looking for a new hunting area on the west side

[gwoolsey]

This past year was my first year to hunt archery here in the state of Washington for black tail and I ate tag soup . I hunted all over Capital Forest and also JBLM. seen a lot of deer but was just annoyed by all the people on the capital forest. It seamed like when I was trying to close the deal some one would show up and spoil it. So i am looking for new hunting areas that are with in driving distance of the Olympia area and are good areas to hunt where there are not a lot of people. Not looking for your honey holes just new areas that are better than CF. Want to get started early so I can do some scouting any ideas would greatly help. Thanks

[Alan K]

This past year was my first year to hunt archery here in the state of Washington for black tail and I ate tag soup . I hunted all over Capital Forest and also JBLM. seen a lot of deer but was just annoyed by all the people on the capital forest. It seamed like when I was trying to close the deal some one would show up and spoil it. So i am looking for new hunting areas that are with in driving distance of the Olympia area and are good areas to hunt where there are not a lot of people. Not looking for your honey holes just new areas that are better than CF. Want to get started early so I can do some scouting any ideas would greatly help. Thanks

I think everyone looks for these types of places, and when found, keep their mouths shut.  There are some good spots in the Cap Forest, especially if you're willing to get down into the holes.  Most of the 'easy' spots to hunt get hit hard.

[DoubleJ]

https://maps.google.com/
http://www.huntwashingtonstate.com/index.htm
http://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/gispublic/apps/gohunt/gohuntJSP/startup.jsp

That, some gas, and a good pair of boots should be all you need.  Look out towards the coast a ways.  TONS of logging company land out there within an hours drive of Lacey.  South East of olympia, heading towards Mt. Rainier is another good general area to look.

[billythekidrock]

This past year was my first year to hunt archery here in the state of Washington for black tail and I ate tag soup . I hunted all over Capital Forest and also JBLM. seen a lot of deer but was just annoyed by all the people on the capital forest. It seamed like when I was trying to close the deal some one would show up and spoil it. So i am looking for new hunting areas that are with in driving distance of the Olympia area and are good areas to hunt where there are not a lot of people. Not looking for your honey holes just new areas that are better than CF. Want to get started early so I can do some scouting any ideas would greatly help. Thanks

I think everyone looks for these types of places, and when found, keep their mouths shut.  There are some good spots in the Cap Forest, especially if you're willing to get down into the holes.  Most of the 'easy' spots to hunt get hit hard.

Lots of deer in the CF for archery hunters if a guy is not picky. Only saw one good buck in 6 days of hunting up the C line, but 3 of us killed three deer.

[bullcrazy]

Lots of hunters in every unit. You can find those "honey holes" in all of those units. Just gotta find them and get used to hunting crowded areas. When we head out in the morning, we have at least 4 or 5 spots in mind. It's just icing on the cake if we can hunt our first choice spot.

[trophyhunt]

68 hancock passes still available. Tons of area to hunt and lots of places to find your own honey hole, you will see a few road hunters but get out of your truck and you'll be alone. If you stick with bow, even less people will be seen.

[Hawgdawg]

68 hancock passes still available. Tons of area to hunt and lots of places to find your own honey hole, you will see a few road hunters but get out of your truck and you'll be alone. If you stick with bow, even less people will be seen.

Stick with bow in Hancock and you will be locked out all season for fire danger. and out 350 bucks!

[bobcat]

68 hancock passes still available. Tons of area to hunt and lots of places to find your own honey hole, you will see a few road hunters but get out of your truck and you'll be alone. If you stick with bow, even less people will be seen.

Stick with bow in Hancock and you will be locked out all season for fire danger. and out 350 bucks!

Isn't there a late archery season in that unit?

[trophyhunt]

Yes, there is a late archery season. And most can get the multi deer if they apply, the muzzy season is fun also.