Learning to hunt

[pelon8017]

I just arrived at Washington and I have never been hunting before I know that deer hunting season is near and I would like to learn. I was wondering if someone could show me the ropes. Doesn't matter if it's with a rifle, muzzleloader, or archery. I know a lot of people don't like taking new people because of the dangers but I don't mind not even carrying anything to hunt I just really want to learn. I would be getting a hunting license and whoever helps me could have my tag all I would want is a bit of the meat everyone in my family is vegetarian so wouldn't be much.

[bear hunter]

You could tag along on a Lopez island hunt for little blacktail deer. They eat good. I am taking a buddy there modern season to get his first deer. He also never hunted except for trapping. Your more than welcome to hunt or just tag along. Any deer with a shotgun.  Good hunt for a new hunter

[badnewskruse]

thats an awesome offer

[bowhunterforever]

thats an awesome offer

[Fl0und3rz]

I would be getting a hunting license and whoever helps me could have my tag all I would want is a bit of the meat everyone in my family is vegetarian so wouldn't be much.

Welcome to WA and hunt-WA, and thanks for your service if that is not too much to presume.

FYI:  You need hunters education certification or a one year deferral unless born before 1971 or some such date. 

Also, the tag is not transferable, and I believe that unless you have a disabled hunter's permit, you must be the one that hunts/shoots your quarry.

Beware the new stupid WA I-594 firearm "transfer" restrictions which essentially make borrowing a rifle to hunt with a giant PITA.   

[bear hunter]

Well if he hunts with me and does not have a shotgun. He can use a my muzzleloader/Blackpowder 12ga. Also he will be using his tag and I don't need the meat. 

[acnewman55]

Beware the new stupid WA I-594 firearm "transfer" restrictions which essentially make borrowing a rifle to hunt with a giant PITA.

I594 has never been enforced.  Constitutional challenges have been rejected because no otherwise law abiding citizen has been victim of it.

I wouldn't worry about it.



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[Fl0und3rz]

A misdemeanor on a serviceman's record can be devastating.  Don't gamble with someone else's future.

[WapitiTalk1]

Check out the NWAC on post. They used to take Soldiers out on group hunts/camps. They also used to have hunting seminars (I used to give a few every year a while back). Good luck

[police women of America]

Sorry but I would skip this hunting season. When I first wanted to hunt I knew almost nothing about it, and I am so glad I didn't go hunting that first season because I have learned so much since then. You don't need to know ALL the special technics, tricks, etc. But you should know enough to use your weapon of choice alone, know all the regulations for WA, and know the necessities of hunting. Alone it takes about a year to learn.
It would be awesome if you find someone on here to take you out and teach you, but there is still a lot of work on your part.
Do you have experience with guns/bows?
The best thing for you to do now is go with someone hunting (if you can) and just watch them. And then schedule a Hunters-Ed class. https://www.hunter-ed.com/ And you'll learn a whole lot. I know your super exited and just want to get out there before the season ends, but you'll be running in blind. After you learn the different deer species of Washington, all the regulations, how to gut the animal, calling, and just so much more awesome stuff, you'll have the best time as a grade A hunter

P.S. Giving someone else your hunting tag is illegal.
License and Tag Violations
You may NOT:
• Transfer, loan to, or borrow from another person any license, tag, permit, or stamp
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regulations/

[pelon8017]

Thanks for the replies. I'm planning to take the hunters Ed class. I do have expierence with firearms just nothing to do with archery. If it's illegal to transfer tag then I wouldn't mind just going and shadowing someone. I am willing to learn and help out in any way I can and maybe if the opportunity presented itself for me to catch my own deer it would be nice but I am not to worried about it like I said just really trying to learn. I believe it's better to learn in person and just watch and expierence hunter and learn what I can from them. Btw Fl0unde3rz thank you I was military but I was medically retired not so lng ago.

[Fl0und3rz]

You may be eligible for disabled hunter opportunities, but I know little about the programs/opportunities.

[pope]

I'd jump on Bear Hunter's offer 'cause you won't get many like it. Even if you don't get a deer, maybe you'll be there when Bear Hunter does and then you can participate in field dressing. You can learn this from Youtube (I did), but wouldn't it be cool to see how it's done first hand? Plus getting invited to an island hunt is awesome! Plenty of people would like to hunt the islands but access is very limited.

Follow all the rules, take hunters' ed ASAP, bring a shot gun. If you're interested in archery, start learning now but I wouldn't plan an archery hunt for this year unless you have previous experience. It takes time to learn and get your bow and arrows dialed.

[fishnfur]

I don't think you can purchase a tag without proof of hunter ed.  This always seemed a bit silly that a service members, or prior service members, who had way more firearms training than most idiots walking the woods with a rifle in hand, have to perform the field test for the hunting license.  Completion of the online hunter ed. course seems to cover the hunting information that prior service members need to ensure they are educated in the topics specific to hunting.

Regardless, hope you catch that deer!

[HunterofWA]

I don't think you can purchase a tag without proof of hunter ed.  This always seemed a bit silly that a service members, or prior service members, who had way more firearms training than most idiots walking the woods with a rifle in hand, have to perform the field test for the hunting license.  Completion of the online hunter ed. course seems to cover the hunting information that prior service members need to ensure they are educated in the topics specific to hunting.

Regardless, hope you catch that deer!