New to Washington -- Pennsylvania turkey fanatic in need

[alexjm]

Hey everyone.  I'm in the process of relocating from Pittsburgh, Pa to Seattle and am probably most stressed about the amount of turkey hunting time I'll be missing this spring more than anything else.  I typically fill my limit and then spend the rest of season taking friends, family, and anyone else that wants to be involved during Pa's season that runs the month of May.

Very excited about everything I have read about turkey hunting opportunities in Washington.  Seems like a great place to be in that regard.  Hoping that maybe some of you on here would help put me in the right direction on what are some good areas to begin looking for birds, what public tracts hold promise, if access to private land is a realistic proposition, and maybe even someone to get out with the last few weeks of season once I'm settled in around the first week of May.   I have a lot of experience out east, am a good caller, and know how to work birds (not trying to brag, just saying I'm not someone that will negatively impact a hunt) Would be great to get together with some others who love the chase as much as myself. 

Here's some strutters from here in Pa this spring as a little payment.

[Jester052]

Are you a Steelers fan? 

[Mfowl]

What area of Washington are you moving to? Best turkey ground is in the NE portion of the state with the SE portion coming in second. There are birds in the Central Cascades but in limited numbers vs the vast amount of land. There are Eastern Turkeys in the SW portion of the state but they are very limited and perhaps the hardest turkey you'll ever try to hunt. There is alot of public ground available in all areas that hold birds. Gaining access to private ground can be done but usually needs to be done well before the season starts. By late season you may find property owners willing to allow you to hunt but likely only after the crowds die down. Welcome to Washington, there are 3 species available with Merriam's being most common followed up by Rio's. As mentioned before, the Easterns are limited and difficult. I hope you make it out when you get here and enjoy your time afield! Good luck!

[Mfowl]

I see you mentioned you're moving to Seattle. It will be a road trip to get to the best ground, 4-6 hours drive time. Plan on doing a long weekend or even a full week as its hard to drive all that way and hunt effectively in only a weekend.

[JKEEN33]

Lots of public land. Fairly easy to fill the tags if you know what you are doing. It is a fairly long drive from Seattle. I have known several hunters that come from out of state specifically for turkey.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I be flying into Pittsburgh soon !!!  Gobble gobble !!!  Welcome ! They just hate Steeler fans here ! lmao

[tonymiller7]

Lots of good info on here, be prepared to drive.  More and more people are turkey hunting so don't expect people to give up their spots that are already becoming crowded.  Do your homework and you'll do fine.

[C-Money]

Lots of turkey hunting in the NE part of WA. There are a few of us from Western Pennsylvania that are on here. I'm a Crawford county native.  Keep the Steelers comments on the DL, and all will be well!! Go Pens!!

[turkeydancer]

Colville is the self declared turkey capital of Washington.  I took my first birds off the Little Pend Oreille Wildlife refuge, but also many on other public and private land in the area.  I tell people you would have to be a blind man not to find turkeys in the area ... I have seen over 300 a day on many days, and if you get away from the main roads, you'll find many landowners that will oblige turkey hunters.   

[nwwanderer]

Three subspecies here, hunt away

[pens fan]

Us Stiller fans need to stick together. Too much band waggoning out here.  :chuckle
Some people should be proud they have the Steelers matched in suoerbowl.......losses :
I'll pm you soon and we will talk turkey.

[edsudac]

Welcome.  I'm from the Burgh as well (Shaler Township) and now live in Spokane.  Been on birds everyday and my daughter killed her first gobbler last Sat.  I'm over that way a lot for work on Ft Lewis.  Hit me up with a PM if you'd like to link up for lunch or a cup of coffee to discuss hunting here in WA.  Like everybody said; lots of birds on this side of the state.  Go Steelers!  Go Pens!  Ed