New to the NW, scouting trip planned.. .

[Jloether13]

Been in the state about a week now. Totally mesmerized by the pacific NW. I've hunted the past 20 yrs but out east, not in big woods like these. I plan on deer/elk hunting this fall. What better way to learn the woods here than a scouting trip? I've picked the Olympic National Forest mostly due to its proximity to where I live now.
I plan on taking a day pack, gun, water, compass etc.   any "must haves" to carry in the woods round these parts or advice for the new guy?

[lostbackpacker]

Go to REI. They will sell you everything you don't need:-)   be prepared to get into snow even this time of year on the olypenn. I wouldn't just go out for a hike. Look at green trails map or pick a more populated trail to start with.

[cvandervort]

Bring a rain shell....never know out here

[Jloether13]

That's a good idea lost B P, I'll try to find a trail in the area.

[Skillet]

+1 on Green Trails maps.  Where you from originally?   We got transplants from just about everywhere on here that would be willing to give you advice on how to adapt.  I know a few guys on here from the upper midwest that have made some adjustments to their preferred hunting methods and turned into killing machines... welcome to WA.  Now dont tell nobody else! 

[Jloether13]

I'm from PA, I've hunted there and MO. Those states are remarkably similar once you step into the wood line. Major diffrences between there and here are..... Oh I don't know....  just the flora and the fauna. the animals and their habitat. but im persistant, ill figure it out.  I'll check out the green trail maps.   Thanks

[Boss .300 winmag]

I'm from PA, I've hunted there and MO. Those states are remarkably similar once you step into the wood line. Major diffrences between there and here are..... Oh I don't know....  just the flora and the fauna. the animals and their habitat. but im persistant, ill figure it out.  I'll check out the green trail maps.   Thanks

I major difference is the weather, out here it can snow in any month with the right weather pattern and elevation. I have been snowed on before in the summer, and if you are packing light for warm temps you can be hypothermic really fast.
I use NOAA weather to keep myself honest about theses things. Link below for DuPont, Wa. It's easy to select other areas.


http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.0967638&lon=-122.63123910000002&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=DuPont%2C%20WA%2C%20USA#.Ubh4DMu9KSM

[Jloether13]

Thanks for the advice.   Ill report back post scouting trip.

[ICEMAN]

Depending on your terrain/ elevation, I would plan on losing your GPS signal on the OP. Don't plan on a phone signal or GPS.

When in new territory to me, I take my altimeter, compass and good map. Old school.

Also, take extra firestarting tinder etc...the Olympics are a pretty damp mossy place and getting a fire started if you need can be a horrible experience.

Good luck, stay safe, let some responsible adult know your plan and route.


EDIT: Jloether13, regarding survival fire starting in the PNW, here is a link to an article I wrote in 2004 on this exact subject, check it out:  http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,16151.msg182619.html#msg182619

[jackmaster]

if your in dupont, that means your next to lewis right? if you head out towards elbe or morton you will find some great places to scout.... if you want pm me and i can give some specifics, welcome to the great northwest, the land of the GREAT GRAY GHOST.....

[bmccalister]

Lots of good advice. I like to bring with me and would recommend the 10 essentials 1. fire starting items (tinder, matches, lighter) 2. water and purifying items 3. extra food 4. knife or multi-tool 5. extra clothes 6. map, compass and or GPS 7. sun protection (sunglasses, sun screen, chap stick, hat 8. first aid 9. illumination (head lamp/ flashlight). 10. emergency shelter. Other items I like to add is rain gear, bear spray, cordage, and a hand gun.

[Jloether13]

Well I had NOT planned on my GPS NOT working but I do have a compass and maps. I also have a fire starter kit packed. Nothing extensive as mentioned in the attached article but some vasoline cotton balls and lighter in a waterproof case. I had considered bringing tinder but thought carrying wood into the woods seemed a bit off. Might just do it now.
Super psyche to ge out in the woods this sat.
Thanks for all the feedback

[Jloether13]

Well, I made it back alive so I guess it was a successful trip. Covered about 10 miles, 1600 ft vertically in the Olympic national forest. This state is no joke.  I almost turned back about 37 times.
So what did I do right and what did I do wrong?

+  Wel my initiall map recon and staying on corse in the woods was spot on. And that felt like no small feat considering the terrain. Had all the nessasary supplies I could have needed.

- my pack was toooooooo heavy. Al I could think of the whole day was, well besides where are all the deer was how can I make this pack lighter?  First of all I could not taken the giant binos. Didn't use them once.

So I did see 2 deer. Not sure what kind. Mule deer I guess? No bone. Kept my eyes open for sheds as well. Is their a particular place to find sheds? Perhaps my hopes were too high after seeing such good shed finds on here.

Also what is the bear threat? I carried my 44 and wasn't worried or scared about the furry critters but I felt like they could be around every turn. I've read on here they are not really an issue. I like to think that's the case. I felt like I was deep in the woods and they could easily have been lurking.

[ICEMAN]

Black tailed deer in that area. Mulies generally east of the Pacific Crest/ Cascade range...

Glad you made it back. I have not found many blacktail sheds over the years. Some guys on here are pretty good at finding them.

Bear attack threat is what it is. I feel it is low, but we did have a member on here within the last two weeks take a bear charge as a serious threat (point blank) and get a shot at the bear. He felt he wounded it...the bear bailed. I have always considered the threat low, maybe I walk to noisily....who knows... 

[wilsongideon]

Sounds like a good learning experience....Still remember my first long hikes in the woods alone, I always was worried about bears and cougars. after you have hiked  5-6 times and especially after you see a couple black bears feeding on hillsides or seen them feeding along the creeks your fear goes down quite abit. Still a scary threat in the woods but I think mostly they are going to get out of your way and you will never even see them. Shed hunting is alot tougher then it should be  spend 5 walking miles in the woods off of major trails and logging roads and you might get lucky.

[Forks]

A heavy pack is good for training. Keep at it, you will fall in love with the Oly. Pen. The kitty's are what raise the hair on my neck.

[Hilltop123]

I would not get to preoccupied with worries about bears and cats, just be aware they are around. Go about your business and have a good time....as already stated, they will get out of your way, long before you will ever see them, hell you won't even know they were there...welcome to Washington

[washelkhunter]

Welcome! Probably the number one rule for safety in the woods of Wa. is dont hike at night. There are more cliffs in this state then i think anywhere else. People just walk right off em.

[bmccalister]

Go to hear your trip went well. My pack was too heavy as well when I first started hunting the wilderness so I had to get newer light weight gear and clothing - well worth the investment. As for my binos I use a chest strap which allows me to have access to them all the time. It also eliminates the weight around my neck while wearing them in the field. You can find some videos on YouTube for some light weight backpacking ideas - some can be very extreme.

Bears in the wilderness are not that bad as long as you hang your food at night. They like to keep their distance. The bears I have had issues with are the ones that live close to town. They seem to loose some of their fear of people. But like you I carry a side arm just in-case one gets a little too close for comfort.

Good luck with your hunt.

[huntnnw]

I hike at night alot to elk hunt..sometimes hrs to a spot