The Super Slam of North America is one of the most ambitious and revered milestones in the world of big game hunting. Recognized for its scale, complexity, and the level of commitment it demands, this Slam represents the successful harvest of all major huntable big game animals across the continent. Completing it requires physical endurance, logistical precision, and years of meticulous planning. For many, it’s not just a goal—it’s a lifelong pursuit.
The 29-species big game challenge is a comprehensive challenge that extends beyond individual hunts. It encompasses a wide spectrum of game types, terrains, and environmental conditions. From remote wilderness zones to managed conservation units, completing the Slam is not simply about collection—it’s about mastering diverse hunting disciplines under ever-changing variables.
Hunters who embark on this journey must demonstrate:
• Long-term dedication to responsible hunting practices
• Adaptability across multiple ecosystems and climates
• Understanding of national and state-level wildlife regulations
• A commitment to ethical harvest and documentation
North America’s Super Slam is more than a personal trophy list—it is a symbol of resilience, respect, and complete integration with the North American hunting experience.
The slam is composed of a diverse and challenging list of big game animals, each representing a different ecological niche, behavioral profile, and hunting demand. This broad spectrum of species is part of what elevates the Slam from a series of hunts into a lifetime achievement. While SlamHunt does not disclose individual targets for each user, hunters who pursue official recognition or track their personal records will encounter a standardized list that reflects the continent’s full range of huntable big game.
Including this overview provides important context—not to highlight individual species, but to help hunters understand the scale and variety involved. From large-bodied herbivores inhabiting alpine terrain to elusive predators and adaptable lowland dwellers, each species adds a unique layer of complexity to the pursuit.
The list below is offered purely for educational and planning purposes, and may vary slightly depending on the organization or authority validating the Slam. It reflects the biological and logistical diversity that defines the Super Slam and is a reminder of the commitment required to complete it with ethical integrity and respect for wildlife.
Completing this North American slam involves harvesting 29 distinct big game species, each adding its own level of challenge and significance. From large-bodied grazers to elusive mountain dwellers, these animals represent the full spectrum of North America’s diverse ecosystems.
Each objective within the slam presents a distinct set of challenges shaped by terrain, accessibility, behavioral patterns, and legal considerations. While the pursuit of the full Slam is often viewed as a unified goal, understanding the difficulty level of individual targets helps hunters prepare more effectively.
The table below offers a comparative breakdown of these factors, giving insight into what makes each objective unique. This perspective supports long-term planning, logistical coordination, and overall strategy without focusing on any specific region or species as a positioning factor.
Species | Terrain | Access | Population | Tag Availability | Overall Difficulty | White-tailed Deer | Forest | High | Abundant | General Season | 🟡 Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sitka Blacktail Deer | Coastal Forest | Low | Stable | Limited | 🟡 Medium |
White-tailed Deer | Mountainous, steep | Low | Isolated | Limited | 🟠 High |
Mule Deer | Scrubland | High | Abundant | General Season | 🟡 Medium |
Coues Deer | Mountainous | Low | Wary | Limited | 🟠 High |
Tule Elk | Grassland | Moderate | Isolated | Extremely Rare | 🔴 Very High |
Roosevelt Elk | Rainforest | Moderate | Stable | Limited | 🟡 Medium |
Rocky Mountain Elk | Mountainous | Moderate | Stable | Moderate | 🟡 Medium |
American Bison | Plains | High | Stable | Lottery | 🟠 High |
Shiras Moose | River Valley | Low | Stable | Limited | 🟠 High |
Canada Moose | Boreal Forest | Moderate | Stable | General Season | 🟡 Medium |
Alaska-Yukon Moose | Tundra | Very Low | Isolated | Limited | 🔴 Very High |
Barren Ground Caribou | Tundra | Low | Fragile | Limited | 🟠 High |
Mountain Caribou | Mountainous | Moderate | Wary | Limited | 🟠 High |
Quebec-Labrador Caribou | Taiga | Moderate | Stable | Lottery | 🟡 Medium |
Woodland Caribou | Forested Wetlands | Low | Fragile | Extremely Rare | 🔴 Very High |
DesertBighorn Sheep | Rugged Desert | Very Low | Fragile | Extremely Rare | 🔴 Very High |
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | Mountain Peaks | Low | Isolated | Limited | 🔴 Very High |
California Bighorn Sheep | Arid Hills | Moderate | Stable | Limited | 🟠 High |
Dall Sheep | Artic Mountains | Low | Stable | Limited | 🟠 High |
Stone Sheep | Steep Mountains | Very Low | Isolated | Limited | 🔴 Very High |
Polar Bear | Artic Coast | Very Low | Fragile | Lottery | 🔴 Very High |
Grizzly Bear | Tundra/Mountains | Low | Wary | Limited | 🟠 High |
Black Bear | Mixed Forest | High | Abundant | General Season | 🟡 Medium |
Brown Bear | Coastal Mountains | Low | Stable | Lottery | 🟠 High |
Mountain Lion | Rocky Canyons | Moderate | Stable | General Season | 🟡 Medium |
Columbian Whitetail Deer | River Valleys | Low | Frafile | Extremely Rare | 🔴 Very High |
Walrus | Artic Coastal | Very Low | Fragile | Limited | 🔴 Very High |
Stika Deer | Coastal Forest | Low | Stable | Limited | 🟠 High |
Unlike more localized slams, the Super Slam of North America unfolds across an expansive geography. Each target occupies its own distinct ecological zone, requiring the hunter to traverse remote forests, arid deserts, alpine elevations, and lowland habitats. Because regional differences define strategy and access, each expedition demands detailed research and coordination.
This Slam may involve:
• Multi-day backcountry treks to remote areas
• Specialized equipment tailored to local terrain
• Coordination with outfitters across multiple jurisdictions
• Seasonal timing adjustments based on legal availability and behavioral patterns
The Super Slam of North America requires a deep understanding of seasonal patterns, as success can be greatly influenced by climate, terrain conditions, and animal behavior. In general, the most effective timeframe spans the late fall to early spring months, when cooler temperatures improve physical performance and visibility. Seasonal Considerations:
Hunting success also depends on permit timing, tag draws, and local wildlife calendars. Always coordinate with outfitters and conservation units to align your strategy with legal and ecological windows
Achieving the Super Slam of North America is often described as the apex accomplishment in the hunting world. The sheer number of variables—permits, physical demand, costs, access limitations—elevates it from a traditional series of hunts into an elite category of outdoor pursuits.
Key elements that contribute to its difficulty:
• Complex permit structures and long application waitlists
• Extensive travel logistics across remote or rugged terrain
• Financial investment that can span decades
• Physical and mental endurance required across multiple seasons
• Precision in documentation for Slam validation
Only a fraction of hunters who begin this pursuit will complete it, which has contributed to its prestige and legacy status within the global hunting community.
Completing the Super Slam of North America is not a sprint—it’s a multi-year, often multi-decade pursuit that requires thoughtful pacing, logistical strategy, and long-term resilience. Most successful hunters approach it with a progressive mindset, segmenting their journey into manageable phases based on accessibility, budget, and physical readiness.
A strategic approach may include:
• Prioritizing hunts based on permit availability or draw odds
• Planning expeditions by climate compatibility or terrain difficulty
• Grouping multiple objectives by geographic proximity to maximize efficiency
• Allocating off-seasons for physical training, gear testing, or scouting trips
This measured approach reduces burnout, spreads out financial investment, and enhances the overall experience by making each success part of a bigger, well-orchestrated vision.
Given the vast range of environments involved in the Super Slam of North America, hunters must build a gear kit that is adaptable, durable, and mission-specific.
Success often lies in the details. Bring only the extras that add value—tools that enhance safety, comfort, or adaptability without weighing you down
– Modular hunting pack (4,000–5,500 ci capacity)
– Survival-grade knife and processing tools
– High-calorie food kits and portable hydration systems
– Compact shelter or bivy system for extended stays
Choosing the right firearm and optics is essential for adapting to Super Slam of North America. Suggested gear:
– Mid-to-large caliber rifle (modular platform recommended)
– Adjustable bipod and multi-terrain sling
– Multi-environment scope (variable magnification)
– Rangefinder with environmental compensation
– Ballistic chart tools or mobile ballistic calculator
Evaluate each species’ hunting challenge with insights on terrain, access, population, and tag availability—essential knowledge for planning your North American Super Slam
– Layered system (base, mid, shell) adaptable for seasonal variation
– Insulated gear for extreme cold-weather hunts
– UV-resistant, ventilated outerwear for hot and arid zones
– Waterproof gaiters, gloves, and breathable headgear
There is no universal certification authority, but several recognized organizations offer formal validation if you meet strict documentation requirements. To qualify, you must:
SlamHunt allows users to track their Super Slam progress, log relevant metadata, and archive hunt details for personal or official purposes.
Physical and mental readiness is not optional—it is essential.
Expected physical demands include:
Even seasoned hunters face setbacks when tackling the Super Slam of North America.
– Missing critical draw windows
– Underpreparing physically
– Improper gear selection
– Inadequate documentation
– Overlooking legal constraints
– Ignoring seasonal closures
With SlamHunt, hunters can set application reminders, validate gear loadouts, and log trophy stats in real time.
✔ Research legal requirements and tag acquisition per hunt
✔ Plan travel logistics and build cost estimates
✔ Perform terrain-specific loadout tests
✔ Secure weather-ready equipment
✔ Set seasonal goals within SlamHunt
✔ Record expeditions with documentation
✔ Coordinate export/import paperwork
✔ Schedule gear maintenance and rifle calibration
While the Super Slam of North America is ultimately defined by its completion, the path toward it is filled with meaningful progress points that mark growth, discipline, and personal evolution. Recognizing these intermediate achievements can be a powerful motivator and help sustain momentum throughout a multi-year effort.
Some of the most celebrated personal milestones include:
• Validating your first five entries in the Slam logbook—often the initial turning point from aspiration to serious commitment
• Completing a hunt in each of the four seasons, showcasing year-round adaptability and resilience
• Undertaking three self-guided expeditions, demonstrating full independence in navigation, logistics, and harvest
• Building and completing a personalized regional Slam, as a practice module for the broader challenge
Each of these steps reflects a layer of mastery within the Super Slam of North America—not just as a hunting objective, but as a lifelong pursuit of precision, self-reliance, and ethical consistency
While the ambition behind the Super Slam of North America is clear, understanding the financial scope requires careful context. There is no single path or universal formula for completion—each hunter’s journey is shaped by personal choices, timeframes, and logistical preferences. To better frame expectations, it’s important to consider the key variables that influence total investment.
The total investment for completing the Super Slam of North America can vary significantly depending on multiple factors:
How many hunts are guided versus self-guided
Whether tags are acquired through public draws or purchased at auction
The duration and frequency of each expedition
The type of transportation involved (private flights, personal vehicles, or remote-access logistics)
Whether the Slam is pursued intensively over 3–5 years or gradually over 15–20 years
Through SlamHunt, users gain access to a curated list of vetted outfitters
categorized by region, success rate, and client feedback
We thank Mark and Jonathan for the opportunity to use SlamHunt during their expedition in the Super Slam of North America.
Mark E.
USA, Wyoming
When I logged my tenth milestone in SlamHunt, everything became real. I realized I was no longer just planning hunts—I was building a legacy. The Super Slam of North America isn’t about how fast you get there, but how much you grow with each step
Jonathan F.
Colorado, USA
Documenting my progress digitally made a massive difference. From remote trips to permit deadlines, SlamHunt helped me stay focused through the years. I’m now 30% through the Super Slam
Not necessarily. Many hunters complete a mix of guided and self-guided hunts. Using vetted outfitters for complex expeditions is highly recommended, but SlamHunt supports both approaches by helping document and validate all entries with equal precision.
If a species becomes unavailable due to legal restrictions, conservation efforts, or population decline, most record-keeping organizations may grandfather your progress or offer alternative recognition. It’s important to stay updated with the official registry’s guidelines, as policies can vary depending on the species and the reason for its unavailability
Completing the Super Slam of North America can take anywhere from 10 to 30 years, depending on factors such as budget, time availability, tag access, species difficulty, and travel logistics. Some dedicated hunters complete it faster, while others treat it as a lifelong achievement
Conservation and Community Impact
Completing the Super Slam of North America isn’t only a personal achievement—it also contributes to wildlife conservation and supports rural communities.
Slam hunts contribute to conservation through regulated harvests, permit-based funding, and habitat protection. Fees collected from these hunts often support wildlife management, anti-poaching programs, and community-driven conservation efforts
Big game hunting linked to the North American Super Slam plays a significant role in supporting rural communities through job creation, outfitting services, permit revenues, and sustainable land management initiatives
Knowledge-sharing programs offer structured learning opportunities focused on species identification, regional regulations, ethical hunting practices, and conservation strategies—ideal for hunters pursuing the North American Super Slam
Connect with a global network of hunters pursuing the same goal
Hunting app
Legal Policy
Ready to start your legacy?
