General backcountry hunting area

[NWhammering]

Hello all.

I am moving to the Maple Valley, WA area come August when my enlistment ends. I really like the DIY backcountry bowhunting. I was curious if anyone could point me to a general area. I'm looking to hunt mainly elk, but deer as well. I would like to find an area where I can hunt and camp out, while not running into lots of hikers or other hunters. I don't mind if I run into a few. I do know it's almost impossible not to. I am not looking for anyone's "honey holes", secret spots, or even a specific part of an area. Anything general, like a GMU or county will help. I just need somewhere to get started so I can do my own hiking, camping, and scouting. Any tips are very welcome!

Thank you!

[X-Force]

it really depends on if you want to hunt west side or east side, spike or branch antler bulls. lots of good info on here just takes some searching.

[NWhammering]

it really depends on if you want to hunt west side or east side, spike or branch antler bulls. lots of good info on here just takes some searching.

Thanks! Ill do some searching. Anywhere in the state works for me. I would like to fill my freezer first, trophy last.

[Karl Blanchard]

If you are looking to fill the freezer I would focus on the west side of the state.  Better odds of killing a 3pt or better bull close to home where you have more time to scout then to drive multiple hours east to try and find a spike to kill on the east side.  Thank you for your service!

[Tbob]

Head south on 1-5 a ways and then head east.. Anything west of the Pacific Crest Trail is considered "west side". We use the PCT to access some pretty cool remote areaa..Just make sure you're west of the trail and you're money.. William O or the Goat Rocks are some cool areas.. Deer/elk and some good fishing up in some of those lakes too! Good luck and be safe out there! PM me if you want any more info..

[Jonathan_S]

Do  some searches on here and you'll get more general area than you can stand.  Pretty much anything that says National Forest on it on the map on that side is a good starting place.

[Bullkllr]

If you are looking to fill the freezer I would focus on the west side of the state.  Better odds of killing a 3pt or better bull close to home where you have more time to scout then to drive multiple hours east to try and find a spike to kill on the east side.  Thank you for your service!

That's funny, I was going to say by far the best chance for success is for a spike in the Yakima units...especially where the guys from Selah hunt

[Karl Blanchard]

If you are looking to fill the freezer I would focus on the west side of the state.  Better odds of killing a 3pt or better bull close to home where you have more time to scout then to drive multiple hours east to try and find a spike to kill on the east side.  Thank you for your service!

That's funny, I was going to say by far the best chance for success is for a spike in the Yakima units...especially where the guys from Selah hunt

Didn't you hear? Indians killed em all!  No more elk left