Free: Contests & Raffles.
You're moving to the "wrong" side of the state. Hunt the "right" side...Whitetail hunting is better and I would say much easier then it is in Vermont.
Welcome to HuntWa and thanks for serving. You're on the right track getting a bow and planning to use it next year. It'll give you plenty of time to become proficient. Start a relationship with a pro shop by getting it there. Most will match online pricing and if something goes wrong, they'll take care of you in a hurry.If you plan to hunt elk, make sure you go with someone who's done it. I grew up hunting NH whitetails, too. The first time you walk up to a downed elk is a huge wake-up call. Good meat takes good field processing. There are lots of videos on bloodless or gutless quartering. Watch the one done by Elk 101. Also, the territory they stay in is rugged. I know you said you're in the Army, so you'll need to work hard to get into shape! (coming from an old, very out-of-shape Army guy). Yes, I'm a taunter.Best of luck. This is a great forum and our state has lots of wildlife which needs killing! Have fun. If you're ever down to Vancouver, WA or Portland, send me a PM and we'll do some curls, mostly of the IPA variety.PMan
Well, first thanks for your service. Welcome to the site. You will find a lot of good info here, just stay away from the bigfoot thread! The first thing to do after you get settled at JBLM is to visit the Adventure Center. They will have a lot of good info there. There is some really good blacktail hunting, but I think it is limited to archery. Not sure on that one. There is also good black bear hunting, but it's all boot hunting, and the cover is pretty thick. There have been a couple of maulings in the last two years. There are elk on the base, but they are not as numerous as the deer and bear.There's nothing wrong with your rifle for hunting in WA. Most shots in Western WA are around 100 yds. In Eastern WA the ranges are longer, but if you have a decent scope your .06 will handle it. If your muzzleloader is an in-line it can not use a 209 ignition system, and the ignition area has to be exposed to the elements. It's a WA., OR., and ID. thing. Most of the mfg. make guns specifically for the NW. If it's a flinter or caplock you're good to go. For deer or elk you have to choose your weapon, and only hunt in the seasons specific to that weapon. You may choose to hunt deer with one weapon and elk with another. You are also only allowed one deer and one elk per season. With that in mind you could hold off on the bow this season, and go modern firearm or muzzleloader. Western WA is wet. Get some good gore tex, and some wool. Eastern Wa can be hot and dry or very cold. Once again JBLM has some really good deer hunting, but if you want to get away from work there is some state ground around Alder Lake that is only an hour away. It holds elk, deer, bear, cougar, bobcat, coyote, ducks, geese, and grouse, and various other small critters. It not east pickings, but they are there.That should get you started.
