10 Overlooked Upland Hunting Destinations

Nathan Ratchford Jan 14, 2025

There 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department resources include maps and regulations to support a successful upland hunt. The Basin’s rugged landscapes, high visibility, and upland game populations make it a prime choice for hunters who appreciate a challenging chase in a classic Western setting.

Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana

The Atchafalaya Basin, stretching across south-central Louisiana, stands out as an overlooked destination for woodcock hunting, particularly during their peak late winter migration. Characterized by dense bottomland hardwoods, swamps, and brush-filled wetlands, this vast region offers woodcock the moist forest floors and heavy cover they favor. In fact, it’s estimated that over half of North America’s woodcock population winters in Louisiana, making the state—and especially the Atchafalaya—a woodcock hunter’s paradise during December and January.

Ideal woodcock habitat here includes areas with thick vegetation and young forests. For those navigating this rich but challenging terrain, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries manages several areas within the basin, including the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge and Sherburne Wildlife Management Area.

South Georgia

South Georgia, especially the Albany area, is renowned for its bobwhite quail hunting, often called the “Quail Capital of the World.” The longleaf pine forests and plantation lands are managed specifically for quail, offering habitats that support both wild and released birds.

Many quail plantations here offer guided hunts in the Southern tradition, complete with experienced pointers and guides. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources also provides public hunting areas in wildlife management lands that are meticulously maintained to support healthy bobwhite populations. South Georgia’s quail hunting experience is as much about the culture and traditions of Southern upland hunting as it is about the birds, making it a rich experience for any upland hunter.

Owens Valley, California

Owens Valley, along the eastern Sierra Nevada, offers excellent hunting for chukar and California quail. The rugged hillsides, desert scrub, and sagebrush flats provide challenging terrain and suitable habitat for these birds.

Chukar thrive in Owens Valley’s rocky landscapes, preferring steep slopes, while California quail are more abundant in lower, brush-covered areas. Public lands managed by the BLM provide open access, making Owens Valley a solid choice for hunters seeking wild, unpressured birds.

Ruby Mountains, Nevada

The Ruby Mountains in northeastern Nevada offer upland hunters a unique experience, with opportunities to pursue chukar, California quail, and the elusive Himalayan snowcock. Known for its rugged terrain and high elevations, the Ruby Mountains attract hunters willing to go vertical.

Chukar and quail are commonly found at mid- to low-elevations, while hunters seeking the Himalayan snowcock must ascend to alpine heights. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service and BLM, the Rubies’ remote public lands allow for a backcountry hunting experience rarely found elsewhere. Preparation is key—bring plenty of water, sturdy boots, and be ready for unpredictable weather.

Southern Arizona

Although becoming more popular, Southern Arizona’s upland hunting opportunities still offer an unparalleled mix of challenging game birds, diverse terrain, and breathtaking desert scenery. The region is home to three quail species—Gambel’s, scaled, and the prized Mearns’ quail—each inhabiting distinct landscapes.

From the mesquite-dotted lowlands to oak-studded highlands in the Coronado National Forest, hunters can test their skills in varied environments. Public land access is abundant, bolstered by Arizona Game and Fish Department initiatives that open private lands to hunters. Late-season opportunities, paired with the region’s mild winter climate, provide comfortable and extended upland adventures.