wilderness hunting in washington state

[dbur525]

Just wondering where i can find the most detailed maps of trails in the washington wilderness ,places like the pasayten area, and so forth.

we want to start scouting areas for next years hunting, will will be hunting both elk and deer, and maybe bear and cougar,
we have not ventured to any of these places yet, not really even sure where to start, any help from, more experenced hunters on this site would be appriciated
thanks
dave 

[fc2038]

Buy the wilderness maps. They will give you the trails that you want. When you have an idea of the area and trails, go and get the greentrail maps of the specific area that you are looking at. That should dial you in. You might even want to look at google maps or flashearth.com that will give you an idea of the terrain. This will give you a starting point. Then go and scout, get above the treeline and look into those snowslides in the morning and evening. Make sure you have good glass and a spotting scope. It will make life a little easier. Send me a PM if you would like more. I might be able to help you out with a place to start.

[Charlie]

Sportco (in Fife) and Sportmen's Warehouse (do a search, multiple locations) have a good supply of different maps you can look at and then decide which one(s) fit your needs.

[PA BEN]

You need to look up wilderness rules also, no wheels, chainsaws, heart beat rule, horse feed, etc.

[Charlie]

  Good points Pa Ben!

[byrdman]

Once you find an area you want to hunt, I would suggest getting some USGS 7½ minute quads. They are by far the most detailed map commonly available. But are a bit expensive ($6.50) if you compare the area they cover vs. a green trails or something similar.

[Charlie]

  http://www.mytopo.com/online-maps.cfm

[dbur525]

thanks guys

i will start planning now this gives me plenty of time to get ready, for next year.

I even thought about hiring a guide to go in on horseback.

[PA BEN]

You can save money by hiking in. Most outfitters have a price to pack out animals if you get one.

[grizzlygibbs]

You need to look up wilderness rules also, no wheels, chainsaws, heart beat rule, horse feed, etc.

Whats the heart beat rule?

[280ackley]

You need to look up wilderness rules also, no wheels, chainsaws, heart beat rule, horse feed, etc.

Whats the heart beat rule?

I believe its how many heart beats pass a point in a certain amount of time.  A horse and rider would equal two heart beats.  I think each wilderness area have different heart beat rules.

[agchawk]

For example: This is from the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Regulations (My copy is a bit old so the numbers may have changed over time)

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In addition to permit requirements, Alpine Lakes Wilderness use is subject to certain regulations. These regulations are posted at most trailheads and are summarized on the back of your permit. They include the following:

- Maximum group size in twelve, including all people and stock. In the Enchantment Lakes, maximum group size is eight. The Forest Service refers to this as the "Heartbeat rule"; count the number of heartbeats in your group, not legs. Include your dog in that count.

- No motorized or mechanized equipment is allowed. This means no motorbikes, bicycles, chainsaws, carts, or aircraft are allowed within the wilderness boundry.

etc, etc, etc

[PA BEN]

Your right each area has a heart beat rule. Group size. People and animals.

[Vek]

acme mapper

[kingsalmonkllr77]

National Geographic topo maps for your computer.  You can blow up and print whatever you want and it is real easy to use.