Hunting big game in North America offers one of the richest and most diverse experiences on the planet. Whether you’re pursuing antlered trophies in rugged mountain terrain or large-bodied mammals in remote wilderness, there are countless species that challenge hunters physically, mentally, and skill-wise.
Here’s a guide to some of the most iconic and sought-after big game species across North America — what makes them special, typical habitats, and hunting considerations.
Major Big Game Species in North America
Here are some of the most prominent big game species you’ll encounter across the U.S. and Canada, along with what makes each unique.
1. Deer (Cervidae Family)
Whitetail Deer
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Scientific Name: Odocoileus virginianus Wildlife Informer+2magazine.farwide.com+2
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Where: Broad range — Eastern U.S., parts of Canada, and even Mexico. Outdoors International
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Why Hunt: It’s the most popular big game species. Whitetails are adaptable, plentiful, and offer a wide variety of hunt styles from dense woods to agricultural fields. Wildlife Informer+1
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Challenges: Extremely wary, great hearing and sight, very attuned to hunters. bowhunter.com
Mule Deer
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Scientific Name: Odocoileus hemionus slamhunt.com+1
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Where: Western U.S., open ridgelines, mountain terrain. slamhunt.com
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Why Hunt: Known for their large ears, often impressive antler spreads, and challenging behavior. hummingbirdsplus.org
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Challenges: Very alert; in rugged terrain; often bedded in open country where they spot you easily.
Black-Tailed / Sitka Deer
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Coastal subspecies of mule deer, found in Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Outdoors International
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Requires different tactics, often involves thick forest or coastal settings.
Coues (or Coues White-Tailed) Deer
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Subspecies of whitetail found in the desert Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico). slamhunt.com+1
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Smaller, extremely elusive — sometimes called the “grey ghost.” slamhunt.com
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Challenging due to terrain and their skittish nature.
2. Elk (Wapiti)
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Scientific Name: Cervus canadensis Outdoors International+1
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Several subspecies: Rocky Mountain elk, Roosevelt elk, and Tule elk among others. Game & Fish Magazine
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Where: Western United States, parts of Canada.
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Why Hunt: Majestic animals, spectacular bugling, potentially very large bulls.
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Challenges: Long distances, high elevation, demanding terrain, and sometimes limited tag draw.
3. Moose
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Scientific Name: Alces alces — includes Alaska-Yukon moose, Canada moose, Shiras moose. boone-crockett.org+1
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Where: Northern U.S. states, much of Canada, Alaska. Wikipedia
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Why Hunt: Among the largest land mammals in North America; very rewarding trophy; meat-rich.
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Challenges: Heavy animals, long carries, sometimes swamps or rugged terrain, tough tracking.
4. Caribou (Reindeer)
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Multiple subspecies (e.g., mountain caribou, barren-ground caribou). boone-crockett.org
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Where: Northern Canada, Alaska. hummingbirdsplus.org
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Why Hunt: Migratory behavior makes for epic hunts; can be very rewarding trophy.
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Challenges: Remote terrain, long-distance travel, sometimes unpredictable migration routes.
5. Pronghorn Antelope
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Scientific Name: Antilocapra americana slamhunt.com
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Where: Open plains, sagebrush country in the Western U.S. slamhunt.com
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Why Hunt: Fastest land mammal in North America; requires skill at long-range shooting; very different from deer/elk.
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Challenges: Very alert, long stalks, wide-open terrain, wind management.
6. Sheep & Mountain Goat
Bighorn Sheep
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Several types: Rocky Mountain, Desert, Dall, Stone sheep. Game & Fish Magazine+1
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Where: Rocky cliffs, alpine terrain, remote mountain ranges.
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Why Hunt: Considered a pinnacle trophy; very steep, technical hunts; true backcountry experience. slamhunt.com
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Challenges: Tag scarcity, physical demands, long backpacking.
Mountain Goat
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Agile climbers, live in extremely rugged and vertical terrain.
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Very challenging and technical hunts — climbing often required.
7. Bear Species
Black Bear
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Scientific Name: Ursus americanus Wildlife Informer
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Where: Widespread forests across North America. Wildlife Informer
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Why Hunt: Accessible species, multiple seasons, can be for meat or trophy.
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Challenges: Color phases, identification (in some regions), safe firearm handling.
Brown / Grizzly Bear
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Larger, more powerful than black bears. Game & Fish Magazine+1
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Where: Parts of Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, limited regions.
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Why Hunt: Iconic trophy; high prestige.
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Challenges: Dangerous, requires experience, usually remote, strict regulations.
Polar Bear
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Recognized by big game record authorities like Boone & Crockett. boone-crockett.org
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Where: Very northern regions (Arctic).
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Why Hunt: Extremely prestigious, but also highly regulated and expensive.
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Challenges: Extreme environment, logistics, cost, special permitting.
8. Other Notable Big Game
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Bison / Buffalo: Big, powerful, classic North American icon. Game & Fish Magazine
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Muskox: Found in Arctic regions, very niche hunts. boone-crockett.org
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Cougar (Mountain Lion): Predator rather than herbivore; very different hunt. Wikipedia
Factors to Consider When Choosing Which Species to Hunt
When picking which big game species to pursue, think about:
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Your Experience & Physical Ability
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Do you have experience in steep terrain or high-elevation hunts?
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How physically fit are you for long pack-outs (e.g., moose or sheep)?
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Budget & Tag Availability
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Some species or units have very limited tags (e.g., sheep, bison).
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Costs can vary widely: remote hunts, guiding fees, travel.
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Trophy vs. Meat
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Are you after a trophy animal, or are you more interested in sustaining meat?
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Species like moose and bison can yield a lot of meat; sheep and goats are more trophy-focused.
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Time & Logistics
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Do you have time for a multi-day backcountry trip?
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Will you need a guide, or are you comfortable DIY?
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What about travel and lodging?
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Regulations & Safety
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Hunting seasons, rules, and tag systems differ by state and province. Always check the most current regulations. WDFW
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Some species, like bears and sheep, require special safety planning.
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Conservation & Ethics
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Consider the conservation status of the species or subspecies.
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Hunt ethically: fair-chase, follow local rules, minimize impact.
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Why Book Through a Reputable Outfitter or Platform
For many big game species — especially the more challenging ones — booking through a trusted outfitter or marketplace can make a huge difference. A guide brings local expertise, scouting knowledge, logistical support, and helps you navigate tag systems, regulations, and the field itself.
If you’re looking for vetted outfitters, safe hunts, and transparent pricing, consider using Find A Hunt to explore big game species hunts across North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “North American 29”?
A: It’s a traditional bucket‑list concept for hunters — 29 big-game species considered by many to represent the core of North American big-game hunting. Wildlife Informer+1
Q: Which species is the hardest to hunt?
A: Difficulty depends on many factors (terrain, tag scarcity, behavior). But species like bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and grizzly bear are widely regarded as very challenging. bowhunter.com
Q: Do I need a guide for big game hunts?
A: For remote or specialized hunts (e.g., sheep, caribou, moose), a guide is highly recommended. For more common species (e.g., whitetails, black bear), it depends on your experience and local regulations.
Q: How do I decide between a meat hunt and a trophy hunt?
A: Think about what you value more — the freezer or the mount/tree — and choose species accordingly. Moose and bison are better for meat; sheep/goats tend to lean more toward trophy-focused hunting.
Q: Are there conservation concerns with big game species?
A: Yes. Some subspecies (or populations) have limited numbers. Always follow local regulations, practice ethical hunting, and stay updated on management plans.
If you like, I can put together a current (2025) map of big game species by availability and popularity in North America (state- or province-wise). Do you want me to do that?
