here is an innate curiosity in us all, hunters especially. We are driven by the same question that drove early settlers deeper into the wilderness, just beyond that next ridgeline, to carve out their own place on the land. But having room to roam is increasingly challenging these days, as cities overfill and the hills that were once unspoiled succumb to blaze orange. However, if you have the grit to face a challenge, the boot leather to burn, and a little bit of luck, you can still find plenty of paths untouched. Here is a short list of ten often overlooked upland destinations.
1) Northeast Maine
Hunters journeying to Northeast Maine have public hunting access to vast privately-owned lands, mainly commercial timberlands. Known for its low hunting pressure and challenging terrain, Northeast Maine provides a rewarding experience for those seeking a bit of quiet beyond the more pressured and more accessible areas of central and western Maine. Utilizing onX can help identify productive areas by providing aerial forestry and habitat data. Make sure everything is available offline. Also, 10-ply tires and a good spare are recommended.
2) Northwest Montana
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department provides detailed maps and regulations for the area, including large tracts of public land like the Kootenai National Forest. For those seeking a challenging mixed forest grouse hunt amid some of Montana’s most iconic, mysterious wilderness, Northwest Montana is a lesser-known but rewarding destination. Make sure to pack your bear spray.
3) White Mountains, New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department provides resources and maps for hunters to explore these areas. With the region’s mix of hardwoods, alder stands, and river corridors, the White Mountains offer upland hunters a unique experience, blending the thrill of pursuing wild birds with the beauty of some of New England’s most rugged terrain. Bring a good pair of boots.
4) Texas Panhandle
The Texas Panhandle is an excellent destination for bobwhite and scaled quail, thanks to its combination of grasslands, agricultural fields, and brush habitats. This region offers both public and private hunting opportunities. Through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Annual Public Hunting Permit program, hunters can gain access to wildlife management areas and leased private lands.
The Panhandle’s mild winters support more consistent quail populations, while lower hunting pressure gives hunters more breathing room under a big Texas sky. Hunting quail here often means working with dogs in big, open terrain, where both large covey explosions are found just about as often as rattlesnakes. If you want a real Texas adventure, this is one region worth exploring.
5) Big Horn Basin, Wyoming
The Big Horn Basin in Wyoming is an underrated upland destination for Hungarian partridge and chukar. With arid, rocky terrain and rolling sagebrush hills, the Basin’s habitat is ideal for these birds, which are commonly found near steep hillsides and ridges. Public lands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), provide ample hunting areas for those willing to work for it in remote stretches of open country.
