Getting Stationed at Lewis and have questions

[slm9s]

Welcome.

If you have that many firearms, you probably have a rifle that will work.  My opinion is an elk rifle starts at 270.  Legal minimum for deer is 24 caliber.  Not much varmint hunting on the west side (other than coyotes), allegedly there is some on the east side - though I've never experienced it.

[huntingfool7]

Fort Lewis has deer, bear, maybe elk on base.  They also release pheasants on base.  A lot of the country on this side of the mountains is pretty tight cover with clear cuts mixed in.  You'll likely be hunting in wet weather anytime after October on this side of the mountains.

[JDHasty]

Welcome.

If you have that many firearms, you probably have a rifle that will work.  My opinion is an elk rifle starts at 270.  Legal minimum for deer is 24 caliber.  Not much varmint hunting on the west side (other than coyotes), allegedly there is some on the east side - though I've never experienced it.

Yes grey diggers and rockchucks throughout central and eastern WA.  But they are in pockets, not distributed evenly.   

[Bigapplediams73]

Thanks for your service.I got out of the USMC in 96. I'm gonna hunt on the coast this year. You are welcome to come along if you want. Thinking of doing archery for deer and smoke pole for elk. Not sure if you have any of those but I'm willing to teach you the little I know. I don't mind the army marines jabs at all lol

[jay.sharkbait]

If you can hear the football games at Yelm HS you are in the right spot.

And there are pleanty of opportunities in Wa State.

[jackmaster]

What MOS are you? If you light infantry or in the BAT or S.F not sure if Drum has an S.F team, anyways when you train out at little Vietnam you will learn real quick what brush huntn is all about, if I was you and I was stationed at Lewis, but I am born and raised outside the east gate but I would buy a Hancock pass, kapowsin side, its a quick trip out the east gate and it will give you a lot more opportunity to pursue everything you want except elk, you will see tons but you just can't hunt them in there !! Hit me up when you get settled in, I would be happy to show you around!! Good luck and thanks for your service !!

[lastmk8]

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service to our great country. If you're planning on hunting the west side of the Cascades (the Wetside), a large percentage of your encounters will be at under 100yds and many under 50. East side, lots of open country and opportunities at longer shots. I've never hunted JBLM but know there's lots of wildlife in there. Get your hunter education requirements sorted out right away. If you don't physically have a hunter ed card from your home state, you'll need to get a copy before you get a license (unless there's some kind of waiver for active duty).

I'll second the Hunter Safety issue also.  If born after 1 Jan 1972 you are required to have a completed Hunter Safety Certificate, from any state.  Problem in Washington is the classes fill up quick, most may already be full for this season.  There is a Military waiver to some degree.  You can complete the course on-line (a very good course I might add) and then you only have to go complete the range portion of the course to complete the requirements.  Now, if you are active duty military or retired you can have that field portion of the course waived.  There is some paperwork you have to send in to prove your military status but it is quick and simple.  The on-line course will take two or three days depending on how much free time you have, the actual course is five days of instruction at about four hours a day.

Welcome to Washington, hunting here and understanding our regulations is an event in and of itself, but I can tell you without doubt, the first time you mix it up with the majestic Wapiti, you will be hooked, barbless or not...... yea, had to take a shot a fishing regulations also, wait until you look at those!!!!! hahaha..

[JDHasty]

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service to our great country. If you're planning on hunting the west side of the Cascades (the Wetside), a large percentage of your encounters will be at under 100yds and many under 50. East side, lots of open country and opportunities at longer shots. I've never hunted JBLM but know there's lots of wildlife in there. Get your hunter education requirements sorted out right away. If you don't physically have a hunter ed card from your home state, you'll need to get a copy before you get a license (unless there's some kind of waiver for active duty).

I'll second the Hunter Safety issue also.  If born after 1 Jan 1972 you are required to have a completed Hunter Safety Certificate, from any state.  Problem in Washington is the classes fill up quick, most may already be full for this season.  There is a Military waiver to some degree.  You can complete the course on-line (a very good course I might add) and then you only have to go complete the range portion of the course to complete the requirements.  Now, if you are active duty military or retired you can have that field portion of the course waived.  There is some paperwork you have to send in to prove your military status but it is quick and simple.  The on-line course will take two or three days depending on how much free time you have, the actual course is five days of instruction at about four hours a day.

Welcome to Washington, hunting here and understanding our regulations is an event in and of itself, but I can tell you without doubt, the first time you mix it up with the majestic Wapiti, you will be hooked, barbless or not...... yea, had to take a shot a fishing regulations also, wait until you look at those!!!!! hahaha..

Tacoma Rifle & Revolver Club should have spaces available. 

[Tjkride]

I was 11b for 5 years and then one little incident with an improperly set up claymore and blown apart shoulder the Army says you have to be medically discharged, but my wife is active so to Lewis we go. I would hunt big apple as long as he doesn't eat all my sons crayons. I apprexiate all the info guys. I have hunting licenses and safety cards from several other states so I should meet quals to get my Washington license. I dont do much with veteran programs because to honest I am embarrassed of being injured by one of my own people at 25 and being medically discharged.

[pianoman9701]

Your embarrassment is misplaced, IMHO (I'm really not very humble though). Take full advantage of ALL veteran benefits. You wrote a blank check to your government and to all of us. The amount of that check was high in the price you paid. Never feel bad about experiencing a benefit for your service and sacrifice. We all know that's not why you served. Few of us ever served for the benefits. But take them wherever they're offered. This is not a selfish act. It's a thank you from you to a grateful nation. Not taking them is tantamount to being ungracious. Thanks again.

[jackmaster]

I was 11b for 5 years and then one little incident with an improperly set up claymore and blown apart shoulder the Army says you have to be medically discharged, but my wife is active so to Lewis we go. I would hunt big apple as long as he doesn't eat all my sons crayons. I apprexiate all the info guys. I have hunting licenses and safety cards from several other states so I should meet quals to get my Washington license. I dont do much with veteran programs because to honest I am embarrassed of being injured by one of my own people at 25 and being medically discharged.

nothing to be ashamed of, well unless you were incgarge of the dipdunk s training  and also some of the biggest blacktail in Washington live on ft Lewis right above the MOUT city

[lastmk8]

I was 11b for 5 years and then one little incident with an improperly set up claymore and blown apart shoulder the Army says you have to be medically discharged, but my wife is active so to Lewis we go. I would hunt big apple as long as he doesn't eat all my sons crayons. I apprexiate all the info guys. I have hunting licenses and safety cards from several other states so I should meet quals to get my Washington license. I dont do much with veteran programs because to honest I am embarrassed of being injured by one of my own people at 25 and being medically discharged.

Have to agree with Pianoman on this one, as a Veteran the programs associated with your service are both entitled  and EARNED, already paid for by your decision to service.  There are a number of "programs" that you should consider taking advantage of while living in Washington.  Remember first these are not handouts, they exist because you stroked that check and signed for it with up to and including your life.  Handouts don't include a counter-signature, yours was bought and paid for.   

Send me a PM when you have time and I'll give you some information regarding some "Veteran Benefits" you will enjoy while living, hunting and fishing in the state of Washington and some will expand to many other states as well.

Thanks again for your service,... .even if it was Army.... GO NAVY!!  just kidding,... a little.

[Fl0und3rz]

Your embarrassment is misplaced, IMHO (I'm really not very humble though). Take full advantage of ALL veteran benefits. You wrote a blank check to your government and to all of us. The amount of that check was high in the price you paid. Never feel bad about experiencing a benefit for your service and sacrifice.

[Mudman]

If you can hear the football games at Yelm HS you are in the right spot.

And there are pleanty of opportunities in Wa State.

Good one!  Have they started building those 5 acre lots yet Jay?  Nice lil bull!

[White Pass Outfitters]

Just want to Thank You and your wife. And let you know that there are some monster blacktails on FLMB I grew up right next to the far east part of the base and have seen some real real nice bucks less than a mile from my old hse. That section was my play ground growing up. PM me for more info