Brand new hunter

[Papagrizzlybear.bk]

Hello all,

I am a brand new hunter, completely wet behind the ears.  I have never been before and have spent years contemplating how much I would like to give it a try.  I have gotten serious in the last few months, finally making a decision I needed to jump in.  I have read and read and read.  I have bought a Tikka T3 lite in .30-06 and starting with a Nikon Pro Staff 3-9x40 scope.  I will be buying the rest of my gear through this year, and planning for next year.  I will also be scouting through the year with a friend i will probably be hunting with to get a hold on things.  Any tips, or recommendations are most welcome.  I am sure that as I plan more I will have plenty of questions.  I thank all of you in advance.
 

[Fl0und3rz]

Welcome to hunt wa.  I am sure many will be along to share some tips.  Perhaps give a little of your outdoor experience so that you can get more pointed tips.

[headshot5]

Welcome!  The first thing I would recommend you do, is buy a nice set of binoculars.   They are invaluable for scouting, and even more neccessary for hunting.  I'm a big fan of the 30-06, and it should do everything you need.

[Doc Sauce]

I am sure you will get a lot of good information on this site.  For the most part, the folks really do seem to enjoy helping new folks get into the wilderness and after some game.  Your results will be much better if you are actually putting in time in the field.  Having said that...

Did you learn to drive by just getting a car and asking questions?  I imagine not.  More than likely you had somebody teach you.  I am not in Washington anymore, I moved east with the Navy, but I spent 4 years in Washington trying to teach myself how to hunt that state.  I did end up successful and had a great time.  My biggest piece of advice...

Hire a guide.  Hire a guide.  Hire a guide.  I spent a lot more money in gas and food, and a ton of time trying to do it myself by going with friends, going alone, reading books, scouring this website, etc., than if I would have hired a guide.  Look at the price of a good guide, not as the price for a hunt or a trip, but as tuition for lifestyle.  Going out with a good guide will give you the ability to learn what good producing habititat looks like, how to look for sign and how to interpret that sign, what gear really is needed and what is not, where to go inexpensive on gear and where to invest those hard earned greenbacks. 

I don't know how others feel about this, but, if you are truly new... save yourself a lot of money, time, and frustration...

Hire a guide. 

Then go on your own and with friends to sharpen those skills.

    

[pianoman9701]

Welcome to HuntWA!  A couple of questions:
Have you taken Hunter Education yet?
Where do you live?
Where do you intend to hunt?
What do you intend to hunt?
How old are you?

A lot depends on the answers to these questions. If you haven't taken hunter education, then that's the first thing you need to complete.

[Papagrizzlybear.bk]

Thanks for the response from all.
Sundance- I would like to start in Western Washington for sure.  I have not pinned down anything further than that.  I am currently studying the GMU's on this side of the mountains.  I am more holding off in case I do go with a guide or mentor.

Headshot5- I defiantly got binoculars on my list, anyone have some thoughts about what to look for?

Doc Sauce- I am definitely considering a guide to start with, or a mentor if I can find one. 

Pianoman- I am trying for a hunters education class in August that I found.  I live in Federal Way.  Once I go through hunters ed I am going to try to find a mentor and will go wherever they go.  And I am 30 years old.

I thank you all for your welcome and look forward to using all your suggestions and guidance.