First year of hunting, Could someone help me?

[newhunter2015]

Looking to for some help. I've been lurking Google, but not finding clear answers. I just took/passed my hunters ED class this last weekend, So now I'm looking into what to do next. I was told to start scouting areas and that's where I'm hitting a wall. I plan on hunting deer this year for modern firearm, and I'm trying to find out where I can hunt.

I'm not asking for anyone to tell me their hunting spots (like 1mile from such and such road) cause I know that's really a no no. What I really need to know if I can go hunting in the national forest/park. More specific Olympic peninsula areas GMU 607/603/624/621. I know if you want to go hunting on private land you need permission, Also that a lot of logging companies own lots of land and you need to buy permits from them.

I've seen lots of maps of the areas I want to scout out, but I just need to know if its legal to hunt in national forest/park. I went to the national park website it said fire arms are ok cause of a law passed in 2010, But it doesn't say if I could or couldn't hunt in Olympics. But there was another park that allowed fire arm and said clearly no hunting allowed.


Thanks for any help.

[WSU]

Yes to the national forest and no to the park.  There's lots of good hunting out your way.  Think about hunting elk too.  Good luck!

[JimmyHoffa]

Can't hunt the national park.  The Forest service, DNR and certain tree farms are OK.  There are so many options to the GMUs you listed, I barely know where to start.
You can hunt in the wilderness areas of the national forest.  A few of those in 621.  How familiar are you with the roads in the units you listed?

[pianoman9701]

Congratulations on passing Hunter Ed! You'll have to read up on the regulations for the areas in which you'll hunt. Google is your friend. I believe there's no hunting in the Olympic National Park, but in the National Forest, it's OK. It would be helpful if you had a GPS and an OnXMaps chip for WA. It'll show you GMU boundaries and identify public and private lands with landowner names.

Best of luck. I'm sure you'll get more help from those who live in your area or the area you're looking to hunt.
PMan

[newhunter2015]

Yes to the national forest and no to the park.  There's lots of good hunting out your way.  Think about hunting elk too.  Good luck!

Can't hunt the national park.  The Forest service, DNR and certain tree farms are OK.  There are so many options to the GMUs you listed, I barely know where to start.
You can hunt in the wilderness areas of the national forest.  A few of those in 621.  How familiar are you with the roads in the units you listed?

Was pretty sure no hunting in the park, but wanted to be sure. The park/forest boundaries are close in some areas. So thank you both for clearing that up.

I actually know a spot out pass lake crescent. I've seen a black bear, cougar, and lots of deer out there (I do a lot of camping). I live in Sequim and I've seen Elk, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet.

Snip

Thanks  I will look into the map.

[WSU]

Yes to the national forest and no to the park.  There's lots of good hunting out your way.  Think about hunting elk too.  Good luck!

Can't hunt the national park.  The Forest service, DNR and certain tree farms are OK.  There are so many options to the GMUs you listed, I barely know where to start.
You can hunt in the wilderness areas of the national forest.  A few of those in 621.  How familiar are you with the roads in the units you listed?

Was pretty sure no hunting in the park, but wanted to be sure. The park/forest boundaries are close in some areas. So thank you both for clearing that up.

I actually know a spot out pass lake crescent. I've seen a black bear, cougar, and lots of deer out there (I do a lot of camping). I live in Sequim and I've seen Elk, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet.

Snip

Thanks  I will look into the map.

I grew up hunting out past Crescent.  My grandfather lived in Sequim and my first memories are hunting and fishing with him and my father.  Good luck.  There's a ton of good area out your way!

[Seahawk12]

Here is a link where you can read up on last years rules and look at the exact definitions of gmu's that are open. This years regs pamphlet isn't out yet, but there won't be any massive changes from the 2014 pamphlet. I would suggest reading it several times. Welcome aboard!

http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/

[TonyRH]

Excellent on the ED pass! FYI, the new WA regs are out and there are a few new changes, I suggest reading it more then 2 times. Hope to hear about a first year harvest from ya, good luck.

[bear hunter]

Go get some Off road maps. Like the other guys said you can hunt state DNR, Federal BLU LAND, Washington fish and game land, some logging company lands. If I where you I would pick up a Garmin 650 and a ON maps hunt chip.  Than I would pack my camping gear,fishing pole and scout ever weekend. The GPS will show the state and federal lands. Drive the back roads, hike and make on the GPS good clear cuts and trails. Also mark animal'so you spot. Goodluck go east to hunt if you want to avoid paying for permit.

[JasonARGY]

Newhunter, I am also new to hunting, not to the area, but as far as hunting, I know absolutely nothing. I am located in Port Angeles, if you are still around and ever need a scouting buddy, let me know and I would love to tag along. I have started a little late as I haven't done any scouting at all yet but my plan for this year is to hunt the whole archery season as much as I can and expect to not bag anything, just make as many mistakes as possible and maybe get super lucky. My issue is also not knowing where to hunt and what is private and what isn't but I am hoping to at least get a few scouting sessions in near town before I attempt any hunting.