By Jeremy Merchant

The United States has always been host to one of the world's most revered and famous hunting cultures, with each state and region being famous for different environments and species.

One of the regions that many hunters find at the top of their wish list is the American Midwest, with its rolling farmland, beautiful hardwood forests, and wide-open plains that nurture a deep variety of species and hunting opportunities.

The Midwest is so special because it has a little something for everyone, with some of the country's most impressive whitetail populations for those big game hunters and the elusive elk for those lucky enough to secure a tag.

While the Midwest boasts an impressive range of games available, as well as private and public land offerings, below are the staple species that make hunting in the Midwest so desirable.

Big Game

To start things off, let's get into some of the bigger animals the Midwest has to offer, one of which being arguably one of America’s most popular, staple species of game.

White-Tailed Deer

The famous whitetail deer is the cornerstone of Midwestern hunting and North American hunting as a whole. The Midwest region boasts some of the healthiest populations of white tail, which helps explain the influx of hunters in the Midwest during whitetail season.
Mature bucks are smart, elusive, and entirely unpredictable, which is what makes a whitetail hunt so special. With that being said, the climate in the Midwest can also work in the hunter's favor.
“*Fluctuating temperatures trigger increased daytime movement,*” say the team at 10 Gauge Outfitters, a hunting outfitter in Kinsley, Kansas.
“*Winter weather patterns during late-season hunts push deer toward our carefully managed food plots,*” they continue, stating that “*as temperatures drop, whitetails become more predictable, increasing the chances of encountering a mature buck.*”
The tradition of hunting whitetail deer also runs deep in the region. It has held its place as a cultural staple for centuries, acting as a seasonal benchmark that ties generations together. There's something special about that early morning silence on the first day of deer season.

Black Bear

Northern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin have strong black bear populations, which presents a very different kind of hunt.

Unlike deer, hunting a bear often calls for baiting or tough tracking in thick cover. Actually being able to take a bear down demands careful planning and nerves of steel, as well as some good shooting.

While it’s an obvious statement, many people forget that black bears are powerful and dangerous animals. Planning a bear hunt is one thing, but spotting one emerging from the brush after hours of silence is an experience any first-time bear hunter will never forget.

While not as commonly pursued as whitetail, bear hunting adds a unique depth to the Midwest’s big game profile and offers something special for those looking for something a little more intense.

Pronghorn Antelope

Though typically associated with the West, pronghorn can be hunted in parts of the Midwest, particularly Nebraska and Kansas.

They inhabit more open country, and getting within range usually means long hikes, belly crawls, and making the most of natural terrain.

With their keen eyesight and high-speed escape instincts, pronghorn challenge even the most experienced spot-and-stalk hunters. While the environment might seem boring and stark, the pursuit is high-adrenaline and one of the most rewarding.

Elk

While these impressive animals were once wiped from the Midwest, elk populations have been making a slow, but meaningful return to the region.
Through careful reintroduction efforts, states like Missouri, Kentucky, and Wisconsin now offer some tightly regulated elk hunts that have become some of the most sought-after tags in the country.
Elk behave very differently from deer, often sticking to more remote areas and traveling in herds. The size and power of a mature bull dwarfs any white tail or mule deer, especially during the fall rut when you can hear their roars from miles away.
With limited permits and tough terrain, a Midwestern elk hunt isn’t easy to come by, but that’s exactly what makes it such a sought-after hunt. For those lucky enough to draw a tag, it’s a rare chance to chase one of North America’s most majestic big game animals.

Mule Deer

Though more common in western states, mule deer can also be found in parts of the western Midwest, particularly in the high plains of Nebraska, the Dakotas, and eastern Colorado.

These deer favor more open landscapes than their whitetail cousins and often call for an entirely different hunting approach.

Spot-and-stalk tactics are the go-to for most hunters going for mule deer, and getting into range of a big buck usually involves long hikes, glassing from high points, and understanding how to use terrain to your advantage.

Their large ears and bouncing gait clearly set them apart visually from other species of deer, and their ability to disappear into sparse cover makes them a tougher target than they first appear.

Mule deer add a nice variety for Midwest hunters willing to head west and chase something a little less predictable.

Predator and Invasive Game

Last but not least, the hunting of overpopulated predators and invasive species has exploded in popularity as of late.

Whether it is the relaxed limits due to the need for population control or the ability to do some good for the community while enjoying the sport of hunting, outdoorsmen have been looking to hunt these types of game more and more every year.

Feral Hogs

While not as widespread in the Midwest as in some of the more southern states, feral hogs have established populations in parts of Missouri and Oklahoma, as well as scattered pockets across the Midwest.

As you could imagine, their impact on crops and native ecosystems is atrocious and has made them a target for year-round hunting.

Thanks to the lack of seasonal restrictions, boar hunting offers flexibility that you cannot find with any traditional game species.

On top of that, there are also little to no restrictions on the methods for hunting these hogs. Whether you’re using thermal scopes, bait setups, or just ground stalking, hunting hogs can be an extremely exciting outing and add an element of unpredictability to the field.

Coyotes

Coyotes are one of the most commonly hunted predators in the region and across the United States.

They're smart and adaptable animals, and always on the move. Calling in a coyote during a cold January morning takes some know-how, but with some practice and expert guidance, it is not that difficult.

A good portion of hunters go after coyotes simply to keep pressure off deer and small game populations in the area, as those are the prize animals. Others do it for the challenge alone, with coyote hunting bringing its own bag of challenges. Either way, they’ve become a year-round fixture for hunters looking to stay sharp in the off-season.

Magic of the Midwest

Hunting in the Midwest states of America has always held a special place in the hearts of so many hunters, whether it be Kansas upland hunting or tracking a deer in the woods of Wisconsin.

That culture and history of hunting has not only allowed so many to make lifelong memories hunting that prized game, but has also allowed populations like the turkey and the pheasant to bounce back, helping keep the beautiful history of Midwest American hunting alive.

The American Midwest's Top Big Game Animals