Questions from a new hunter.

[Spearo]

Hello!

Me and a good life-long friend of mine have decided to invest in some .22 rifles and hunting licenses this winter break while we are both back from college. I have been doing a lot of research into the subject of where we can and cannot hunt and I have been thouroughly confused. We intend to hunt squirrels in the Olympic National Forest, but this is where my questions arises. If we have he proper licensing is it legal to hunt in the forest or wilderness land? I know hunting is not allowed the in adjoining Olympic National Park (from what I have seen) but I have had a very hard time getting a straight answer on the ONP's website or from WDFW about whether or not hunting the National Park is or is not permitted. I am going to call the area-management office for the specific area we are looking to hunt in (near the Buckhorn wilderness and Brinnon Washington) but if someone here could tell me if I am totally off base before I fall in tommorow morning  that would be super helpful, and any additional information you think would be pertinent would also be much appreciated. We are basically planning to drive down some logging roads in the forest until we find an area to park were we can then dismount and hike into the woods a few hundered yards. We both are very experienced hikers and will have all the necessary equipment and know how not to get lost as long as we stay safe.

I am very excited for this trip, and am seriously looking forward to getting in some quality time outdoors. Any and all help/advice is welcome, and I look forward to hearing what you all have to say!

Thanks in advance, and merry Christmas!

[CP]

You should start with what animals are legal to hunt.  For the most part, squirrels are not legal.

[h20hunter]

Back from college.. 

Have you both passed hunters ed?

[bobcat]

No hunting in the Olympic National Park and as was already mentioned, squirrels are not legal to hunt in this state. Other than the non-native grey squirrels that are found mostly in city parks.

[7mmfan]

About the only legal animal to hunt with a .22 rimfire this time of year is grouse and rabbits. You will find grouse out there, this time of year mainly down lower in the river and creek bottoms, rabbits out there are hit and miss unless you can find a farmer willing to let you walk his fields.

 You can hunt the National Forest, not the National Park. Make sure you know where you are.

[Spearo]

My friend is very well versed in identifying small game species, and I am aware only non-native squirrels are available to be taken right now. The trip is mostly just aimed at going and getting some fun shooting in, and hopefully taking some small game if possible.

I can assure everyone I have and am taking all the necessary measures to make sure I am not breaking the law in any way, which is why I made this post in the first place

[7mmfan]

Perfect, have fun and stay safe!

[bobcat]

Well, in your post you said you were going to hunt in the Olympic National Forest for squirrels. I don't believe you will find any squirrels in that area that are legal to hunt. Grouse and rabbits, yes. So that's what I would be looking for if I were you.

[Bob33]

Here's some additional information on squirrels in Washington: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/gray_squirrel/

[Lefthook]

Making a positive ID on a little squirrel playing hide and seek around a tree 10' to 15' up could be very hard at best. I think I would go grouse hunting and take some fun targets to shoot if you don't run into any grouse. Pack out whatever you pack in.

[Spearo]

Well, in your post you said you were going to hunt in the Olympic National Forest for squirrels. I don't believe you will find any squirrels in that area that are legal to hunt. Grouse and rabbits, yes. So that's what I would be looking for if I were you.

Awesome, Where do you think I would have the best shot at seeing rabbit? Would they be up in the forest along the logging roads? I will look into getting a grouse license but they seem pretty spendy, but do you think I would have a better chance of seeing grouse than anything else (rabbits, squirrels etc.)?

[Spearo]

Making a positive ID on a little squirrel playing hide and seek around a tree 10' to 15' up could be very hard at best. I think I would go grouse hunting and take some fun targets to shoot if you don't run into any grouse. Pack out whatever you pack in.

Do I have a pretty good chance of seeing grouse this late in the season along logging roads?

[jennabug]

You don't need a separate license for grouse, just your small game license.

Don't forget that grouse is only open through December 31st. 

[CP]

Well, in your post you said you were going to hunt in the Olympic National Forest for squirrels. I don't believe you will find any squirrels in that area that are legal to hunt. Grouse and rabbits, yes. So that's what I would be looking for if I were you.

Awesome, Where do you think I would have the best shot at seeing rabbit? Would they be up in the forest along the logging roads? I will look into getting a grouse license but they seem pretty spendy, but do you think I would have a better chance of seeing grouse than anything else (rabbits, squirrels etc.)?

It's been a banner year for Snowshoe Hare.  Yes, you find them along forest service and logging roads usually 2,000 ft and higher elevation.  They are in their white phase now and a bit harder to see now in the snow. 

[Dead-Eye]

It's been a banner year for Snowshoe Hare.  Yes, you find them along forest service and logging roads usually 2,000 ft and higher elevation.  They are in their white phase now and a bit harder to see now in the snow.

I like the challenge of spotting a white rabbit in the snow. A bit of movement over that way, but then you have to figure out exactly where it is, so you zoom in on that spot.  That's pure fun!