Planning Your Hunt on Public Lands: Choosing the Perfect Location

At Not One Acre, we've explored responsible hiking, camping, and family adventures on public lands—now, we're shifting gears to hunting. As advocates for keeping every acre open and accessible, ethical hunting plays a key role in wildlife management and conservation. This post kicks off our hunting series by guiding you through planning and selecting a prime location. Hunt responsibly to support sustainable populations and preserve these shared spaces for all outdoor pursuits. Not one acre lost!

Why Hunt on Public Lands?

Public lands offer vast opportunities for hunters, with over 640 million acres managed by federal agencies like the BLM and USFS. It's affordable (often free beyond licenses), diverse in terrain, and directly contributes to conservation through license fees funding habitat protection. Plus, it aligns with our Leave No Trace ethos—hunt ethically to minimize impact.

Steps to Plan and Choose Your Hunting Location

• Research Game Species and Seasons: Identify what you're hunting (e.g., deer, elk, waterfowl) and check state-specific seasons. Factor in draw systems for limited tags.
• Evaluate Access and Terrain: Look for areas with good road/trail access, but consider remote spots for less pressure. Use topo maps to assess elevation, water sources, and cover.
• Assess Game Populations: Review harvest reports and population data from state wildlife agencies to target healthy areas without overhunting.
• Secure Permits and Licenses: Apply early for tags via lotteries; obtain federal/state permits. Always verify boundaries to avoid private land trespass.
• Scout in Advance: Visit off-season or use digital tools for virtual scouting. Note signs like tracks, rubs, or bedding areas.

Special Topics and Tips for Preparation

Hunting on public lands requires extra prep due to shared use and regulations:

• Regulations and Ethics: Know firearm/archery rules, bag limits, and no-baiting zones. Practice fair chase and harvest selectivity to sustain populations.
• Safety Considerations: Wear blaze orange, carry navigation (GPS/compass), and inform someone of your plans. Be aware of other users like hikers—hunt during low-traffic times.
• Weather and Gear Prep: Public lands can be remote; pack for extremes with layers, emergency shelter, and a field dressing kit. Test gear on practice hikes.
• Environmental Impact: Follow Leave No Trace by packing out all waste (including shells) and avoiding sensitive areas like riparian zones. If packing out game, use game bags to minimize scent trails for predators.
• Budget and Logistics: Factor in travel costs, camping fees, and potential for multi-day hunts. Start small if new—local day hunts build skills.

Useful Resources for Planning

Here are trusted tools and links to get started:

• BLM Hunting Resources – Maps and rules for BLM-managed lands.
• U.S. Forest Service Hunting Guide – Info on national forests and permits.
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Hunting on Refuges – Opportunities on wildlife refuges.
• onX Hunt App – GPS mapping with public/private boundaries and offline use.
• HuntStand App – Weather, stand locations, and community insights.
• Leave No Trace for Hunters – Ethical guidelines tailored to hunting.
• State Agencies: Search your state's wildlife department (e.g., Colorado Parks and Wildlife for CO-specific hunts).

Ready to plan your hunt? Sign up for our newsletter for more hunting guides, exclusive tips, and updates on public lands advocacy. Use code NOTONEACRE for 20% off gear like our hats, stickers, or Not One Acre t-shirt—perfect for the field. Hunt smart, hunt sustainable!