If you think the deadliest wild animal is a grizzly bear, a wolf, or a cougar, you're wrong. Each year, deer kill more humans than any other animal in North America. Deer range almost everywhere in North America, except for northern Canada and Alaska, and parts of Utah. They don't attack humans as prey; they cause car accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 1.5 million car-deer accidents each year, and that number is rising. Those accidents kill about 150 people each year, although the number was higher in 2008 and the NHTSA expects it to be still higher in 2009. They cost at least $1.1 billion in property damage; in 1990, the cost was estimated to be over $100 million in Wisconsin alone, and Wisconsin isn't in the top ten states for deer accidents.

Most deer-car accidents occur between October and December, which partly coincides with deer hunting season. It's not hunting that causes the accidents, though; those three months are deer mating season. During the rest of the year, groups of deer have a fairly small home territory, and stay within it. In mating season, or "rut," deer head out to find mates, and are more likely to stray onto roads.

So, what does that have to do with wilderness adventures? If you've been in the back country in the fall, you'll probably be driving home. And you'll probably see deer crossing signs on your route. Some drivers ignore them; a smart driver slows down, especially in the evening, and watches for deer. If you see one deer cross the road, expect more to follow and slow down accordingly. Insurance companies advise using your brights, and warn that deer whistles don't work. Don't swerve if a collision is unavoidable; you may hit another vehicle or a tree and cause more damage.

During the fall, wear a bright jacket to avoid becoming a hunter's target. Good sturdy boots are also a must, and a bright flashlight of your own will help keep deer from your path. And drive carefully when heading home!

If shooting a trophy animal is what you have in mind, head to Oregon where the state's Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a cougar management plan back in 1996. Because they are skillful hunters, cougars have been responsible for killing livestock and affecting the population of other game animals, including bighorn sheep.

Controlled cougar hunts are allowed in Oregon, with a split season (Jan. 1 through May 31, August 1 through Dec. 31). The entire state is open to hunters until the Oregon DFW determines that quotas have been met in certain areas. No matter what, however, cougar hunting with a dog, though highly effective, currently is prohibited by Oregon law.

Everyone in your hunting party will need a license plus a General Cougar Tag and/or a Blue Mountain Additional Cougar Tag (the bag limit is one per tag). For the colder weather, you may encounter in the Pacific Northwest, you should pack a good jacket, such as the Carhartt J97. With a blanket layer inside to keep warm, the J97 allows good freedom of movement when you are hunting for the perfect trophy.

Oregon's management plan aims to keep the cougar population at around 3,000. There are some opponents to this plan, however, who believe that controlled hunts actually can cause more problems because they eliminate the older cougar population (younger cougars tend to do more damage to humans and livestock).

If you prefer to hunt with a hound, nearby Washington State does allow you to use a dog while going after a cougar in certain counties. In either case, the Pacific Northwest is one of your best bets when looking for this type of trophy.

Sources:
http://capitalpress.com/main.asp?SectionID=94&SubSectionID=801&ArticleID=44515&TM=73397.52
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/big_game/
http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=oct1204b

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

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 hunting season is underway, you might be tempted to trek out to new territory and spend a few nights in the great outdoors. A hunting expedition can put your endurance, stamina and concentration to the test, and roughing it during inclement weather requires packing up some survival gear essentials so you can track down your prey like a pro.

Whether you're hunting game in the forest or tracking down deer in the country, you'll need some basic gear to get through the night safe and sound. Here's what you need for a successful hunt:

Keep those feet well-prepared for hunting mode with a pair of insulated boots. Rugged, lace-up boots are designed with several layers of insulation and extra protection for almost any type of weather. You'll need the extra layers of insulation for snowy days in the forest or country roads, so toughen up with a pair of rugged shoes and thick socks as you trek along your trail.

You'll also need to layer up with fleece and insulated outerwear to ward off those cooler temperatures, day and night. Make sure you're decked out in at least one thick fleece jacket, heavy fatigue pants and a puffy jacket that will give you an extra layer of warmth when temperatures hit rock bottom.

When it's time to call it a day and hit the campsite for a good night's rest, a thermal sleeping bag will help you get through the night with ease. Look for 'chrysalis'-style bags designed with a super-tight construction and extra padding to help seal in the heat. These sleeping bags will keep you warm and toasty on any fall or winter evening and shield you from bugs and insects that might be lurking around your camping territory.

Finally, you'll need a basic sport utility kit filled with some basic tools and a first aid kit for unforeseen emergencies. The Gerber Sport Utility Kit is a lightweight and versatile kit filled with a flashlight, back pack ax, a compact folding spade and first-aid basics; when you're spending a few days and nights in the great outdoors, you'll need these by your side to handle minor cuts and scrapes.

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/

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

Many hunters dream about going on an African safari where they can
stalk such dangerous prey as the leopard or rhino and hopefully bring
home a trophy for their efforts. Bagging exotic animals like these in
another country is a rare and memorable experience.

For a taste of real safari hunting within the United States, you can head to New Mexico to seek out the intriguing Oryx.
This African antelope, which has black-and-white markings on its face,
was first brought to the White Sands Missile Range by the New Mexico
Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) during the 1970's.

The Oryx
population around White Sands has increased significantly in the
decades since its introduction. In some years, hunting can be essential
in keeping these beautiful antelopes from becoming a threat to New
Mexico's native plant and animal life.

In some ways, bagging an
Oryx is easier than all the work that's involved in getting a tag.
NMDGF allows hunters to enter a drawing for the "once-in-a-lifetime"
license that allows you to hunt within the boundaries of the White
Sands Missile Range.

This restricted tag system means you
really only get one prime opportunity to bring home a trophy. You still
are eligible for a depredation hunt, however, if New Mexico decides to
thin out the Oryx herd.

Because this is such a rare opportunity,
you shouldn't take any chances when going after the Oryx. New Mexico
has several experienced guides who can help increase your chances of
taking down one of these exotic African antelopes.

Some Oryx hunters recommend the "glass and stalk" method, which is where a pair of Rocky Stalker boots can come in handy. By quietly blending into the background, you should be able to get within range of a good-sized Oryx.

When December rolls around, start checking the NMGDF Web site
for license application information for the following year. The tag
drawing takes place in February, and if you are one of the fortunate
few, your Oryx hunt will take place between September and March.

With a little luck and lots of patience, you might just get your once-in-a-lifetime chance to put an Oryx trophy on your wall.

Sources:

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