For many hunters, a big question is how to find public hunting lands near me. With hunting, it’s paramount that you’re aware of where you are allowed to hunt. With the varying laws between states, being equipped with the proper information before planning a trip is pivotal. But how do you find public hunting lands nearby?
To find public hunting lands near you, start by checking your state’s hunting regulations. Ask around to get advice, research online for more information, talk to a game warden who has experience answering such questions, visit the local parks office, or join a hunting club. By getting your information from multiple sources, you can be sure that you’re getting the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Wondering how to find public hunting lands near me? This article will provide tips and advice to help you avoid trouble with local authorities while tracking your next big game.
#1: Check Your State’s Hunting Regulations
Before your hunting expedition, be sure to look at the state regulations so that you are fully aware of where and how you can hunt. You should familiarize yourself with public land locations open for hunting and any limitations or requirements that must be followed. To avoid any unfortunate mishaps while out in the field, research these regulations before setting off on your adventure!
#2: Ask Around
If you wish to receive an in-depth answer, simply visit your nearby sporting goods stores or fishing bait shops and ask around. There is sure to be a proficient hunter that has been living in the area for some time and can tell you which public hunting lands are near. Besides this, many sports stores carry hunting maps that you can pick up during your visit.
#3: Research Online
The internet is a great resource if you’re looking for public hunting lands in your area. Every state has an official website showing all their available public land maps and open areas that are suitable for hunting. Plus, there’s no shortage of helpful online forums and other resources where you can find even more information about finding the perfect spot to hunt.
Use software like onXmaps. We use onXmaps for public land hunting, from finding nearby public hunting lands to e-scouting and mapping our hunt.
#4: Talk to a Game Warden
If you want comprehensive information about the public hunting lands in your area, there is no better source than an experienced game warden. They are conversant with all of the local hunting regulations and can tell you where it’s safe to hunt on public land. You can also ask them how to find public hunting lands near me to see if they have any tips for you.
When I first started hunting public lands, I called the state’s wildlife department multiple phone calls and stopped and talked to local game wardens. They were tremendously helpful in finding public lands and understanding the specific rules and regulations.
#5: Visit the Local Parks Office
If you’re looking for info about local public hunting grounds, your town or city’s parks office or wildlife management department are great resources to explore. These offices usually keep records of all public land areas, so they should be able to give you detailed information on where it is okay to hunt and answer any questions similar to how to find public hunting lands near me.
#6: Join a Hunting Club
If you’re unsure where to begin your hunt, why not look into becoming a member of your local hunting association? Besides providing important info on nearby hunting regulations and public lands, they may also offer access to exclusive private land that could be available exclusively to its members. Joining an organization is the perfect way for any passionate hunter to get their feet wet in this exciting outdoor activity!
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Final Thoughts
Utilizing these six simple steps, you can swiftly and easily identify public hunting grounds in your area. When armed with the correct information, you can begin to plan for a successful outing that guarantees both safety and enjoyment!
Primal Pioneer is a food blog and public land hunting resource by Mike and Jennifer Shreckengost. We’re a husband and wife team who combined their two passions – a love of the outdoors and food – into a joint effort with Primal Pioneer! You’ll find resources on planning and executing your own DIY over-the-counter public land big game hunt, along with wild game recipes featuring mostly venison and elk.