Although you may enjoy hunting the really big game animals such as cougars and black bears, sometimes an outdoor enthusiast has to - as comedian Steve Martin is fond of saying - get small. Many furbearing animals, though small in size, can yield trophies which are both beautiful and valuable.
One of the best places to find these furry creatures is Idaho, a state that is best known for its potatoes. The Department of Fish & Game (*DFG*) manages the harvest of the following furbearing species in Idaho:

• Badger
• Beaver
• Bobcat
• Red fox
• Marten
• Mink
• Muskrat
• River otter
• Raccoon

Though it's fairly easy to catch a spud (they don't put up much of a fight), there's a certain amount of skill involved in targeting and trapping one of the species listed above. The goal of any good trapper is the safe, humane capture of the target animal; it's also essential to avoid destroying their natural habitats when you are going for pelts or trophies.
Besides trapping, the Idaho DFG allows you to hunt badgers, raccoons, red foxes and bobcats. It's also possible to hunt spotted skunks, ermines and coyotes, all of which have been classified as predatory animals by the state (lynx and wolves are off-limits). The DFG also requires you to purchase your license, tags and permits before you start the hunt, but you can buy these online or over the phone.
If you don't want to keep your trophy, it is possible to sell the pelts, which can be made into fur coats. No matter what you choose to do with your pelts, trapping is an art that requires patience, timing and spending quite a bit of time in harsh weather. For long hunts, a pair of Baffin Trapper boots can keep your feet warm and dry (they have a comfort rating that starts as low as -76 degrees).
For a chance to really "go fur" some different types of game animals, Idaho is the place to go.
Sources:
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt/rules/ug/
http://www.nationaltrappers.com/

Though they may resemble Arnold, the television-loving pig from the classic sitcom Green Acres, the collared peccary of Arizona is anything but domesticated. Also known as the "Javelina," because of its razor-sharp tusks, this bad-tempered creature does make a great trophy animal for hunters with skill, cunning and patience.

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), the collared peccary is a relatively new addition to their state. This animal evolved in South America before coming north to hang out in the United States.

As the name indicates, the collared peccary has a ring of white fur around its neck, distinguishing it from pigs and hogs. They travel in families or groups, living on a diet that consists of roots, beans and nuts. One of their main sources of nutrition, however, is the prickly pear, which might explain their somewhat nasty disposition.

If you are planning a trip to Arizona to collar a peccary, keep in mind that this game animal likes to hang out near permanent sources of water. DesertUsa.com also reminds peccary hunters that these critters have poor eyesight but really good hearing, so it pays to be patient and quiet during the hunt.

Like a sleeping dog laying the sun, the collared peccary isn't terribly vicious unless it feels threatened by humans or other animals. Since they do hang out in packs if you aren't careful, you could find yourself on the run from an angry group of peccaries (those tusks can leave you with a permanent reminder of your trip).

In Arizona, hunting season for the collared peccary takes place in January and February, starting with archery, and then followed by handgun, muzzleloader and rifle. While going for a trophy, you may want to slip on a pair of Bogs Roper boots. This all-purpose piece of footwear can keep your feet warm and dry in the areas that peccaries prefer.

Arizona does offer ample opportunities to bring home a collared peccary trophy, provided of course, that you don't make a pig of yourself.

Resources:
http://www.osaaventura.com/articles/peccary.htm
http://www.desertusa.com/magnov97/nov_pap/du_collpecc.html
http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/game_javelina.shtml

Like other pastimes, t*he love of hunting typically is passed down from parents to their children and so on.* In this era of home computers and video games, however, it's sometimes easier to get a young person to fire a simulated gun than to teach them how to safely shoot a real rifle.

To promote hunting in their state, the folks at the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) have started a program that they call "Pass It On." Intended to introduce new hunters to the sport, this program also aims to keep experienced shooters coming back to Kansas with a series of "special hunts" each year.

One of the most frustrating parts about going after trophies in some spots is too many hunters and too few big game animals. "Pass It On" takes care of this problem by offering access to areas of Kansas that normally are closed to hunters. For the novice, these special trips are a great introduction to the sport while more experienced hunters should relish the chance to stalk big game in a less crowded environment.

Beginning hunters may get discouraged by the long, cold hours it can take to find a good trophy animal, which makes the North Face Men's Novelty Nuptse Vest a good investment for the novice. With insulation made of goose down, the Nuptse Vest can keep you warm and dry while you learn the fine art of tracking and stalking.

The KDWP sponsors special hunts for deer, duck, geese and upland birds such as pheasant and quail. Some of the hunts are designed for young people and hunters with special needs, so make sure to visit the KDWP web site before applying for a hunt. The deadline for applications for the next set of Kansas special hunts is July 15, 2009.

Hunting is a tradition that has been around for countless generations, and the KDWP wants to ensure that the sport continues to thrive. Their efforts already have made big game hunting even more special.

Source:
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/layout/set/print/Hunting/Special-Hunts

Among his many other humorous habits, Jerome "Curly" Howard occasionally liked to look at the sky in the "Three Stooges" comedies and say, "Look at the grouse." If you want to be like Curly, you can either shave your head or head to Alaska to bag some of these interesting game birds.

The 49th state claims a few different grouse species, including:

· Blue grouse, which can become as large as 3.5 pounds. According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (DF&G), these birds enjoy a diet of hemlock and spruce needles during the winter months. In the spring, the males are able to hoot with the help of a yellow air sac.

· The ruffed grouse, a bird that enjoys a diet that includes blueberries, aspen buds and cranberries.

· Known for their short, pointed tail and wings with white spots, the sharp-tailed grouse can be found in the Yukon River Valley.

Bagging each type of grouse requires good timing and the right technique. Alaska's DF&G recommends going after the hooting blue grouse males in April and May. For the spruce grouse hunter, heading to Alaska in September or October is the best choice.

According to Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, a grouse hunter needs a shotgun, boots and some blaze-orange clothing; target practice and a sense of humor don't hurt, either. To keep from grousing when hunting for grouse, invest in a Mountain Hardwear Dragon Jacket. This sturdy piece of gear comes in a bright yellow-orange color called "Tiger" and can help you deal with the cold Alaskan weather.

Sources:
www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/bird/grouse.php
www.wnrmag.com/stories/1997/oct97/grouse.htm

When talking about the great state of Georgia, most people immediately think about peaches, peanuts and the gorgeous Southern ladies on the 1980's sitcom "Designing Women." For big game hunters with a taste for something different, though, Georgia also offers some opportunities to bring home an alligator trophy.

Once an endangered species, the American alligator population has grown to such a manageable size in recent years that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) allows a limited number to be harvested each year. If you are interested in bagging your own gator, you have to submit an application online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com.

The fortunate few who receive a permit also need to buy an alligator license for $50. Hunting is allowed only in zones determined by the DNR, and if selected, your permit allows you to go after alligators in one zone only. Georgia does permit up to three people to apply together as a hunting party, however.

The Peach State doesn't put any restrictions on the time of day when you can stalk a gator, which means hunting can take place in the dead of night. Hand-held ropes, harpoons and snatch hooks are all allowed during the hunt.

No matter when you hunt, stealth is essential in getting an alligator trophy, which makes the Columbia Montlake Gear Bag L a good piece of gear to have on hand. With sturdy handles and camouflage coloring, this bag holds what you need and helps you blend into the background.

Big game hunting typically contains an element of danger, which is especially true when going after an alligator. These creatures are pretty good hunters, and if you aren't careful, you may end up as part of this clever reptile's dinner. It may be a good idea to enlist the help of a local guide while you are on the hunt.

Speaking of food, the Georgia DNR also reports that alligator meat is cholesterol-free and high in protein. With the potential for some good eating, plus the chance to hunt a creature with more teeth than Jimmy Carter, Georgia is the place to go.

Source:
http://www.dnr.state.ga.us/

When the holidays roll around at the end of the year, people start craving seasonal dishes made with game birds such as turkey and pheasant. In some households, however, having a goose on the table at Christmas is a family tradition, which makes this the perfect time to head to Minnesota to bag some of these birds.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that the Canadian goose population has become extremely large over the years. Goose season in this state begins in early September and runs through the end of December, giving you plenty of opportunities to go after a big honker for Christmas dinner.

Even with lots of available targets, it may be difficult for a novice hunter to bag their limit of two geese per day. Although the Canadian goose is a pretty big bird, the DNR says that you have to be a pretty decent shot to bring one down. Their experts recommend taking at least one seminar on how to effectively hit the bird's vital zone. Doing some practice shooting with a 10- or 12-gauge shotgun before you head out also is a good idea.

Like Carl, the greenskeeper who hunted an elusive gopher in the 1980's comedy "Caddyshack," you really have to understand the Canadian goose in order to find their nesting grounds. Once again, Minnesota's DNR has some good recommendations about this, including buying a book or video about geese and their habits.

The proper gear also can make the difference between success and failure in Minnesota. This may be the year to invest in some good camouflage, especially a pair of Bogs Blaze 1000 Mossy Oak Rubber Boots. With these on your feet, you can track an elusive goose in some of the most challenging hunting conditions.

Since farmers consider the Canadian goose to be a real threat to their crops, you may want to check with local landowners to see if you can hunt on their property. You will be doing them a favor and could possibly bring home a couple of honkers for the holiday season.

Sources:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/tips/goose.html
http://www.goosegrinders.com/late-season-goose.html

Big game hunting typically involves traveling to remote places in search of such animals as bears or deer, as well as the more exotic creatures, like the Oryx and Dall sheep. There's something decidedly American, though, about going out to bag a turkey, the bird that Benjamin Franklin wanted to use as our national symbol.

One of the best places to go for gobblers is New York State, a region that schedules turkey hunting seasons in both the spring and the fall. You can use a hunting dog in the latter part of the year, but you can't bring your four-legged friend along during the spring turkey season. New York State also requires all hunters to purchase a permit, and the bag limits are strictly enforced.

Don't Become a Target
After eight years of serving as Vice President under George W. Bush, Dick Cheney always will be remembered for an unfortunate hunting incident that took place in 2006. According to CNN, Cheney was quail hunting with some campaign contributors when he accidentally shot a member of his party, a gentleman named Harry Whittington.

New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wants you to avoid being a turkey like Cheney when you are out in the woods looking for the gobblers. If you are careless, other hunters might mistake you for a wild bird and start shooting at you. Your friends may think you act like a turkey sometimes, but that doesn't mean you have to get shot.

Although it sounds a bit unpatriotic, the DEC recommends not wearing colors like red, white and blue while you are hunting for these game birds. One of the best ways to avoid accidents is by wearing gear such as the Columbia Rogue Plaid Fleece Jacket. Choose colors for your jacket that are bright to help other hunters can see you clearly.

When you get an animal in range make sure that it really is a turkey or other game bird and not a campaign contributor before pulling the trigger, especially during an election year.

Sources:
http://www.newyorkgameandfish.com/hunting/index2.html
http://www.nwtf.org/hunting_tactics.html
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32162.html
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/02/12/cheney/

When talking about Africa, most people immediately think of safaris which involve hunters going after lions, tigers and other big game animals. That doesn't mean, however, that those who live for sport fishing should pass up a chance to visit this beautiful continent, especially the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba.

Part of the United Republic of Tanzania, the waters between Zanzibar and Pemba present anglers with a variety of year-round fishing opportunities, including the barracuda, the speedy Wahoo and the giant Travally. Catching any one of these beauties means a great trophy to hang on your wall back home.

If you schedule a vacation between August and October, that's the perfect time to drop a line and catch some Yellowfin Tuna. If you are fortunate enough to hook one of these strong fish, they make excellent trophies and an even better meal.

You can't make the long journey to Africa without trying to land some of the billfish that hang around Pemba Island. If you schedule your fishing expedition for the months between November and March, test your skills against the Black, Blue and Striped Marlins.

Many fishing enthusiasts agree that the Broadbill requires quite a bit of strength and skill once you have one on the line. Although they bear little resemblance to Australian actor Russell Crowe, this fighting fish has earned the nickname "Gladiator of the Sea." When going up against this "Gladiator," make sure to wear a durable pair of Sperry Top-Siders.

Zanzibar also attracts many undersea divers each year, and if you head below the surface, you may catch a glimpse of whales, humpback dolphins and other marine life.

Getting to Zanzibar requires a little coordination, however. One recommended method is booking an international flight into the Dar es Salaam region and a connecting flight to the islands. You also can catch a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar after you land.

With tropical scenery and sea creatures that put up a real fight, pack your passport and gear and head to Zanzibar. It's one place where you won't mind picking up the bill, especially if it's attached to a fish.

Sources:

http://www.rasnungwi.com/fishing/deep_sea_fishing/
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/species/pac_yellowfin_tuna.htm
http://www.zanzibar.net/

For hunters, Alaska represents a lot more than just a popular cruise destination or the setting for the whimsical television series "Northern Exposure." The 49th state also serves as the home for some of the best trophy animals in North America, in particular Dall sheep.

Typically found in the mountains and on steep slopes, the Dall is a snow white creature that has a beautifully shaped horn. Mature males have ones that curl into a circle, while the horns of the females are somewhat smaller and not quite as curved. By counting the markings on the horns, you can even determine the age of the Dall that you bring down.

Many hunters agree that the best places to find the Dall sheep are the mountains in the Brooks Range; this means that you'll have to do quite a bit of hiking and climbing to find the trophy you want. It's never too early to start training for this kind of hunt. Book some extra time on the Stairmaster before you go.

To carry what you need into the mountains, it's a good idea to invest in a sturdy, multi-purpose backpack like the Kelty Bison 3300. This pack is rugged enough for Alaskan hunting and has enough storage space to hold supplies and bad weather gear.

You can go after Dall sheep from mid-August to mid-September, but you do need a tag in some areas (approximately $425) and a license ($85). Several local guides will, for a fee, take you into the Brooks Range and help make arrangements to ship your trophy back home.

A good way to start your hunting experience is by flying into Fairbanks and catching an air taxi into the Brooks Range. You can find plenty of top-notch accommodations in Fairbanks, but you will be camping outdoors during your time in the mountains.

Going after Dall sheep could be one of the most challenging experiences of your life. With all the backpacking and hauling you will be doing, you should be able to skip a few trips to the gym after you get back home.

Resources:

http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/pubs/notebook/biggame/dallshee.php
http://www.alaskaone.com/brooks-range/

To farmers, the Eared Dove (Zenaida Auriculata) of Argentina can become a major nuisance, causing millions of dollars of crop damage each year. For hunters, however, this speedy little bird presents one of the most enjoyable big-bag shooting opportunities in the world.

As numerous as pigeons in the United States, these doves apparently live only to eat and mate, which is not bad work if you can get it. Although rabbits breed approximately 5 times a year, the busy Eared Dove can reproduce up to 7 times in 12 months, as long as there is enough food in the surrounding area.

With millions of doves in the region, the serious wingshooter should consider taking a hunting trip to the city of Cordoba. Because the Department of Agriculture considers this bird to be a pest, Argentina's government has no set limits on how many Eared Doves you can shoot while you are visiting Cordoba.

With no bag limits and a sky filled with beautiful birds, hunters in Cordoba reportedly fire between 1,000 and 2,000 rounds in a single day. When the Eared Doves are flying thick and heavy, it's pretty easy to spend a day just aiming, shooting and reloading.

Although Cordoba has very pleasant weather for most of the year, the summer months (January through March) are among the best times to travel to this hunting paradise. Rain is fairly common in the evening, though, so packing a waterproof jacket along with the rifle is a good strategic move.

Traveling to Cordoba by air does require a little planning, though. Instead of a direct flight, consider flying into the capital city of Buenos Aires and then catch a connecting flight to Cordoba. Thanks to its reputation as a dove hunting paradise, Cordoba has some great hunting lodges where you can relax after a successful day of big-bag shooting. Many hotels and lodges also have Internet connections if you need to reconnect with the outside world.

With beautiful surroundings and plenty of winged targets, hunting the Eared Dove in Cordoba is almost like shooting fish in a barrel.

Resources:

http://www.argentinadovehunting.com/argentinagamebirds.htm
http://www.cordobadovehunting.com/dove-hunting-tips.html
http://www.gaje.org/Conf06/TravelToCordoba.htm

During the 1960s and '70s, Cocoa Beach became permanently associated with NASA and the United States Space Program, both in real life and fiction. The John F. Kennedy Space Center is just miles away from this Florida town, which also served as the television home for Astronaut Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman) on "I Dream of Jeannie."

Located on a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that has become known as the "Space Coast," Cocoa Beach may not have beautiful blondes in harem pants, but it does offer plenty of fishing opportunities for mere mortals, many of which can be challenging.

Take, for instance, the redfish that like to hang out in the shallow water off the coast. For an inshore fish, these beauties do have plenty of fight in them and landing one is a real accomplishment.

If you love trout, Cocoa Beach has plenty to choose from, including the spotted and speckled trout. The appropriately named Gator Trout also has a mouth and teeth that make it resemble a small alligator. It definitely is not a real beauty, but the Gator Trout is a fun fish to find.

Though inshore fishing offers some real thrills, if you are in the mood for some serious fighting, head offshore in search of the amberjack. With an average weight of 142 pounds, you may want to strap yourself into the fighting chair before dropping a line, though.

With its ideal location on the Space Coast, Cocoa Beach also lets you combine your love for fishing with a family vacation. Some of Florida's most notable attractions, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, are within easy driving distance, but they also are far enough away from the good fishing spots.

Because this is a popular tourist destination, Cocoa Beach does have plenty of resorts and chain motels plus restaurants of all shapes and sizes. If you can't land the fish of your choice, you can take revenge by having one cooked up for dinner at a local eatery.

No matter if you head down to Florida to watch a space shuttle launch, hang out with Mickey Mouse or go man-to-fish with an aggressive amberjack, Cocoa Beach has plenty to keep you happy.

Resources:
http://www.cocoa-beach-fishing.com/fish-species.php
City of Cocoa Beach: http://www.cityofcocoabeach.com/FlashHomePages/visitors_home.html
Florida's Space Coast: http://www.space-coast.com/

Best known for pineapples, hula dancers and gorgeous sandy beaches, Hawaii has been a popular vacation destination for decades, even for Greg Brady and the rest of polyester-wearing "Brady Bunch." Besides 1970's sitcom characters, this group of islands in the Pacific Ocean also offers some challenging fishing opportunities, especially near the village of Haleiwa.

Located in Oahu's North Shore, the blue waters off the coast of Haleiwa attract surfers plus truly challenging fish, including skipjack tuna, striped marlin and sailfish. To test your skills with a line, go out in search out the yellow fin tuna, a strong, aggressive fish that can put up one heck of a fight.

You can't go to Haleiwa, though, without trying to land one of Hawaii's famous blue marlin. These beauties can reach the 1,000 pound mark and tend to get more than a little irritated when they are on the line. It's always a good idea, therefore, to have a couple of helping hands when seeking the blue marlin. You also can skip a trip to the gym after spending some time in the fighting chair with a marlin on the line.

The waters off Haleiwa are filled with other notable creatures including the mahi-mahi, amberjack, snapper and barracudas. With so many choices, this North Shore destination is truly the ideal location for anglers, no matter what kind of undersea life you have your heart set on. Slip on your deck shoes, grab your gear and give it a shot.

Because Haleiwa is one of the more frequently visited travel destinations in Oahu, it's quite easy to find charter boats to help you those locate big game fish. In the evening, stow your gear, take a hot shower and relax at a luau or one of Haleiwa's fine restaurants.

It's relatively easy to reach Oahu from the continental United States, but the flight time can be 8 hours or more, depending on your starting point. Still, with the blue marlin and other gorgeous sport fish, Haleiwa is a year-round fishing paradise and one of the places that every angler should try.

Sources:
http://www.sport-fishing-hawaii.com/hawaiifishingnewsreport.html
http://www.gohawaii.com/

If you are lucky enough to draw a tag, head to Arizona to hunt these beautiful antelope.

If you are looking for a place where, as the song "Home on the Range" says, the "deer and the antelope play," look no further than the White Mountains of Arizona. Located in the northeastern corner of the state near the New Mexico border, the White Mountains offer a great opportunity to hunt the pronghorn antelope.

Named after their sharply-pointed horns, these antelopes, with their ability to run upwards of 60 mph, can give Olympic sprinters a run for their money, especially when they are frightened. Their speed combined with their beautiful tan and white bodies make them quite a prize if you can bring one down.

Native to North America, the pronghorn likes to roam in herds and the most recommended way to spot your prey is to move to high ground with a pair of binoculars. Before heading to Arizona, search for maps of the White Mountains on the Internet so you can get a good idea of where you need to start hunting.

Fall is the time to go in search of the speedy pronghorn. Rifle season runs September 5-11 and muzzleloader season runs September 12-18. Hunting these antelopes in the White Mountains does require an Arizona hunting license plus an antelope tag, which is available only through a drawing. For non-Arizona residents, the tag fee for 2008 was $485.

Though the hunting is good, getting to the White Mountains can become a bit of challenge. The three closest major airports are located in Phoenix, Albuquerque and Tucson, which means you'll need to travel between 200-300 miles to reach your destination.

Lodging, on the other hand, shouldn't pose any problems. The region around the White Mountains contains an abundance of cabins, resorts, and hotels where you can relax and prepare for the next day's hunt. The White Mountains also offer some great places to trout fish as well.

Despite the distance, stalking the Pronghorn Antelope in Arizona is one of those rare hunting opportunities that should not be missed. Tag draws typically occur in February, so start making your plans for the 2009 season now.

Resources: http://www.biggamehunt.net/sections/Pronghorn_Antelope/Antelope_Hunting__Start_to_Finish_05290609.html http://www.azantelope.org/Facts___Research/About_Pronghorn/about_pronghorn.html
White Mountains Online: http://www.wmonline.com/gamefish/fishin.htm
Arizona Game and Fish: http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/game_antelope.shtml
Go Arizona: http://www.go-arizona.com/White-Mountains

With plenty of places to stay plus the challenge of bighorn sheep, Bitterroot Valley is an excellent place to hunt.

Though "like leading lambs to the slaughter" is a widely-used expression, when hunting bighorn sheep, the opposite can be true. These elusive beauties tend to live in areas that, for one reason or another, put them just out of reach of the average hunter.

If bighorn rams and ewes are on your agenda, however, the Bitterroot Valley in Montana is an ideal place to go during hunting season. Nestled between the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges, it also is one of the most naturally beautiful hunting destinations in the United States. Bighorns congregate in the areas surrounding the Bitterroot Valley, which has some pretty rocky terrain in places.

Obtaining a bighorn license or tag can be the biggest obstacle in bringing one of these trophies home. For Bitterroot Valley, a limited number of tags are available through special drawings that for 2008 cost the winners approximately $755. Most licenses limit you to just one bighorn sheep in a specified hunting district in Bitterroot, but other areas of Montana offer unlimited bighorn hunting.

For anyone lucky enough to get their hands on one of these rare tags, the physical challenges involved in hunting the bighorns can be daunting, especially when hunting in the mountains. Long before bighorn sheep season begins (September 15 through November 30), online resources such as Biggamehunt.net recommend getting in shape even if you haven't secured a license yet.

Even if you are a loner by nature, hunting the bighorn sheep should not be a solo undertaking because of the rough terrain. Before putting your name in the tag drawing, see if you can get one or two friends to join you on a hunting expedition.

Though the licenses are limited, there is no shortage of places to stay in and around the Bitterroot Valley area. You can choose a fairly basic hotel, a comfortable bed and breakfast or an upscale lodge, but it's also possible to camp outdoors and really rough it. No matter where you stay, make sure to bring along a good set of hunting boots.

Considered by some as the "holy grail" of big game hunting, a bighorn trophy is the dream of many a hunter and a trip to Bitterroot can turn that dream into reality.

Sources:

http://www.worldclassoutdoors.com/montanabighornsheepgoathunting.htm
http://www.biggamehunt.net/sections/Bighorn_Sheep/Planning_a_DoitYourself_Bighorn_Sheep_Hunt_12060412.html
http://www.explorethebitterroot.com/Activities/Bighorn_Sheep_Hunting.htm
http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/planahunt/msg.html
http://www.bitterrootvalleychamber.com/

When hunting season rolls around, think about heading up North for the challenges of Newfoundland.These days, it can be difficult to find those unspoiled places to hunt where everything comes down to an honest confrontation between you and your prey.

Newfoundland, Canada is, however, one of those rare hunting destinations where you truly have to rely on your skills as a hunter to come home with a trophy. With the black powder and rifle season beginning in mid-September, Newfoundland offers some of the best big game hunting opportunities in the world; bow hunters get to start two weeks earlier. Because Newfoundland has a temperamental and changeable climate during hunting season, it's hard to tell exactly what kind of challenges the weather will throw at you. Make sure to pack for cold, wet weather as well as unseasonably warm temperatures. As for the wildlife, Newfoundland definitely puts the "big" in the term big game:

Black Bear

Bears typically are formidable prey, but the North American Black Bear, which has tipped the scale at close to 500 pounds, is an especially challenging target. Newfoundland offers both baited and non-baited Black Bear hunting.

Bull Moose

With large antlers and a weight of approximately 1,500 pounds, a mature Bull Moose is quite a trophy and can be brought down with a bow, muzzleloader or rifle.

Caribou

To stalk these 500 pound beauties, you also can use bows, muzzleloaders and rifles and hopefully come home with an impressive trophy.

On the average, a hunter in Newfoundland has approximately a 70-75% chance of bringing down their prey, with some regions offering a better shot than others. For something a little bit different, also try hunting the Willow Ptarmigan, a local bird that can be found in abundant quantities during the big game hunting season.

Among hunters in Newfoundland, the concept of "fair chase" hunting is fairly widespread; it is perhaps the most honest and honorable way to spot and stalk prey in the wilderness. Instead of using high tech gadgets to get off a shot from a long distance, fair chase means relying on your own skill to move in closer for the kill.

Hunting lodges are quite plentiful in Newfoundland, with all-inclusive packages that offer "fly-in" hunts, accommodations, meals, guides and preparation of meat and trophies. Depending on what kind of game you have your heart set on, packages range in price between $2,000 and $5,000. Lodgings tend to be clean, comfortable and contain everything you need for a great hunting getaway.

One of the best ways to reach Newfoundland is by plane and the recommended carrier is Air Canada. Since you will be traveling outside the United States, a current passport is needed to enter Canada. You can bring your weapons into the country as long as you declare them to the proper authorities at Canadian Customs.

With some of the biggest game available in North America combined with an unspoiled wilderness, Newfoundland could easily become your new favorite hunting spot.

Resources:
http://www.pineridge.nf.ca/general.htm
http://www.newfoundlandhunting.com/hunting_information.html http://www.biggamecanada.com/travel_info.html