where to hunt near vancouver

[Foxboy1602]

Hey guys I am fairly new to the Vancouver area and don't really know anyone around here yet so I was just curious of any good spots to hunt for black tail and bear? I am taking my fiancé hunting this year and it will be her first year ever hunting and I would really like to find her something to get. I have hunted pheasant for many years but this will be the second time I have ever deer hunted and the first year I went I never even seen a deer so any help I could get would be very appreciated. Thank you.

[Pigfuz]

I also live in Clark county.  A lot of where you should hunt depends on your hunting method.  what are you hunting with?  Are you wiling to hike or would you rather road hunt?

[Foxboy1602]

I am going to be using a .308 this year next year I am hoping to bow hunt but for this year I am using a rifle. I am more than willing to hike ( that's what real hunting is ) never seen much of the sport in road hunting. Any help would be great.

[Steef]

I'm also pretty new to Clark County/Vancouver.  I didn't really know you could do "road hunts" up here.  I'll be rifle hunting for deer/elk and still trying to find places/people to go with.  Good luck finding someplace good.

S

[Tradbowhunter]

I am going to be using a .308 this year next year I am hoping to bow hunt but for this year I am using a rifle. I am more than willing to hike ( that's what real hunting is ) never seen much of the sport in road hunting. Any help would be great.

He probably is meaning walking down logging roads as opposed to finding and traveling game trails, setting up tree stands/ambushes, etc. Assuming so, there's tons of that to be done, especially during grouse season! 

[Foxboy1602]

I wasn't meaning anything bad when I said that I have just heard a lot of stories of people around here just driving down roads and seeing a deer and they jump out go off side of road and shot it. That is not my idea of hunting. I am more than willing to put in the leg work and I feel its much more enjoyable with a good stalk I just don't know where to hunt around these parts due to I always used to hunt around the Walla Walla area

If I offended anyone I didn't mean to.

[Tradbowhunter]

Sorry Foxboy, I quoted the wrong post. Unfortunately there is a lot of road hunting that is done, and I agree with you, driving around in OHV's with a gun is not hunting as there is very little skill involved. I strongly support fair chase hunting with traditional or minimal gear or equipment. To each his own though.

To answer your question, there are plenty of good places to hike into, depends mostly on how much time you have to devote to scouting and then later how long you will be out for the season, and depends very little on hunting methods or weapon choice. I personally favor spot and stalk tactics due to the challenge of using a stick and string. If you're up for a little bit of a drive, I know of a really nice spot close to Mt. Rainier to find deer and elk, and even some black bear. PM me if you're interested.

[shakyshooter]

i too, live in Vancouver WA and have all my life. I've really only hunted troutlake and battleground units.. my buddy got a pretty nice deer out of battleground and ive heard of elk harvested out of that area too. its close so maybe check it out this summer.

[Foxboy1602]

thanks for the help guys I really appreciate it and will have to check those places out

[bare.hunter]

Yacolt burn is a good place to start.Go to yacolt and go east out of town until you get to the gate that is the 8500 road you can hunt  anywhere past the gate.It is walk in only now but during rifle season the gate will be open.There is lot of deer and a few elk.This is no secret alot of people hunt up there but it should get you started your your on your own to explore from there.

[Foxboy1602]

thanks bare.hunter