happy hunting ground

American  

noun

1. the North American Indian heaven, conceived of as a paradise of hunting and feasting for warriors and hunters.

2. a place where one finds in abundance that which one needs or desires, or where one may pursue an activity without restriction.

   New England attics are happy hunting grounds for antique collectors.

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happy hunting ground British  

noun

1. (in American Indian legend) the paradise to which a person passes after death

2. a productive or profitable area for a person with a particular interest or requirement

   jumble sales proved happy hunting grounds in her search for old stone jars

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happy hunting ground Idioms  

1. A place where one can find or do what one wishes without restriction. For example, The North Shore is a happy hunting ground for antique collectors. This term alludes to the Native American idea of an afterlife where hunters find unlimited game. [Early 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of happy hunting ground

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

Brook's side have returned to their happy hunting ground in Kandy after playing all their group matches in India, at Mumbai and Kolkata.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

Madison Keys was relishing being back on her happy hunting ground in Adelaide on Sunday, where a year ago her run to first Grand Slam title all began.

From Barron's • Jan. 11, 2026

Years of sluggish economic growth have cheapened British assets, making the U.K. a happy hunting ground for private-equity firms and the world’s rich.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

Mohamed Salah's prodded finish set them on their way at the Estadio do Dragao, which once again proved a happy hunting ground.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2021

That meant he dearly loved rolling in manure and decay, so Tarbox territory was the happy hunting ground for him.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck