Top 5 Hunting Spots in the Midwest for Your Next Adventure
The Midwest is a hunter’s paradise. From dense forests to sprawling prairies and river bottoms, this region offers some of the most diverse and rewarding hunting opportunities in the country. Whether you’re after whitetail deer, waterfowl, or upland game, the heartland has something for every type of outdoorsman. Here are the top five hunting destinations in the Midwest you should consider for your next trip:
1. Buffalo County, Wisconsin – Whitetail Capital of the U.S.
Best For: Trophy whitetail deer
Why It Stands Out:
Buffalo County consistently produces record-book bucks thanks to rich farmland, strict deer management practices, and limited hunting pressure. The mix of wooded ridges and agricultural land creates ideal conditions for monster bucks. Outfitters are popular here, but public land parcels and walk-in hunting areas are also available.
Pro Tip:
Hunt during the rut (late October to mid-November) and consider setting up on the downwind edge of a bedding area.
2. Shawnee National Forest, Illinois – Public Land Goldmine
Best For: Archery whitetail deer, turkey
Why It Stands Out:
Located in southern Illinois, Shawnee offers over 280,000 acres of rugged terrain, hardwood forests, and deep hollows. It’s perfect for DIY hunters who enjoy a backcountry-style hunt. Archery hunters, in particular, find success here thanks to low competition and big deer.
Pro Tip:
Scout remote areas ahead of time. The farther you hike in, the better the odds of finding unpressured game.
3. Sandhills Region, Nebraska – Prairie Pothole Paradise
Best For: Waterfowl, mule deer
Why It Stands Out:
The Sandhills are a hidden gem for waterfowlers. The natural wetlands in this area are part of the Central Flyway, making it a prime stopover for ducks and geese. You’ll also find surprisingly good mule deer and whitetail hunting on public lands and through Nebraska’s walk-in access programs.
Pro Tip:
Bring a layout blind and decoys. Birds here decoy well due to low hunting pressure.
4. Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri – Diverse Game & Terrain
Best For: Whitetail deer, wild turkey, squirrel
Why It Stands Out:
Covering 1.5 million acres, Mark Twain National Forest is a rugged, game-rich environment. Its mix of oak-hickory forest and river bottoms provides habitat for a wide variety of species. It’s a hotspot for turkey in spring and productive for deer in the fall.
Pro Tip:
Focus on oak flats in the fall—acorn crops here draw deer like magnets.
5. North Dakota Badlands – Big Game with Big Views
Best For: Mule deer, whitetail, upland birds
Why It Stands Out:
The Badlands are one of the most unique hunting environments in the Midwest. The rolling hills, buttes, and draws provide exceptional glassing opportunities. North Dakota’s lottery system helps manage mule deer numbers, but upland game hunting (especially sharp-tailed grouse and pheasant) is also top-tier.
Pro Tip:
Apply early for tags and consider combining a bird hunt with your big game trip to maximize your time in the field.
Final Thoughts
The Midwest offers some of the most accessible and rewarding hunting in North America. Whether you’re chasing bruiser bucks in Wisconsin or decoying mallards in the Sandhills, these destinations provide both challenge and satisfaction. Do your research, respect the land, and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Got a favorite Midwest hunting spot of your own? Share it in the comments (or keep it secret—we won’t judge).