Top 10 Cheapest States for Out-of-State Deer Hunting (2026 Prices)

Why Hunt Deer Out of State?

Hunting deer in another state opens up opportunities that your home state may not offer: different terrain, longer seasons, more liberal bag limits, or simply a new adventure. But non-resident hunting licenses carry a premium over resident prices, sometimes dramatically so.

The good news? Several states keep their non-resident deer hunting costs remarkably affordable. We've researched and ranked the 10 cheapest states where you can chase whitetails or mule deer without breaking the bank.

Note: All prices reflect the 2025–2026 license year. Prices are subject to change — always verify with the state's wildlife agency before purchasing. See our full hunting license cost comparison for a 50-state overview.

The Top 10 Cheapest States for Non-Resident Deer Hunting

#1 — Pennsylvania: ~$129

Pennsylvania is the clear winner for budget-minded non-resident deer hunters.

• Non-resident hunting license: $101.97 (includes one antlered deer tag)
• Additional antlerless license: $26.97
• Total for one buck + one doe: ~$129

Why it's great: Pennsylvania has 1.5 million acres of State Game Lands open to public hunting, plus vast tracts of state forest land. The state consistently ranks among the top five in total deer harvested annually, with a deer population estimated at 1.5 million. Rifle season typically runs two weeks in late November into December, and archery season extends from late September through January.

Success rate: Pennsylvania hunters harvest approximately 300,000+ deer annually. Non-resident success rates on public land vary by region, but the northern tier and central mountain counties offer excellent opportunities.

#2 — West Virginia: ~$146–$151

West Virginia is an often-overlooked gem for affordable non-resident deer hunting.

• Class E non-resident hunting/trapping license: $119
• Deer stamp (antlerless, Class NN): $27
• Archery or muzzleloader deer stamp: $32
• Total for firearms deer: ~$146

Why it's great: Nearly 80% of West Virginia is forested, and the state offers over 500,000 acres of public hunting land through Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and national forests. The Monongahela National Forest alone covers 921,000 acres. West Virginia's deer density is strong, particularly in the eastern panhandle and southern counties.

Success rate: The state harvests approximately 100,000+ deer annually. Archery seasons are generous, running from late September through December.

#3 — Tennessee: ~$185

Tennessee's all-inclusive Sportsman License makes budgeting simple.

• Non-resident Sportsman License: $185 (effective July 1, 2025)
• Includes: Hunting, trapping, sport fishing — no additional deer tags required for the basic bag limit

Why it's great: Tennessee is an all-inclusive deal — the $185 Sportsman License covers your deer tags without needing supplemental permits for the standard bag limit. The state has 1.7 million acres of Wildlife Management Areas plus extensive national forest lands. Tennessee offers both whitetail hunting in the east and some excellent western Tennessee bottomland hunting.

Success rate: Tennessee hunters harvest around 160,000 deer annually. The long season structure (archery, muzzleloader, and gun combined) runs from late September through mid-January.

#4 — Virginia: ~$197

Virginia offers excellent value given its proximity to eastern population centers.

• Non-resident hunting license: $111
• Deer/turkey license (required for deer): $86
• Total: ~$197

Why it's great: Virginia has over 1 million acres of national forest land and nearly 200,000 acres of WMAs open to public hunting. The state's deer population is robust, especially in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont regions. Virginia's liberal bag limits (up to six deer per season in some counties) provide excellent value.

Success rate: Virginia hunters harvest 200,000+ deer annually. The combined archery/firearms/muzzleloader season stretches from early October through early January.

#5 — Wisconsin: ~$200

Wisconsin is a deer hunting powerhouse at an affordable price.

• Non-resident deer hunting license: $200
• Includes: One antlered deer tag

Why it's great: Wisconsin has a legendary deer hunting culture and 5.7 million acres of public hunting land — one of the highest ratios of public land per hunter in the eastern US. The state's northern forests and CRP lands in the western counties produce quality bucks year after year. "The Rut" in early November draws hunters from across the country.

Success rate: Wisconsin hunters register approximately 200,000+ deer annually. The nine-day gun season is an institution, and archery season runs from mid-September through January.

#6 — Missouri: ~$306

Missouri's deer hunting opportunities justify the moderate price tag.

• Non-resident firearms or archery deer permit: $305.50 (effective January 2026)

Why it's great: Missouri manages 1+ million acres of public conservation land and benefits from an aggressive deer management program that has built one of the strongest herds in the Midwest. The state is consistently in the top 10 nationwide for total deer harvest. Missouri's "Show-Me State" public lands are well-managed and accessible.

Success rate: Missouri hunters harvest 270,000+ deer annually. The state offers an early youth season, archery season (mid-September through mid-January), and firearms season in November.

#7 — Georgia: ~$325

Georgia offers affordable southern deer hunting with a long season.

• Non-resident annual hunting license: $100
• Big game license (required for deer): $225
• Total: ~$325

Why it's great: Georgia's deer season is one of the longest in the nation, running from mid-September through mid-January in most zones. The state has 1+ million acres of WMAs open to public hunting, plus national forest land. Southern Georgia is known for mature bucks and quality hunting.

Success rate: Georgia hunters harvest 250,000+ deer annually. The extended season gives non-resident hunters flexibility in planning trips.

#8 — Nebraska: ~$335

Nebraska is an underrated destination for quality whitetail and mule deer.

• Non-resident deer permit (firearms/archery/muzzleloader): $335
• Note: A general non-resident hunting permit ($109) may also be required depending on the permit type

Why it's great: Nebraska sits at the crossroads of whitetail and mule deer range, giving hunters the chance to pursue both species on a single trip. The state has extensive public hunting access through the Open Fields and Waters (OFW) program. River bottom corridors along the Platte and Republican Rivers hold impressive whitetails.

Success rate: Nebraska's whitetail harvest is approximately 80,000+ annually, with mule deer adding another 10,000+.

#9 — Arkansas: ~$350

Arkansas provides exceptional value with a generous bag allowance.

• Non-resident annual all-game license: $350
• Includes: Six deer tags plus coverage for all other game species

Why it's great: Arkansas stands out because the $350 all-game license includes six deer tags — one of the most generous bag limits for non-residents anywhere in the US. The Ozark and Ouachita national forests together provide 2.5+ million acres of public hunting land. The state also offers excellent duck hunting for those who want to double up.

Success rate: Arkansas hunters harvest 180,000+ deer annually across gun, archery, and muzzleloader seasons.

#10 — Alabama: ~$399

Alabama rounds out our list with quality southern hunting.

• Non-resident all-game hunting license: $388
• WMA license (if hunting public land): ~$12
• Total: ~$400

Why it's great: Alabama offers a long deer season (mid-October through February in some zones), warm-weather hunting conditions, and a robust deer population. The state has 700,000+ acres of WMAs and excellent private land hunting through hunting clubs. Alabama's season length is one of its biggest selling points.

Success rate: Alabama hunters harvest 250,000+ deer annually. The extended season gives multiple opportunities across archery, firearms, and blackpowder seasons.

Budget Breakdown: What a Non-Resident Deer Trip Really Costs

The license and tags are just one piece of the puzzle. Here's a realistic budget for a typical 5-day non-resident deer hunting trip:

Budget Trip (Nearby State, Public Land)

Expense	Cost
License + tags	$130–$350
Gas (500 miles round trip)	$80–$120
Camping / basic cabin	$0–$150
Food and supplies	$100–$150
Total	$310–$770

Mid-Range Trip (Moderate Distance, Basic Lodging)

Expense	Cost
License + tags	$200–$400
Gas (1,000 miles round trip)	$150–$250
Motel / lodge (5 nights)	$300–$500
Food and dining	$150–$250
Game processing	$100–$150
Total	$900–$1,550

Premium Trip (Long Distance, Guided/Comfortable)

Expense	Cost
License + tags	$300–$500
Flight + rental car	$400–$700
Hotel / rental house (5 nights)	$500–$800
Food and dining	$200–$300
Guide / outfitter	$500–$1,500
Game processing + shipping	$200–$400
Total	$2,100–$4,200

Tips for Saving Money on Out-of-State Deer Hunts

1. Go with a group — Split gas, lodging, and even guide costs with hunting partners
2. Camp on public land — Many WMAs and national forests allow free or low-cost primitive camping
3. Hunt archery season — Archery licenses are sometimes cheaper, and you'll face less pressure
4. Scout with free tools — Use onX Maps, Google Earth, and state harvest data to identify promising public land before you arrive
5. Combine species — Some states' all-game licenses (like Arkansas) include multiple species at one flat rate
6. Watch for early-purchase deadlines — A few states offer discounts for purchasing licenses before a certain date
7. Pack your own food — Bringing a cooler and camp stove eliminates restaurant costs entirely
8. Process your own game — Learning to butcher and package your own deer saves $100–$200 per animal

Public Land Access: A Key Factor

When choosing an out-of-state deer hunting destination, the amount and quality of public land is arguably more important than the license price. Here's how our top 10 states stack up:

State	Approx. Public Hunting Land	Key Public Areas
Pennsylvania	3.5+ million acres	State Game Lands, State Forests
West Virginia	500,000+ acres	WMAs, Monongahela National Forest
Tennessee	1.7+ million acres	WMAs, Cherokee/Land Between the Lakes NFs
Virginia	1.2+ million acres	George Washington/Jefferson NFs, WMAs
Wisconsin	5.7+ million acres	County Forests, State Forests, CRP
Missouri	1+ million acres	Conservation Areas, Mark Twain NF
Georgia	1+ million acres	WMAs, Chattahoochee NF
Nebraska	900,000+ acres	Open Fields and Waters, NFs, WMAs
Arkansas	3+ million acres	Ozark/Ouachita NFs, WMAs, NWRs
Alabama	700,000+ acres	WMAs, national forests