GMU 417 Cypress Island Access

[Tyrath2007]

Could someone please provide me with some more information about hunting on this island? Does hunting in GMU 417 require a special tag, hunt, or permit? Or is hunting there as simple as obtaining a license with a general season deer tag? Please and thank you.

I grew up hunting in Alaska. So I'm learning the rules and regs of hunting in Washington State.

[RB]

Welcome to the forum!

If you have hunted SE AK then Cypress is just like it. Motor over to Eagle harbor and hike up the trails, you do not need any special permit it is over the counter for any Deer. You can put in next spring for a second tag, Doe only, and it is easy to draw. I have spent a few days on the island but was never able to connect it is pretty popular since it is so close to the mainland. A large portion of the island is public land, but make sure you have ONX or similar to make sure, the Strawberry bay area is private land.

Best of luck if you go, and enjoy it is a really cool island!

[Bowhunter3]

Welcome! I have drawn the cypress second deer tag a couple times now and have had some pretty good luck. Like RB said, eagle harbor is a great spot to hit the beach. Camping spots on the water right there that have decent weather protection. Both deer I have taken have been up in between the two little “lakes.” Fun place to have a second tag at. Where about do you live?

[Tyrath2007]

@ RB

Thank you for the info! Much appreciated!

[Tyrath2007]

@Bowhunter3

Nice to know there's deer ON the island.

My wife and I recently moved to Kitsap County and we are both very much into fishing. I want to get started into hunting so its nice to know there are people who can answer questions on the forum. Thank you for your info!

[Bob33]

Welcome to the forum!

If you have hunted SE AK then Cypress is just like it. Motor over to Eagle harbor and hike up the trails, you do not need any special permit it is over the counter for any Deer. You can put in next spring for a second tag, Doe only, and it is easy to draw. I have spent a few days on the island but was never able to connect it is pretty popular since it is so close to the mainland. A large portion of the island is public land, but make sure you have ONX or similar to make sure, the Strawberry bay area is private land.

Best of luck if you go, and enjoy it is a really cool island!

GMU 417 is any deer during general seasons.

[Tyrath2007]

@Bob33

Thank you Bob! Much appreciated for the validation!

[acrim]

Have drawn second deer ,cypress island , archery a couple of years... didnt have enough time this year.   PM me if you want any info , have hiked most of that island and would be happy to give some pointers.  BTW , last years hunt , me and my hunting partner ran into a healthy pack of coyote near the southeast section near the harbor. 

[lokidog]

Welcome to the forum!

If you have hunted SE AK then Cypress is just like it. Motor over to Eagle harbor and hike up the trails, you do not need any special permit it is over the counter for any Deer. You can put in next spring for a second tag, Doe only, and it is easy to draw. I have spent a few days on the island but was never able to connect it is pretty popular since it is so close to the mainland. A large portion of the island is public land, but make sure you have ONX or similar to make sure, the Strawberry bay area is private land.

Best of luck if you go, and enjoy it is a really cool island!

GMU 417 is any deer during general seasons.

Second deer permits used to be either sex but are now doe only, but I believe they also reduced the number of tags available substantially from what it used to be. They did on Decatur anyways.