Still lost as a newbie...

[cbzdel]

Went modern deer hunting for the first time 2 years ago, went to Vail Tree Farm with a buddy who had never been hunting as well.  It was good, ran into a small doe and a nice elk.   Last year we both couldn't get time off work to go.   I have been researching hunting and general and have learned a lot more but still am far from experienced.

So I really have three questions in hopes of getting some answers..

1) Can anyone recommend any books I can read on furthering my knowledge of deer hunting? Right now I am just doing modern firearms, but am interested in archery as well, and might get a bow setup this tax return.   ( I understand doing it is the better than reading a book, but I would like to know as much as possible).

2) I seen the thread that Vail Tree Farm is not closed unless you have a special permit which is what I was planning on this year, well now that thats out of the question, what is left in the South Puget Sound?? I am having trouble understanding the maps and whats private/public.  I am not looking for a camping spot just single day hunts.  People I know who have been hunting in the past tell me locations but when someone says, 10 years ago I used to hunt the Elbe woods, what does that mean I ask for more info and its always a secret haha!!

3) What are your guys thoughts on guided hunt tours? I see the ads on here for them, and I have really actually thought about it, mainly because I have ZERO experience and do not know anyone to learn from.  My friends and family have had zero interest (other than the buddy who came with me last time, who knows nothing as well) so I really have no one to learn any skills from.  If not the hunt tours what about the GPS maps which are sold on here, are they worth anything??

Thanks for any pointers guys!!

[furiouzgeorge]

I've considered the guided hunts for Elk!

[hawksfan75]

Your situation is where I've found myself. Except this year is the one I've taken off. I am getting ready for daughter #2's arrival in December...

At any rate, I am still learning, still exploring etc... and would love to do more of it. I too was bummed about the Vail thing, but I totally get it from their perspective.

See you're in Tacoma. I work downtown and can meet up for a beverage at some point and chat about what hasn't worked for me so far...

[Special T]

Byod Iverson's "blacktial trophy tactics 2" tell you everything you need to know about blacktails.

[DoubleJ]

Byod Iverson's "blacktial trophy tactics 2" tell you everything you need to know about blacktails.

x2

[Wose]

I'm still a newbie too, just a little farther ahead of the curve.  Iverson's books are great, but the book I learned the most from is Louis G. Terkla's "Hunting Black Tailed Deer, an Oregon Perspective."  I know it says, Oregon, but if you are west of the Cascades, it works in Washignton too.

http://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Black-Tailed-Deer-Oregon-Perspective/dp/1878175181/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381184363&sr=8-1&keywords=terkla+hunting+black+tailed+deer

The most important thing is, don't give up.  When I moved out here, I was humbled, because blacktails are much harder to hunt than their white tailed, Kentucky cousins.  I got skunked for several years, but finally had sucess this year.

Good luck.

[rumrunner]

Scout, scout, and scout some more. Play the wind and get out of the truck and walk. Google maps work well to help figure out where you want to go. If it is raining that is the time to go out in my own opinion.

[buddy01]

The best blacktail hunting is the LATE hunt. Rain or shine get out their.

[Blacktail Sniper]

 

Also, don't overlook the last few days of the regular season, right before Halloween.

[Kooter]

You can always hunt Capital Forest outside of Olympia. With Vail closed I forsee it being very busy this year though.

[Special T]

IMO you really have to get to know an area. Cameras are great because they give you time and what is there. I just got access to a new piece. I hunted it 2 times in the early season mostly to  scope it out. Lots of Alder on the property and just a little fir. There are several trails, and i almost set up a stand... I know from experience that once the leaves fall i will see a whole new world. THAT is when i will set up a stand and do some tree trimming.  the right tree and the trails become more evident once the leaves fall. STUDY the area... Some of my best knowledge came just after the season when i could check everything out for the next year, limb trees etc.

[irishevox]

use a guide if you got the $$$ they can be a huge help,  join buck masters or buck commander so much you can learn from DVD's and magazines... Read, read and the read some more!

[pope]

Close to Tacoma is JBLM which, although I've never hunted there, has produced for other hunters. I think you have to pay a small fee for a day pass and register your weapon.

[billythekidrock]

You can always hunt Capital Forest outside of Olympia. With Vail closed I forsee it being very busy this year though.

I have already noticed an increase in people compared to years past. It could be extremely busy up there.

Tahuya State Forest will probably have more people this year as well, but it is probably closer.

[n2thecraft]

I hear what you're saying,,,, and I'm in kinda the same boat,,, kinda. Here's how I'm doing it,,,, I've educated myself on the regulations and safety. Once I think I got those two things down,, I educate myself again,, and I keep doing that. Those are pretty important things in my book. I listen to everything people care to offer of their experiences hunting. They differ a lot, but some good can be had from most. If I don't learn what to do from them,, I can learn what not to do. My first couple years hunting,, I don't expect to drive home with a trophy buck strapped to the hood of my Jeep,,, it'd be nice,, but I highly doubt that'll be me. I'm going to a near by area, public land, and I'll watch what others are doing. Again,, some good there,, some not so good,, I'll have to figure out the difference. Someone mentioned Google maps,, great resource there. I used that to determine where I want to go. I picked up a cheap Garmin etrex GPS so I can find my way back to the jeep. I picked up some trail markers in case I decide to go hiking farther in,, batteries and electronics have failed me in the past,, I don't solely rely on them. I'm gonna take all that there that i just mentioned and go hunting Saturday morning. Like most ( I would imagine anyway), I wasn't spat outta my momma's womb knowing how to hunt. Like you, my family has no interest in it. This is just how I'm doing it. You may want to do things different, and I'm sure many here with great experience would either add or subtract from this. That's ok,, that's how I learn. Good luck and safe hunting!

T

[cbzdel]

Do you guys do your scouting alone?  Growing up in cub/boy scouts the big rule was never hike alone, but it seems like if you leave a clear outline of where you are going it would be no problem??

I could easily go scouting on the weekend alone, but going with a buddy who works weekends would require some planning..

[Clancy]

Be sure to check out what ever area you decide  to hunt on google maps! This can help you plan hunts and have a better understanding of the road systems in the area. I use it so i can dive into the timber on one road, and hunt through and pop out on another road. Makes me feel more secure and have more fun when om not worried about gettin lost!

[Special T]

if you hunt by yourself BE PREPARED! I get ribbed for packing too much stuff when going out for an afternoon hunt. Get a good day pack and take your hunting gear plus the 10 essentials. Have a charged phone, and let someone know WHERE you are going and when you should be back. DON'T DEVIATE! Oh ya and pack some heat. 

[oldhuntere]

You are not far from the Capitol Forest area and it can be a good place to go, but get off the road and into the woods. There can be a lot of road hunters and ATV's out there. If you want to wander up to Kitsap/Jefferson county the Olympic Resource Management (Pope Timber Land) can be a good place and I have scouted it some and you can tag along, I can always use the company. Get in touch if you are interested.