new on hunting

[kauaiboy]

I have little to no clue of information as far as hunting here in western,WA. I just recently purchased a bow, and is currently waiting for the hunter ed class set for July 14-18. I am planning on purchasing the big/small game combo for 117.50; does that mean I get to hunt one per species? Since this is my first time also, most likely I will be going to public lands or gnu; so do I need special permits or have to let game wardens know if I wanted to start scouting for areas and setting up possible tree stands or food plots? Also what ar e these drawings that I keep reading about? is that what I have to do when I purchase the license and draw a place where I can only hunt?

[bloodhound]

you need to go to your local sporting good store and get a free hunting pamphlet and start reading. if it your first time hunting in this state you should know all the rules and regulations that Washington state has. this will also give you all the answers to the questions you just asked and answers you need to know that you didn't that will keep you out of jail!

[bloodhound]

to briefly answer your questions, it depends on the species how many you can take, you can scout public lands all you want no permission required though you do need a discover pass for certain areas. i think food plots would be kind of a waist of time on public land since anyone could hunt it and you cant disturb the natural plants to make one. stands are ok hang them all you want just make sure they are locked to the tree so they dont get stolen. the drawing you have to put in for earlier in the year which allow you to hunt in special areas/better opportunity areas for certain species, and hunting species that are what we call "oil tags" or once in a life time tags for certain game animals such as sheep,goat, and moose.

[blackveltbowhunter]

  Your hunters Ed class should also help steer you in the right direction regarding laws and safe weapon handling. 

[kauaiboy]

Thanks, I got the pamphlet from wholesale sports and have read over the archery rules and codes of conducts. I'm just confused about the permit situation; the clerk told me to sign up for the hunter ed and I did, but I was just wondering what I can or should do while waiting for the class. Like I said, I just wanted to start scouting for possible areas while I wait for the class; but my big concern is the permits; after the class then what? I read on the pampleths that there are deadlines for multi-season and raffle permits which I wont be able to purchase since my hunter ed is July 14-18,is there any other permits I will be able to purchase after those dates

[bloodhound]

nope, the time has passed! next year buddy! for now all you can do is practice practice practice with your bow, and scout where you want to hunt. buy a discover pass if you need one for the area you will be in. and dont just read the archery part, read the whole thing! there is stuff in there that pertains to general hunting not just archery. shooting from a road is against the law but you wouldnt know that if you read just the archery part. you got to read the whole thing. there is a wealth of knowledge in that book and you need to know it front and back since the man is always out to get yah! you would also know by reading it that there is nothing else you can put in for raffle/special permits if you read the whole thing. that being said you should read it every year since they change things and you need to look for changes. i have 3-4 copies. one in my truck, 2 in the house, and one in my dads truck, and when your bored read them like a bible, over and over till you can remember the verses. here is a question for you. would you drive a car with out knowing the laws of the road? you wouldn't because you would end up in jail by the end of the day. you may not be a rifle hunter or muzzle loader but you should have a basic knowledge of all the rules so when your out archery hunting and see someone shoot something with a rifle you should know whether they did it legally or not. which in the long run if you turn them in you will get extra points for the permit draw which is really great!

[kauaiboy]

That's why I chose the class in person and not online so Id be able to fully understand regulations etc. So I guess no chance to hunt for this season then?

[jgrimes]

You can hunt this season, but you won't be able to put in for the raffles. You can purchase the tag(s) for the species you want to hunt and declare you weapon choice as well. Read, read, and read again those regs. Best of luck.

[kauaiboy]

You can hunt this season, but you won't be able to put in for the raffles. You can purchase the tag(s) for the species you want to hunt and declare you weapon choice as well. Read, read, and read again those regs. Best of luck.

Relieved to hear that. Thanks

[et1702]

That's why I chose the class in person and not online so Id be able to fully understand regulations etc. So I guess no chance to hunt for this season then?

Not all units require special permit.  Actually, most of them are open during "General" season.  Take a look at Archery regulations for specific species you want to hunt and see what units are near you or near where you want to hunt.  WDFW also has "Hunt Planner" on their web site which may help you pick an area.  Plus, you can look at harvest stats for various areas and seasons on their web site.

ET

[kauaiboy]

I appreciate all the input.