What are some must do and must haves for hunting SE WA?

[Ridgerunner]

I think those two hunts would meet what the original poster wanted out if a mule deer.

[bobdog86]

1. Top of the line boots, best you can afford, well broken in
2. Best optics you can afford. I paid more for my swarovski's than on my gun/scope.
3. Best Backpack you can afford. I have an Eberlestock X2, which may not be the best, but has an aluminum frame, which is useful when tying stuff on a quarter if needed.

May be different if your hunting the stubble, but if you drop in some of the nasty spots i'd start with those. Also, one thing that i haven't seen is a good set of binocular-type holders, like the bino buddy system. Keeps some of the pressure off the back of your neck and keeps em from swinging everywhere, like when you stumble, or fall against the hillside because your on the edge of 40' bluff  slipping on pea gravel ball bearing crap. Enjoy, but please remember, there are no deer in SE Washington.

[Fish4Fun]

I would agree with all of the equipment mentioned already. My suggestion would be to be comfortable at shooting out in the open. A good Bi-Pod and range finder will make a huge difference. Open grass lands and stubble fields, where shots can be 100 - 400 yards. Practice practice practice at the longer shots so as not to wound a nice buck. Know your gun and your loads, the rest is just deer hunting.

[Pete112288]

New boots were already a must for an early summer purchase this year. I dont have the best when it comes to optics and pack but I do have ones that will have to do since my budget is near non-existnant for this year. I do have the Sportsmans Warehouse made Bino-system type harness and love it haha, I probably wouldnt end up taking them out of the truck if I didnt have this thing. I know thats bad that I would leave them behind like that but the harness is where its at as far as I am concerned. I think I am pretty set as far as gear goes at the moment judging off of what everyone suggested and what I already have. The HUGE part is getting out and getting some practice on the range. Last time I shot more than 100 yards was a few years ago, was pretty confident out to 300 at the time but since 99% of my shots average 30-60 yards, I have fallen out of practice with longer distances. So looks like the only big purchase I need besides boots is more ammo and gas to get me to the range. Thanks everyone for the input. Yea the smaller of the two bucks in that picture is one that I would shoot without question as long as I could put a 3rd point on it. I know for most any mulie hunters out there they would shake their head at me using quality deer points for that but I am young, I have time to build up points again haha, just want my first mule deer or whitetail.

[jackelope]

New boots were already a must for an early summer purchase this year. I dont have the best when it comes to optics and pack but I do have ones that will have to do since my budget is near non-existnant for this year. I do have the Sportsmans Warehouse made Bino-system type harness and love it haha, I probably wouldnt end up taking them out of the truck if I didnt have this thing. I know thats bad that I would leave them behind like that but the harness is where its at as far as I am concerned. I think I am pretty set as far as gear goes at the moment judging off of what everyone suggested and what I already have. The HUGE part is getting out and getting some practice on the range. Last time I shot more than 100 yards was a few years ago, was pretty confident out to 300 at the time but since 99% of my shots average 30-60 yards, I have fallen out of practice with longer distances. So looks like the only big purchase I need besides boots is more ammo and gas to get me to the range. Thanks everyone for the input. Yea the smaller of the two bucks in that picture is one that I would shoot without question as long as I could put a 3rd point on it. I know for most any mulie hunters out there they would shake their head at me using quality deer points for that but I am young, I have time to build up points again haha, just want my first mule deer or whitetail.

Honestly, if you just want to shoot a 3 point, I'd just go over there hunting the general season. There's decent opportunity for deer hunting over there, better for other parts of the state and you wouldn't have to burn your points. Do what makes you happy though. That's what's the most important thing.
Again, just my .02.

[Pete112288]

When it comes down to it. The main thing I was thinking is that I wouldnt have to ask for a handout for finding a hunting place and since there would only be a few other hunters with tags in the areas I was putting in for that it may be better odds without having to stumble around in the dark to figure things out. The other thing is that even if someone showed me around I dont have much to offer in return. That being said, if someone really thinks its that big of a shame for me to use my points like this and could help me out, I would do my best to make up for it. I have the first week of early modern season approved for vacation.
All in all I do appreciate everyone's input.

[bobdog86]

Just remember, there's only the general season for modern in SE WA. No late hunts (w/out special draw). But if your personal goal is to shoot any 3 point, you have a pretty decent chance at accomplishing your goal. There are some pretty decent state owned/control areas, that should provide you with a quality experience. Get out and shoot, exercise and have fun.

[T-Dozzer]

Good boots, good glass sticks or bi-pod and practice shooting further distance

[elkh8me]

Went on an elk hunt there last year.  Strong Legs and a strong back.  Awesome STEEP country

[MarkyMark]

I saw these fellas last year in that neck of the woods.

[MarkyMark]

I would say bring Motrin and lots of ice for your knees.

[splitshot]

      if you get drawn pm me cuz I know some farmers down there who would let you on.   there are some spots you can hunt without a permit just a deer tag.    mike w

[Pete112288]

I appreciate that. I put in for the ZMI ranch hunt as my first pick. I duno if I can pull off coming over there for general season this year but I sure hope I can start doing it in another year or two.

[Bofire]

  good info here, I would add that alot of the gear is very personal, "I hate what you love!!"
kind of deal. Scope covers.
for me, I hate bipods, love shooting sticks; and hate Bino holders as a matter of fact I made my own Bino strap about 6 feet long and love it. As you try stuff you'll figure it out.
Carl

[Odell]

I would learn the ballistics on your rifle and practice at longer ranges. Then pick a maximum distance that is good for your skills and equipment and then stick to it. Personally I won't shoot a bow past 50 yards or my rifle past 300. Personal choice, best for my skills and limitations. Yes you pass on some shots. Once you get over it it's actually fun. Make yourself get closer, get better. You don't have to shoot at everything and passing legal animals grows on you IMO.