Getting back into hunting. Trade deer help for puget sound fishing?

[hawksfan75]

I've spent way more time out in the sound seeking salmon the last few years and need to get back into the woods. But I'm as novice as it comes and am looking for any guidance on everything from where to go but also what to have in the pack, how to care for anything I'm fortunate to get etc...

So, what do I bring to the table? I've been fortunate to get to spend a lot of time on the sound. We're hitting prime fishing and crabbing season and I've always got an open seat whenever I get out on the water as long as my four year old shares her seat PM me if you want to get out on the water and chat hunting and how to get some different red meat in my freezer.

[Eli346]

 That's a great offer Hawksfan. I'm not much into fishing although I've been out quite a few times in the last decade. You can do some searches on here specific to what you want to know and you will find a ton of info. Packs, scouting, care of the animal, tracking, shot placement, and calibers for what you want to do are all in this wealth of hunting pages. If you have specific questions you can also ask here or drop me a PM and we can talk. It sounds like you've got a good plan and following up on it shouldn't be a problem but time is getting short so fire away. Talk to you soon and good luck. Eli

[MLBowhunting]

First off which weapon are you going to use?

[hawksfan75]

First off which weapon are you going to use?

Missed that minor detail. I'm a rifle guy but thinking about picking up muzzle loader. I'm 6'8 and can't drop a ton of cash on a bow that will fit me.

@Eli346, all good pointers. I'm not a complete novice (well, I probably am) and have a few years of well-armed hikes under my belt. I've got all the gear, the shooting skills and such down, but the other stuff you mention, tracking, reading sign etc... is what I'm after.

I fish normally out of Area 11, but will be heading north a few times and getting out to the coast as well.

[syoungs]

if you want to make the drive to the east side for late season muzzle loader I will take you out, and put you on some does. not a guaranteed hunt, but pretty darn close.

[bowjunkie]

 What
area do you live in?