Beginner hunter in Seattle - hunt west or east?

[sterlryu]

Hello, I'm a beginner hunter, veteran in the Seattle area looking to get into big game hunting to spend some time camping outdoors and fill my freezer while I'm at it.

Reading about blacktail, it seems like they're harder to even see all season while driving over the passes to hunt mule deer around Wenatchee or Ellensburg, the drive means that I'll only be able to get away from work and family to scout once or twice before the season. What would you recommend to - stay west or drive east?

[RB]

Welcome to the forum! Where are you from and what kind of outdoor experience do you have? Are you used to dry open country or rain forest areas?

[sterlryu]

Thanks RB! I grew up backpacking back in upstate NY and went out to spend a week in the field pretty frequently in the military. Not sure if I have a preference between open country or forest, but would like to pick an area and get good at hunting it.

[X-Force]

Look up success rates within an hour or 2 drive. Find an area with decent success and good access. It may take a year or 2 or 5 to learn the area but you’ll get it. A plus on getting to know black tail haunts is that they usually have longer general seasons a late season.

[ctwiggs1]

Welcome to the forum

As to your question, I would find a place that looks interesting and just go learn it.  I have met too many guys that talked themselves out of it because they couldn’t drive very Far East and didn’t want to deal with the challenge of the west. 

The most important thing is to get a good pair of boots, break them in, and get outside.

[TheStovePipeKid]

If you don't mind camping/hunting with fellow members try posting on the hunting partner board. The best way to pick up blacktail hunting on the wetside would be learn from an experienced member. If you have the gumption most are willing to share their knowledge and a good hunt with others. X-Force has it pegged with the time span, my guess would lean towards the 5 year mark if bushwhacking on your own.

[sterlryu]

Thank you all for your thoughtful advice - I might just take it and head over to the hunting partners board. I'm definitely in it for the long haul and willing to learn an area over a few years.

[cavemann]

there is a lot of area to hunt off of 90 especially around firestation road (can't remember exact name)..  steep country but get on foot and head up hill.  I wouldn't go any further west then that, too many hikers and private.  Haven't been up there in awhile but there are FS roads.  if they are gated, even better.  Walk in.  Just a thought for something close

[KirbyK70]

Definitely don’t go Tiger Mountain. First time out and a beginner myself with a friend and we didn’t see tracks or droppings. It was nice to get out but would have been better to see something other then an owl and squirrels. Like some others have suggested farther east on I90. That will be where we head for let archery season as I’m in Bellevue and my friend is I. Puyallup.


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