Living in AZ has its drawbacks but as a lifelong resident, except a short stint in GA for the military, I must say its not that bad. We do have a draw for big game but most archery hunts, including deer, are over the counter tags with no draw. Which is part of the reason I dived into archery in the first place. Research your climates though. Where I am at the heat index can hit 135 in August. Just about mid summer I could care less what hunting opportunities there are. Bump the west head north!

I recently moved out west for all the reasons you mentioned, tired of 200" + snow a year, constant grey days, and I landed in Wyoming.  The state is in great fiscal condidtion, plenty of sun throughout the year and hunting opportunities.  There should be no shortage of qualified teaching positions and cold will be nothing new to you coming from Maine.  One thing though is a lack of humidity, thankfully.  Good luck and I know how you feel, Joe

You're making me want to move Joe! Does Wyoming have a state income tax? Sales tax?

From what I understand no state income tax and the property tax is far less than rural New York State, but I can not think of any state with out sales tax. I am not sure of the rate but it might change from county to county.  It really is a great state to call home for anyone who lives outdoors.

When you young and it sound like you are , well thats the time to move or wait till retirement.I can't find work where I live an dit woul dbe even harder I think with a move at my age and My wife, well if NOT for her insurence we woul dprobably move at any rate but now is a bad time. Man I wish I had known 'bout this stuff before I got married and had moved first, this isnt working out trying to move in the economy and my age NOW[56]....GOOD LUCK !

Nv is a draw state. Lots of open, really open land.Deer elk antelope some turkey. Hot in early season. Dry. But we have Burning Man!  Look it up

Recogizing that it is neither the warm west, nor west at all, but NJ is a heck of a place . The archery deer season runs almost straight from mid Sept most of the way through February.  NO draw, and lots of deer.  There is small game and there is lots and lots of fishing.  IF you want to try bear you need to go out of state, but there is turkey and predator hunting. No elk nor moose to be had, alas.

Steve

maineac
sent you a p/m.

Most western states have budget problems-no secret. I would include Vancouver BC and Victoria BC in the mix to extend the range. It is pretty easy to get working papers if you have a job offer.

This will certainly be a researched and thought out move.  We moved to Maine in our 20's with no jobs or any other foundations.  Built a life.  Now as I turn 50 any change will require planning.  Thanks again for all the great and thoughtful comments.