New to hunting in SW Washington

[NSAECHIN]

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and also new to hunting in Washington state. I hunted in Oregon since I was 12 years old, currently reside in Vancouver, WA.

I plan to go deer hunting this year and based on my research on the maps and hunting units, Washougal would be my best bet for blacktail this season to get my feet wet before getting into learning more about elk hunting areas in WA.

Is this the best unit to hunt for somewhere near Vancouver? I don't want to have to drive many hours.

When I hunted in Oregon, I was used to hunting the Saddle Mountain, Wilson, Trask units which was about an hour drive from Portland near the coast. The nice thing about Oregon is there are tons of public land as well, not sure if this is the case in Washington?

Any recommended maps or other pointers are welcome.

I believe the only requirement was to complete the hunters education course...

Thanks!

[Fl0und3rz]

Welcome to WA, and to Hunt-Wa.  Pianoman is in your neck of the woods and likely has some tips about areas around Vancouver.

[h20hunter]

One good source for maps is:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dnr.wa.gov%2FBusinessPermits%2FTopics%2FMaps%2FPages%2Fpublic_lands_quadrangle_maps.aspx&ei=ksNcVZ_RMNjWoATC_oGABg&usg=AFQjCNGiQQLeK6W42q1cNbaeNhYTib_RNw&sig2=Cspo6657yDApsVUFviShQA&bvm=bv.93756505,d.cGU

[pianoman9701]

Welcome to town and to a great site. The Washougal unit is great for both deer and elk. A buddy of mine in Washougal gets a 6 or 7 pt. bull each year. I'm fairly sure his fridge hs fresh venison in it year round, although he swears he just knows how to keep it. If you like craft beers, PM me and we can meet at Northwest Liquid Gold in Orchards. Nice place run by a retired Army grunt and his wife. Military themed place with discounts for vets and active. Let me know.

[NSAECHIN]

pianoman9701 - I have sent you a PM. Looking forward to meeting you at Northwest Liquid Gold in Orchards sometime.



h20hunter-  Looks like they have a few different ones, which would be the best for hunting? I am assuming the public lands map?

Washington State Public Lands Quadrangle Maps , Washington State Major Public Lands Map, Washington State Forest Maps or DNR Recreation Guide ?

[pianoman9701]

get this. http://www.huntinggpsmaps.com/contact#.VV4DA_lViko

I got the 110.00 version which downloads to your desktop through free Garmin Basecamp software and then loads it into your handheld Garmin GPS.

[NSAECHIN]

Thanks! I will check that out for sure. I need to invest in one of those handhelds especially since I will be hunting in a new area.

Which handheld do you use?

[pianoman9701]

Thanks! I will check that out for sure. I need to invest in one of those handhelds especially since I will be hunting in a new area.

Which handheld do you use?

I have a Garmin Rino 655T. The 650 is equally as good without the camera, I think. There are cheaper Rinos available and a used one wouldn't be bad. These new ones are around $500. That's a lot for a young guy with a family.

[shadowless_nite]

Im a vancouver local as well! Welcome and i dont know if I overlooked it but what seasons were you hoping to hunt this year? Theres a lot of good areas near by, unfortunately it seems like anywhere you would be able to do some decent hunting is atleast 30min + from the center of vancouver. If you could get onto some private property in the battleground unit that would definitely keep you close to town, atleast for deer. Shoot me a pm sometime and maybe i can be a third  wheel over at nw liquid gold. I wouldnt mind catching up/ meeting new faces!

Btw, on a random note judging by your screen name, is your last name Saechin?

[ELKBURGER]

Welcome to Washington and to the site! I'm sure you will soon realize Wa's stats compared to Or's. Twice as many hunters, Half as many deer and elk. Still, Washington has some beautiful country, some great people, Pro football and baseball teams and a taller mountain Maybe we can have a Vancouver get together What do you think P-Man?

[Wolfdog2314]

Count me in too!

[NSAECHIN]

Im a vancouver local as well! Welcome and i dont know if I overlooked it but what seasons were you hoping to hunt this year? Theres a lot of good areas near by, unfortunately it seems like anywhere you would be able to do some decent hunting is atleast 30min + from the center of vancouver. If you could get onto some private property in the battleground unit that would definitely keep you close to town, atleast for deer. Shoot me a pm sometime and maybe i can be a third  wheel over at nw liquid gold. I wouldnt mind catching up/ meeting new faces!

Btw, on a random note judging by your screen name, is your last name Saechin?

I am just going to hunt the general season this year in Washougal GMU 568 I believe. Yes, Saechin is my last name. I will send you a PM. Thanks!

[NSAECHIN]

Count me in too!

Sent you a PM

[pianoman9701]

Welcome to Washington and to the site! I'm sure you will soon realize Wa's stats compared to Or's. Twice as many hunters, Half as many deer and elk. Still, Washington has some beautiful country, some great people, Pro football and baseball teams and a taller mountain Maybe we can have a Vancouver get together What do you think P-Man?

I'm for it. Sorry i didn't see your post sooner, Steve.

[ELKBURGER]

Those in favor of a get together can throw out some ideas....I'm most often open weekday evenings 5-8pm, always open to conversation, food and beer during those hours