Newbie help please

[TwoSixFourWins]

I moved to WA last year and would really like to get out and do some high country hunting for deer, bear, and/or elk. I do archery and firearm. I have quite a bit of backpacking experience from my younger days and I'm hoping this winter to get back into backpacking shape.  What I would like to know is what parts of the state offer decent public land to crawl around in for a few days at a time? Not looking for honey holes just general areas. I have been looking at some of the highlands in Gifford Pinchot but I'm not sure how much pressure or how productive the area is. Even if the hunting is not over the top good views and wide open spaces make the trip worthwhile to me.

[h20hunter]

Just follow Hirshey....if you can keep up.

[Eli346]

Gifford Pinchot is a great place to start with as it's close to you and will be a good test of what you may be in for when you get out there. I suggest taking a friend or at least letting someone know exactly (as close as possible) where you're heading. There's a lot of open spaces out there and almost anything can happen.

[Fl0und3rz]

PM sent.

[Jburke]

All of the designated wilderness areas have lots of room to roam.  One thing you will have to decide on however is weapon choice.  I don't know where you moved from but in case you haven't read the rules yet you have to choose a weapon type when you buy your tags, and that's all you can hunt with for that year.  I know other states are not all the same so that's something to keep in mind.

[TwoSixFourWins]

Thanks to all who responded. I think I will start looking into GPNF. 

[Cap.Silver]

Quote :.  One thing you will have to decide on however is weapon choice.  I don't know where you moved from but in case you haven't read the rules yet you have to choose a weapon type when you buy your tags, and that's all you can hunt with for that year. -
The statement is not true entirely : during deer or elk  modern firearm season you can hunt with bow,muzzleloader or rifle - page 19 3rd paragraph from top on right hand side .

[Jburke]

Quote :.  One thing you will have to decide on however is weapon choice.  I don't know where you moved from but in case you haven't read the rules yet you have to choose a weapon type when you buy your tags, and that's all you can hunt with for that year. -
The statement is not true entirely : during deer or elk  modern firearm season you can hunt with bow,muzzleloader or rifle - page 19 3rd paragraph from top on right hand side .

That's true but the seasons are different unless you are only considering the high hunt. It's all a matter of preference I suppose.

[fillthefreezer]

Thanks to all who responded. I think I will start looking into GPNF. 

i prefer to stick to wilderness personally. once you hike a bunch and a guy on a quad passes you you'll see what i mean

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Your think in the right area! Welcome to the area. I'm sure we will run into you sooner or later!

[TwoSixFourWins]

I hunted here last fall and will be again this fall so I'm reasonably familiar with the regulations(as much as one can be with the insane amount if idiosyncratic laws this state has). I am hoping after spring thaw I can get out and start wandering. Anyone know where I can get some good topo maps of national forests and wilderness areas? GPS is nice but a map and compass is lighter and the batteries don't die. I would be looking for parks and cuts that would provide some open ground. What is the least busy season? Late Archery? Also would like to know if water can be found in various areas so I can limit the amount I must carry.