Seattle area Veteran/newbie interested in hunting upland birds and/or waterfowl

[Tinker Pearce]

Im a 52 year old Army veteran living in South Seattle. I'm cursed with a loving wife that keeps buying me shotguns for Christmas, Birthdays or 'just because.' With the latest addition she said, "If you are going to have all of these shotguns you are going to have to start hunting more."  Um... Darn?

My usual deer hunting grounds is short-range, so I took a shotgun this year (no luck) but deer season is short. The last time I hunted birds with a shotgun was over thirty years ago when I was stationed at Ft.Riley and shot some prairie chickens with a single-barrel Savage 16 gauge. I also did pheasant hunting day trips with a friend, but I haven't really shot anything but clays since, and that only a couple of times. I'm going to start shooting clays regularly for practice but I am keen to do some hunting. Basically figure that aside from hunter-safety I am a total newb.

I know it's not the best time of year to be starting out, but what the hell. I have basic gear for hunting except waders. I have a couple of 12 gauge doubles, a Marlin 55 bolt gun and a 16 gauge double. Looking to day-trip for now. Easy going, easy to get along with, NOT a hater, smoker. I'm on partial disability for PTSD (VA) and currently kind of out of shape. Available weekdays or weekends with advance notice, can meet for coffee or what have you first. PM or email.

[Tinker Pearce]

Hi everyone! Is your idea of a good time dragging around a fat, out of shape, ignorant newbie with PTSD while hunting? Then I'm your guy! Yeah, OK, maybe not. I'll be joining the local gun club, shooting some clays and getting to know people in person.  Perhaps by next year I'll at least be less fat and out of shape, less ignorant and perhaps made some friends to go hunting with.

[Woodchuck]

Thank you for your service. Don't give up on finding like minded folks on here. Chime in here and there on the forum so people can get to know you a little bit, it will pan out. If you get a burr in your saddle for a road trip, drop me a line, maybe we can go look for yotes.
I am a 42 yr old vet that's fat and out of shape. 

[Tinker Pearce]

Thanks Woodchuck- I appreciate the response and if I'm going to be in your neck of the woods I'll certainly drop you a line.

[Woodchuck]

 

[CityBoy]

Hey there!  So, I'm a beginning hunter myself.  I'm only just completing the Hunter Safety Course to get my WA hunting license.  But, once that's done, I'd be interested in getting coffee to talk about going on hunts together.

I'm a 41 year-old city boy who has never hunted before, but who's always wanted to.  Getting started hunting is part of my plan to remain active now that I'm older.

I'm mostly interested in hunting deer, coyote, and raccoon.  I have a Mosin Nagant M44 that I'll be using to hunt with, but I'd be willing to tag along on your hunts just to get a feel for this new hobby.

Anyway, let me know when you might want to get that coffee.  I'm in Seattle (Columbia City).

[Tinker Pearce]

Not far from me at all!  I'll PM you soon.

[Revwrangler]

I'm a little south of you in Puyallup. Don't do a lot of upland game but am big time into water fowl. I'd be game to meet up and get to know you a bit, and then try to wack some ducks this next season!

[Tinker Pearce]

Sounds good- I head down Puyallup way now and again. I'll PM you next time I'm headed that direction.