Washington Waterfowl How to....

[Gordy]

Hi Guys...
I just moved up here, and I've already got the itch for some waterfowl, and it's progressing to the shakes. Anyway, I read the "new waterfowler" thread, but I still have a few more general questions. I'm going to the WDFW branch tomorrow to get some more information, but I want to hear what the experts have to say as well:
Where can I find a map with the public WMA's?
Is the public land too crowded (sky busters) to hunt on? Is it a waste of time?
Should I try to find some private land to hunt on?
I live in Mill Creek, are there any decent area's in western washington, or do I have to travel to eastern washington?
Do I need a boat/float tube?
What about decoys? Much sucess jump shooting, or pass shooting?
Much sucess with geese, or usually ducks?

I'm don't want you to divulge your honey holes, I'm just looking to get pointed in the right direction. Some of the best hunting experiences I've had have come from just being out in the marsh and finding a spot myself.

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate any advice.   

[Stape]

Some folks are tight-lipped about their spots.   I have a few up my sleeve places over in Kitsap and Mason counties.   Hope you have good luck with the WDFW guys, they are about useless anytime I call them.  I tried to get a map of WMA's and public lands, but they tell me to drive around and look for the public signs.....frustrating to get anything out of those guys.   All of my spots were word of mouth, info from swap hunts and buddies.   Up around you, I have hunted Stanwood, and had great success, not allot of hunters, but there is lots of access so it wasn't too crowded.  A buddy of mine gets allot of info from park staff and area biologists to gain hunting access to very little known public spots.  Hope this helps.

[Otto1]

try this from WDFW
http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/mapping/gohunt/index.html

also contact DNR and request a "major public land" map... I bought one when I was learning new areas..
I would also contact and go to a Washington Waterfowl Association meeting as they do a bunch of work parties on public hunting areas all across the state.

www.waduck.org

[T-Bone]

Gordy, since you live in Mill Creek; why not visit the WDFW Region 4 Headquarters?

http://wdfw.wa.gov/reg/region4.htm

BTW, do your "Internet Scouting" for maps on the WDFW website; click on "Regional Offices" and then "Wildlife Areas" on each Regional Office site:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/

Also, buy a copy of the WA Atlas & Gazetteer; on about p.15, it lists the major Wildlife Areas and their locations.

[Gordy]

Thanks for the help guys. I really appreciate it. The information was very helpful.

[LongTatLaw]

Im new to wa too...

Is there any rules /problems with doing a set up in creeks and rivers... basically just tie off on the bank... little 3 dozen decoy set... mostly fly bys ect?

Does it matter who owns the land beside the river if Im not gonna get out of the boat? any rivers or creeks that you cant duck?

I hunt all over hwy 12 so you can imagine the rivers Im talking about.

[ICEMAN]

The problem is getting your shot birdie off of private land, this becomes trespassing...