New and Need help

[huntingdog16]

I am a new hunter(just got my hunters ed card). I was wondering if anyone could tell me what I need to do in order to start Hunting. I wondering if anyone could tell everything from buying the license and tags to harvesting the deer. I am using a pump-action 12 gauge.

[TommyGun496]

I would start with getting a rifle.

[acnewman55]

bring your hunters ed card to the license dealer when you buy your first hunting license.  after your first license is purchased, you won't need to present the card again, as they will have your history on file.

[huntingdog16]

I was also wondering if anyone knew of any good starter places for a new hunter like myself?

[stevemiller]

look at the wdfw site and look at the harvest reports for last year and get out in the areas shown and scout.Also a rifle would help a lot,.270 30-06 or whatever dont know how big you are lol

[h20hunter]

Dog....may I ask how old you are?

[Kazekurt]

I would start by picking up the game regulations.  Then, decide what all you want to hunt(big game, upland birds, waterfowl, etc).  Next, buy all appropriate liscensing and tags for those species.  Next, try to identify places you can hunt.  There are lots of resources to help with this like DNR/BLM maps and online mapping.  You can also talk to landowners of private ground and may be able to aquired permission.  At your age, you should also hunt with an older family member, friend, or mentor of some kind as they will greatly assist you in learning the ins and outs of hunting and all applicable rules involved with each species.  If you don't have any family members or friends that hunt; you may be able to pair up with a board member in your area.  I hope this helps and happy hunting!

[huntingdog16]

Thank you, I was saying I would use a 12 gauge because I live on the west side and in my GMU(407) people have told me you cannot use rifles.

[huntingdog16]

Is it legal to bait a deer?

[bobcat]

Yes it's legal to bait deer, and your 12 gauge shotgun will work fine. Just don't shoot past about 35 yards if using buckshot. With slugs you're good out to 75 or 100 yards, depending on how accurate you are. The type of sight is usually the determining factor. Actually with a scope and the right loads, you could shoot deer out to 150 yards.

[TommyGun496]

If you are hunting in a restricted fire arm unit, I would use a muzzle loader or a shotgun with a rifled barrel.  Maybe a muzzy with 209's???

[huntingdog16]

Currently Im using a CZ-USA 612 Pump-Action(12-gauge). I will be hunting GMU 407.

[bobcat]

What do you have for a sight, and are you planning to use buckshot or slugs?

[huntingdog16]

Simmons® 8-Point scope and buckshot

[h20hunter]

Dog....here is what I would do.

I'd spend some time on Google Earth and try to find a few properties that have good habitat in your local area. Get yourself presentable, take a parent, and go knock on a few doors. Don't ask if you can hunt, ask if you can talk to them for a few minutes about the possibility. Tuck your shirt in and make sure your pants cover your butt. IF you get in the door, or can come back at a later date, tell them your goals. You do not want to just kill bambi. You want to help put meat on the table. Offer to share. Stress safety and respect for their property and neighbors. Talk about game recovery...that kind of stuff. You will probably get mostly No for an answer.....however, all you need is a single yes and you are in business. Do they need help with chores, yardwork, anything to get you in the door.

[Rob]

Dog....here is what I would do.

I'd spend some time on Google Earth and try to find a few properties that have good habitat in your local area. Get yourself presentable, take a parent, and go knock on a few doors. Don't ask if you can hunt, ask if you can talk to them for a few minutes about the possibility. Tuck your shirt in and make sure your pants cover your butt. IF you get in the door, or can come back at a later date, tell them your goals. You do not want to just kill bambi. You want to help put meat on the table. Offer to share. Stress safety and respect for their property and neighbors. Talk about game recovery...that kind of stuff. You will probably get mostly No for an answer.....however, all you need is a single yes and you are in business. Do they need help with chores, yardwork, anything to get you in the door.

best advice you could hope to get!

[huntingdog16]

Thank you very much

[bobcat]

I would strongly recommend against the use of buckshot. You can easily triple your effective range by using slugs.

[Kazekurt]

You're in a good unit for blacktail if you can find a place to hunt.  I run deer out of the berry fields almost every night moving the bees in and out for berry pollination so I know there are some to be had with a little effort and luck.

[h20hunter]

Dog....THERE IS YOUR IN.....RIGHT THERE STARING YOU IN THE FACE.......

I have no idea who kazekurt is but he KNOWS PEOPLE! Get on the PM bandwagon.....maybe he needs some help with them bees!

Deer eat berries. Berries are worth $$$$$.....folks be losing 'cause you aren't thinning the herd!

Time is running out....deer season will be here......get to it!


Oh....and post pics of critters and tell us stories about blown stalks and succesfull hunts.

[KB88]

Get some binoculars. I know you probably will not need them for a shotgun black tail hunt, but you will eventually find out that bino's are a hunters best friend. Ask family members for a pair, even a small set will do for your current hunt. Also get a windicator (little tube of talc powder that you check wind). Wind that you should be off to a decent start.