New to Washington State

[nctarheel421]

Hi everyone, I am a military guy that was recently stationed in Washington state. This past season was my first season hunting outside of my home town back in NC so my stupid question is: How do you find new hunting spots? I grew up pretty much hunting the same fields and creeks on farm property owned by friends of the family, so now I have to suck it up and admit I have no idea where to begin in a new place. A couple military guys showed me the one spot they knew of but I went the pat month and a half with only 4 ducks. Any advice would be appreciated.

[akirkland]

This forum should be helpful. Duck chat forum as well. Talk to folks. Lots of hunt clubs on the east side. Moses Lake, Potholes Resevoir. Lots of info out there.

[Hilltop123]

Welcome to Washington and thank you for your service. Unlike home, Washington has a substantial amount of public land.  Between the National Forest, State Forest (DNR),Game Range (WDFW) and some others. You should not have a problem finding a spot. The only problem you may encounter, is that most of this land is not real close to Silverdale. If you gave more of a personal bio., on your hunting preferences and style, that would be more help. Thankfully you are starting your search now, just think how much fun this would be in August. Good luck!

[nctarheel421]

Thank you to everyone that has already replied, it is great to find such a resource as this forum. As for my hunting preference I am currently without a boat, which I have been told is a key part in duck hunting within Washington so I am mostly looking to hunt puddle ducks from a blind. I don't mind an early morning hike in to the blind and wading through water is not a problem. Aside from that I might be able to find something like a kayak in the off season to paddle through water that isn't too rough in order to get in to a blind.

[eastsidemallard74]

Im assuming your at Ft Lewis? I thought they had some hunting area for the millitary? Down where your at (if your at Ft LEwis) their is a nice area just  south of you off I-5,I'm not real familiar with much more in the South, as I am with the North and the Eastside. If you ever need help with areas North or East PM me I will do my best to help you with a little info. The maps system with WDFW is a joke, just meet a few people on here at the base or around the hunting stores.Good Luck and thanks for your service

[Special T]

A small LIGHT boat like a Nucanoe, Marsh Rat, Otter Pod, or  Hybrid duck boat are all affordable, storable, and useful ways to gain acess to more area in this state. NOW is the time to start searching for places next year.

It has been MY expereicne that scouting while taking a dog for a walk seems to be less problematic than doingso during the season with a shotgun.  People tend to be friendlier and you gain better info.

[swinters]

Thank you to everyone that has already replied, it is great to find such a resource as this forum. As for my hunting preference I am currently without a boat, which I have been told is a key part in duck hunting within Washington so I am mostly looking to hunt puddle ducks from a blind. I don't mind an early morning hike in to the blind and wading through water is not a problem. Aside from that I might be able to find something like a kayak in the off season to paddle through water that isn't too rough in order to get in to a blind.

You have some great MWR resources that are tailored to WA State such as  http://www.navylifepnw.com/site/51/Recreation.aspx and http://www.jblmmwr.com/nw_adventures.html

You can get boats from them a lot cheaper than owning one, though sometimes there's a waiting list.  Check them out and don't hesitate to use the JBLM facilities - they're great.  A couple of the guys there were Navy so you'll have to listen to some sea stories, though that's pretty normal with us old anchor clankers.