place to start. Close drive, easy to get a tag, and a legit chance at a 170” deer.

It took 5 years to get a Utah mule deer tag, and I'm expecting 2-4 for an Iowa whitetail tag. Texas sells out of state whitetail tags over the counter.

Nothing compares to the Rockies out west, but I saw more deer in my first sit in Texas that I usually see in a week in Alabama. Doesn't seem to matter whether high fence or low, they just have more deer.

Northern Missouri whitetall

Pronghorn is supposed to be one of the easier DIY public land hunts "out west"....been told it's a good one for a first time DIY hunt

N2TRKYS and I saw hundreds of those jokers in Wyoming.

WY antelope.....takes years of points on units with a lot of public land. I have 6 years of points and applied this year for an decent (not trophy) area that I've hunted before with lots of public land with access. Based on last year draw odds, 70% chance I'll get it.

The good antelope units take 12-15+ years of points to have a shot at drawing. Some units with limited public land and majority private land is easy to draw because you usually have to go through private land owners/outfitters to have a chance to hunt the unit.

Even as a WY resident, I had to draw for antelope each year and didn't get a tag yearly on non-trophy units. But, there's as many antelope as people in the state. So killing one isn't usually a problem. Getting the tag is if you want a heavy-public land unit. 54% of WY is public land, and much of it is BLM controlled where the antelope live. So, start putting in points this year--its not too late.

TX.....although I love hunting there--whitetails and mule deer--its not a DIY state IMO. 97%+ private land ownership. A few WMAs are GREAT but getting drawn there is like hitting the lottery. A few WMAs in TX are even high fenced. Anyhow, go with an reputable outfitter if you go to TX/not DIY.

As mentioned above, midwest is probably best for DIY.

Another bid on Kentucky. I haven't been there yet, but from what I've been reading there covered up in deer and the regs are pretty easy. I plan to buy points for an Iowa hunt for a few years while hunting in Kentucky. Also, Kentucky is dang close since your coming out of the Talladega area.

WY Antelope hunt. Get yourself a leftover tag and the on-X maps chip. You'll be golden.

I'm headed back this year myself...

If you can get a tag, I don't know how difficult it is as I have never tried, but Mule Deer around Steamboat Springs, CO would be amazing. I was playing in a softball tourney one year up there and we saw big ones everywhere. We had time so one day we had a guide take us on a horseback ride and saw a bunch of them. I know he told us that Elk were over the counter but we never saw one, just a load of Muleys and a couple of Blackbear. The scenery and it being different than anything here would be worth it.

Your body (physical condition) dictates what type of hunting you should do. If no limitations, I'd hunt western game. Deer are deer, just some are bigger than others. Don't get me wrong, I love deer hunting but, if I had to choose rutting deer over rutting elk, I'd be elk hunting. Also, western hunting would give you the chance to observe other animals you typically don't see. Money is another factor, if moneys no object for you, I'd hit Alaska.

Kodiak Hunting
This guy was stationed with me in Kodiak. He's a retired rescue swimmer and was an avid hunter while on active duty. Now he's living the "guide life". Great guy and a straight shooter.

For me,it would be more about where I wanted to go and see,than what I was going to be hunting.

I would love to go moose hunting in the Yukon with Jim Shockey, but the only guiding he does now is the Safari club hunt and with Evie, i'd like to go with her too.

Just remember, for every extra pound your shoes weigh over some high top light weight athletic shoes with ragged socks is approximately 1-Ton per mile of extra moved weight. A very unnecessary expenditure of energy per mile. This is extremely important at altitude.

I'd go back to Colorado for another archery elk hunt. That junk was fun. I'd be better prepared physically this time

Depends on budget and time you have. Lots of factors.

If you live bow hunting, pick a midwest state and start scouting with your computer. About 2 hours and you can narrow your focus to an area and a few public properties. Then go see them and have about 5 plans.