Hunting Leases near Fort Lewis...

[razzanof]

First, thanks to everyone who replied to my original post.  It appears that Washington has a steep learning curve when it comes to deer hunting!  Anyway, I noticed on the Hancock Recreation site that many of its leases are on sale now (specifically Kapowcin and Eatonville).  Do these leases tend to sell out?  I'm not to keen on buying a lease without knowing anything about the area but do not necessarily want to close myself out of any viable options.  Thanks again!

[JBar]

Not sure how you're using the term lease but with Hancock you're buying an access pass. By no means will you have a certain piece of the land to yourself. Typically they sell out quick but the last couple of years its taken a while to sell out.

[fishnfur]

No information on Hancock up there.  Down in SW WA they allow walk-in access without fees in many areas.  I, so far, have refused to pay for access to Weyerhaueser properties.  It goes agains my grain a bit.

I would recommend that you use the WDFW website, and check out he GO HUNT interactive mapping feature.  Set it so that it shows public lands and check out free hunting areas close to where you live.  Pierce Co. is pretty crowded and I imagine that public lands closeby are pounded pretty hard.  You might just find some good areas to scout before you drop a bunch of coin for access to Hancock land.

Probably one of the best ideas is just use google earth to find private agricultural lands containing blocks of timber close to you.  County assessors website uses GIS maps which show parcel numbers which can be then used to track down the owners.  Knock on doors or write letters in order to get permission to hunt.   It never hurts to ask.

[lamrith]

Razzanof, are you stationed on base?  I thought I heard hunting on base was pretty good..

[razzanof]

First, thanks again!  I'm enjoying the hospitality on this site so far!  (Not looking for anyone's honey holes, just a clue!)

In any event, the reason I am being so proactive for 2015 is last year I was lulled into an assurance I would have a farm to hunt.  Unfortunately, the owner never got his buck and I was left out in the cold until the last week of the season.

Lamrith, I will be stationed at Lewis come summertime.  However, it appears to be a mixed bag.  I just want to make sure I look at all my options.  If it means "wasting" $200 for a land pass, I consider it a small price for a day in the woods!