Top 10 Toughest hunts in North America

[David lozzano]

Wich species do you guys think would make the hardest animal to harvest with a traditional bow in North America?
I applied for Ibex in the florida mountains in New mexico, I think that's up there in the top 10!

David

[Jim Wright]

A record book mule deer.

[threeunder]

I would think the wolf and a cougar without dogs would place in there somewhere.  Also all the sheep and the Eastern Wild Turkey without a blind.

I've only ever hunted one of those though.  Its at the top of my list right now.

[Looper]

The toughest I've personally been on was a mountain goat hunt in Southeast Alaska. The terrain and the weather were truly treacherous. Incidentally, the name of that area was Ford's Terror. Quite fitting.

I'm not a fearful person, by nature, but the top 3 moments on my "Scared $#!&less" list, came on that hunt.

I do think there is a distinction between a tough, as in physically demanding, hunt and hunting an animal that is difficult to get a shot on.

For the most elusive animals, I'd have to say a Coues Whitetail would rank at the top. Any sheep or goat is a true trophy with traditional archery. Like Threeunder said, a wolf and cougar without dogs is nigh on impossible. For the common fellow, a coyote can provide as tough of a target as anything.

[Friend]

A rocky mountain goat may be of significant consideration. Dealing with the elements and terrain which may be encountered can be most treacherous and extremely physically challenging.

Various articles I have read has definitely served to keep any thoughts of this pursuit far from my bucket list.

[Looper]

Yeah, someday I'll post about one of my mountain goat hunts. It involves a 5000 pound boulder crashing down the mountain, in the middle of night, and nearly smashing my tent; having to spend the night stuck on a ledge; a sunken boat; and a ride in a Coastguard helicopter. Quite the adventure.

[sagebrush]

I would also say a record book mule deer. They didn't get that way by accident. Gary

[Walt Francis]

Wolverine

[David Yukon]

Dale sheep. Mountain goat. Wolverine.

[Converml]

Defiantly the Ruby throated hummingbird.  

[longbowray]

100+ coures whitetail

[Biggie Hoffman]

What is a coures whitetail?

[Converml]

Biggie, it's a Coues Whitetail Deer. A subspecies whitetail. Mostly souther Arizona  higher elevations smaller than whitetail and love using cover.

[Rob DiStefano]

spooky wired texas whitetail deer.   :D

[Bowwild]

I've also thought the Mt. Goat would be the toughest if getting a tag isn't part of the formula.

[T-Bowhunter]

Florida Eastern and Osceola Turkeys.  These turkeys are tough to get them to come to a call, but to be able to move on one to get a shot is very difficult and almost impossible.        

[DWT]

Having personaly hunted them I would say wolf would be near the top. They are without a doubt the smartest predator Ive ever come in contact with. The first two days of my hunt it was -42 and I cant even explain this kind of cold you have to experience it before you would appreciate it. I would also put sheep and Goats right near the top,although Ive not hunted them the terrain, elevation,open country, and unpredictable weather I have read about makes it sound like very low odds hunt. I think wolverine is a toughy also because of the rareity of them.

[Converml]

Yup Rob's is a good definition.

[duncan idaho]

The toughest part of any trophy is being able to pay for the hunt. A sheep/goat hunt is hard, but, paying for it is worse.

[Sam McMichael]

Although not as exciting and glamorous as those animals living in remote and dangerous habitat, an urban whitetail who lives constantly surrounded by people and their dogs can be truly difficult to put a shot on.