How to Plan a Big Game Hunting Trip with Your Family

How to Plan a Big Game Hunting Trip with Your Family

A family big game hunt can be one of the most rewarding outdoor adventures you’ll ever take—time away from screens, meaningful traditions, hands-on learning, and the thrill of sharing the field together. Whether you’re chasing deer, elk, pronghorn, or other big game, the key to a positive experience is planning a trip that balances success with comfort, opportunity, and fun for hunters of all ages.

This guide covers the essential steps for planning a family-friendly big game hunt: choosing the right destination, gear, lodging, tags, safety considerations, and strategies to ensure every family member—from seasoned parents to young or new hunters—has a great time. If you want a simple way to compare outfitters and find family-friendly options, browse vetted trips through Find A Hunt.

Step 1: Choose the Right Big Game Species for Your Family

Not every species or season is ideal for a mixed-experience group. Consider the difficulty level, terrain, and overall enjoyment factor.

Kid- and Beginner-Friendly Options

• Whitetail deer
  Predictable behavior, shorter hunts, and manageable terrain.

• Pronghorn antelope
  High visibility and action-packed days.

• Feral hogs
  Great for practice and usually abundant.

More Advanced Family Hunts

• Elk
  Incredible experience but demanding terrain and longer days.

• Mule deer
  Rewarding glass-and-stalk style that kids often enjoy once they gain experience.

• Black bear
  Better for older teens due to safety, shot placement, and handling requirements.

Choose species that match your family’s fitness levels and expectations.

Step 2: Pick a Location That Fits Everyone’s Needs

Family hunts work best where success rates are high and logistics are simple.

What to Look For

• Reasonably accessible terrain

• Shorter hikes from camp or the truck

• Comfortable lodging options

• Family-friendly outfitters or DIY opportunities

• Backup activities (fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing)

Great Regions for Family Big Game Hunts

• Midwest whitetail states (easier terrain, reliable deer numbers)

• Western pronghorn regions (action-packed stalks in open country)

• Eastern and Southern hog states (flexible seasons + high opportunity)

• Colorado and Wyoming for mule deer (friendly terrain in many units)

Prioritize fun and comfort over “trophy-hunt intensity.”

Step 3: Secure Tags and Permits Early

Big game tags often require planning months—sometimes a year—ahead.

Understand:

• Draw deadlines

• Preference/bonus points

• Youth discounts

• Landowner tags or private-land options

• Over-the-counter opportunities

For family groups, over-the-counter seasons or guaranteed private-land tags help keep things simple and predictable.

Step 4: Choose Lodging That Works for Kids and Adults

Where you sleep matters as much as where you hunt.

Good Family Options

• Cabin rentals with full kitchens

• Lodge-based guided hunts with family amenities

• RV camping with hookups

• Wall tents or basecamps (better for experienced families)

Comfort leads to longer attention spans, better moods, and more enjoyable hunts.

Step 5: Build the Right Gear List

Essentials for Family Hunters

• Layered clothing for changing temperatures

• Good boots for both adults and kids

• Binoculars for each hunter—kids love being involved

• Comfortable daypacks with hydration bladders

• Hearing protection that still allows communication

• Safety orange (if required)

Hunting Equipment

• Rifles with reduced-recoil loads for new shooters

• Shooting sticks or tripods

• Rangefinder

• Game bags, knives, and basic field-care tools

Make sure young or new hunters practice plenty before the trip.

Step 6: Safety Planning—The Most Important Step

Family hunts demand an elevated focus on safety.

Go Over:

• Muzzle control

• Safe shooting lanes

• Clear communication (especially on stalks)

• What to do if separated

• Weather preparedness

• Wildlife awareness (bears, snakes, livestock)

Always keep first-aid kits accessible in packs and vehicles.

Step 7: Keep the Hunts Fun and Manage Expectations

Kids and new hunters thrive on engagement and positive reinforcement.

Tips That Make Trips Successful

• Keep sits short and active

• Take breaks and enjoy the scenery

• Celebrate small wins: spotting animals, tracks, or sign

• Teach woodsmanship along the way

• Rotate roles so everyone feels involved

• Bring snacks, drinks, and layers

Family hunts are about the experience—not just the tag.

Step 8: Consider Booking a Family-Friendly Outfitter

Guided hunts take pressure off the planner.

Benefits for Families

• Professional guidance and safety support

• Easier logistics (meals, lodging, access)

• Higher success rates

• More educational value for kids and new hunters

• Adapted schedules for family comfort

To compare family-friendly big game outfitters, browse options through our hunt marketplace.

Step 9: Prepare for Field Care and Harvest Etiquette

When you do take an animal, the way you handle the moment matters for young hunters.

Tips

• Explain what will happen before the first harvest

• Keep the process respectful, clean, and educational

• Let kids help with simple, non-dangerous tasks

• Walk them through meat care and why it matters

These moments build lifelong hunters.

Step 10: Make It a Tradition

A single successful hunt can turn into a family tradition.

• Take photos

• Keep a hunt journal

• Save maps and notes for next time

• Celebrate with a meal of your harvested game

Kids remember these experiences long after the season ends.

FAQs: Planning a Family Big Game Hunt

What’s the best starter animal for new hunters?

Whitetail deer or pronghorn—high opportunity and beginner-friendly terrain.

How old should kids be to join a hunt?

Depends on maturity—many states have youth seasons starting around age 10–12.

Is a guided hunt better for families?

Often yes, especially for new hunters or complicated species like elk.

How long should a family hunt be?

3–5 days is ideal—long enough for opportunity, short enough to keep enthusiasm.

Are big game trips expensive?

They can be, but OTC tags, private-land access, and hog hunts can keep costs manageable.

Plan Your Next Family Big Game Hunt

A well-planned family big game hunt builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and creates memories that last a lifetime. With the right preparation, gear, and expectations, hunters of all ages can enjoy a meaningful, successful adventure in the field.

If you're ready to explore family-friendly guided hunts and compare trusted outfitters across the U.S., browse options now through FindAHunt.com.