Is staying near Seattle worth it?

[mendozer]

I want to go out for deer (and elk) this year for the first time and it seems there's just crap in 454. I have land to scope out, but it's quite close to another GMU that's a no-no. And using WDFW's goHunt, the only "feel free to hunt" areas are far away in eastern and southeastern washington. I don't mind the drive IF IT"S GOOD.

Anyone know if these areas are productive? I was fearing maybe the state lets you hunt there because there's zilch.

I've had recommendations for Okanagan, San Juans, etc. Which is great, but I can only get so far looking on a map. I'd be very much willing to tag along and learn from experienced hunters as well.

[mburrows]

Its not the state that allows you to hunt "feel free to hunt" areas, it is the land owners.  Like most areas, they vary in quality.  I have hunted one that my partner shot a 4 point whitetail on the ground with a bow over near Colfax, and I have hunted others that seemed like a vast waste lands.

If the feel free to hunt area is surrounded by an area that generally has strong harvest statistics chances are its a decent areas as long as there is cover, food and water for animals on the feel free to hunt land.

Aside from the feel free to hunt areas, there are a ton of other great public opportunities for hunting on both the west and east.

[Tbob]

I've found plenty of good hunting within a two hour drive out of Seattle.. Guess it just depends on what type of hunt you are looking for as well.

[police women of America]

I heard that the hunting by reservation at WDFW is awesome.
you can see the comment about that in the organizations category with a post that's called WDFW private land access.
the feel free to hunt areas aren't as good but I know people are getting them.