New hunting area

[Qaib Thai]

Hello HW members I always hunted with my dad for as long as i can remember and he showed me the places to hunt. Every year we pretty much go to the same areas whether its for elk or deer, so i have decided to look for a new area to go hunt in. I have seen areas on the big game book but how do you actually find the gmu areas that are huntable? I dont want to be on the wrong property. I would also like to scout the new area to see if there is any  elk/deer. any help appreciated.

[bowhuntersd]

Pick up the big game regs. you can get them at any outdoor store or even some convenience stores. It is broke down to weapon and season per species. This is also maps labeling the GMU's.

[WapitiTalk1]

Qaib, as bowhuntersd mentioned, the big game regs are a great place to start for researching new areas to hunt in WA.  You may also wish to review the harvest statistics (every state has them) and they'll tell you how folks did in the various GMUs.  Here's the link. http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/harvest/  There's a ton of information in the Hunt WA forum.  Spend some time just going over the old threads and doing a "search" for things like pre-season scouting, etc., and you'll be surprised at what pops up.  Good luck to you bud.  RJ

[Qaib Thai]

Pick up the big game regs. you can get them at any outdoor store or even some convenience stores. It is broke down to weapon and season per species. This is also maps labeling the GMU's.

thx for the reply. Ive seen the big game regs and the gmu's but my main concern is getting to the area, and knowing the boundaries.

[troyspinetar]

The back section of the regs gives detailed boundaries of each GMU.

[returnofsid]

Once you've narrowed it down to a GMU or two, invest in GMU Maps, which can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.

[268bull]

I hunt purely public lands down here in Oregon. Due to the fact that age is limiting the distance I hunt, and also by luck and a limited amount of time that I had to hunt one day, I stepped off the road on to a piece of hunting grnd. that was so obvious that it became non-obvious. And it worked!! Other hunters were just driving by this small canyon and not giving it any consideration. Now, that piece may be rugged and rough, but so much the better. Deer and elk will figure that out, that is , hunters aren't bothering this small piece of real estate, and move in to the area. If it has a water source, browse is available, and no one is bothering them. It's worked well for me. I have 3 or 4 small timbered canyons I rely on and have never once had to deal with other hunters invading my space. A lot of patience is required, but find the water source, the trails leading in and out, take a stand and laugh to yourself as you listen to all the other traffic going by, and your set up in a mere 15 to 20 minutes from your rig! Start exploring now and give it a try. You only need a couple of bucks or bulls to claim the area, and they are out there! :tup:Bull