Free: Contests & Raffles.
What weapon/ season are you hunting?
There are places in Washington (modern firearm especially) that this doesn't apply... but boy there aren't many anymore....Get away from the vehicle. A LONG way away! If you're hunting "good" areas and not seeing anything, likely it's because they're not there. At least not while you're there (in the season.) They know you and about a billion other pumpkins are out there looking for them. It happens every year, it's a habit pattern. They move. Gotta find them, and likely they've temporarily hidden further away from the masses. Without knowing lots of specifics about your spots, style, techniques, etc... this applies. Get WAY away from people and you'll get into wildlife.I have found exceptions, little pocket hideyholes where they're hunkered down for the season, but it's really rare.(Twice, I think.)It's worth it to get into the (truly) wild, IMHO. It just smells like freedom... and it usually pays off. Just make sure you're prepared for it.
Advice FROM a skunked hunter:...... One thing I don’t hear people talk about and you Don’t see it on hunting videos is learn to bring your rifle up quickly and get on target. I missed chances last year because I couldn’t get on it fast enough. When I started practicing I realized I would never get a buck unless I was lucky enough to glass one from hundreds of yards away and not be seen or smelled. .....