How about Sika deer in Maryland? Check out Muddy Marsh outfitters...quality hunt that will not break the bank and is pretty close to home.

Lots of other good ideas above also.

There is also the Trad Gang Solana hunt...it is filled this year but would be a great hunt for 2011.

Also have the Texas Sweat and Pig Gig which many Trad Gangers attented.

Wow lets see, New Mexico for Elk. Colorado in  September for Muley's and Elk. Maybe Milk River Montana for Whitetails. Hec, Iowa, Illinois, or Ohio for big Whitetails. Thank you for your service! Come home safe!

Any hunt with my brother, kids, grand kids or friends.  Thank you for your military service!

Moose hunt in Maine with the guide who Biggie used-Landreau was his last name. He's da bomb!  

Big mid-west whitetails!! Nothing like a big buck in my opinion!! Shawn

For a southern boy, I'd say a nice north woods black bear hunt would be just the thing, the guides tend the baits and stands. All ya gotta do is get there with your Thermacell and your bow and shoot a big one.

No afiliation other than they are from my neck of the wood... Check these out, they are one of the best Canadian outfiter, they have one of the best spot in the Yukon!! Huge mountain caribou and moose... Just thought I would let you know!!  http://www.deulingstoneoutfitters.com/index.html

Thanks for the tips guys.
Keep'em coming.

Since Spring Bear will be the first available season after I return I'm leaning toward a Spring Bear Hunt. Keep the suggestions coming.

As can be already seen, we all have our own dreams of what makes the best trip ever.  Would need to know a little more about what you consider special in a trip.  Do you like to sit in a stand or spot and stalk?  Nice accomodations, or are you good with a small tent in the middle of nowhere?  Physically demanding hunt, or one in which you can relax and enjoy yourself?  What is more attractive to you, mountains or deep forest?  

There are so many options for fantastic hunts, it would be hard to pick one for someone else.  That being said, if someone told me that I had only one more hunt to take the rest of my life, for me it would be a toss up between an Alaskan caribou hunt or elk in New Mexico.

Thanks for your service - you deserve the best trip you can imagine!

Whip, All good Questions. In the south most of my hunts have been in a stand. I've stalked a few hogs. I guess to answer your question the best is that I don't know what I don't know. I'm just open to just about any type of hunting and wanted to see what everyone would recommend.

QuoteOriginally posted by nybowman:
Montana horseback elk hunt.

I agree and maybe Colorado.after that Alaska

For late summer fall you could do a newfoundland combo woodland caribou and moose hunt. Not the biggest moose, but plentiful from what I hear and you get the option of caribou too.

Well if it were my treat that's what I'd do...lol

Thanks for serving.

You might check this out, I used to work with 2 of the guides. Owner is a retired Fighter pilot and commander of the top gun program, a super guy. Never had the funds to go but if I do this will be where I go.  www.loneconeoutfitters.com

Forgot to add he has discounts for returning vets.

Thanks. I'll certainly check these sites out.