Never Hunted, Seeking Mentor/Opportunities to Learn

[Kmino]

Hello all,

I’m a 25-year-old college student here in Seattle, and I'm in search of someone who may be willing to pass on hunting knowledge to a healthy and eager prospective hunter who never had anyone in his life to teach him these skills. I found this forum after Craigslist removed my posting for the umpteenth time.

Bit about me: Growing up, I was never once around anyone who hunted. After highschool I traveled for several years, working many different jobs in different countries while pursuing outdoor experiences. I have been and am currently passionate about the mountains. I rock climb, backcountry ski, do multi-day hikes, mountaineer, mushroom hunt and generally spend every bit of free time I have on public lands and off trail.

I have gone through my hunter education training course last fall, and I have nothing preventing me from hunting except for basic firsthand knowledge. I have spent all summer putting rounds through a .270win and have bought my deer tag.

I would greatly appreciate learning from somebody who has perhaps been hunting throughout their life, and would be willing to be a resource for me in terms of general hunting knowledge. My specific questions seem to be endless, and while I know that experience is the best teacher, I value any and all input I can get (especially on hunting in the cascades and for blacktail in particular) (which I understand will be a recipe for struggle). If you think you could help me out, your time would be truly valued.

Lastly, I would value any opportunity to contribute to your own hunts. Just helping with packing out an animal would be a learning experience I would appreciate. I have carried heavy packs on multi-day hikes in all sorts of foul environments. I will be back in WA for the high buck hunt in early September.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

-K

[ducks4days]

Washington Waterfowl Association runs a hunt mentoring program. If you are interested in chasing ducks or geese at all, you should reach out

[Russ McDonald]

A good source for also looking for a mentor is First Hunt Foundation.  They can pair you up with a mentor in what ever you want in hunting species.  Are you specifically looking for big game hunting?  I work in the area of turkey hunting.  I grew up white tail hunting but not very much of it in WA.  Plenty of good info here on the forum to.  There is a search bar you can search for something you might be interested in.  Good luck.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

[MeepDog]

It might sound silly, but there's some very important questions for hunting.

What species do you want to hunt?
What gmu are you going to hunt for that species?
Where in that gmu can you actually hunt?
What weapon type will you use?
When are the season dates for that species for your weapon type?

Once you answer those questions (internally, don't tell us your spot) then you're off to some sort of start. The most important t questions can be answered with the regulations book. I find it's helpful to download it and keep it on my phone. Even better on a PC.

[Kmino]

Washington Waterfowl Association runs a hunt mentoring program. If you are interested in chasing ducks or geese at all, you should reach out

Thank you for your input. As of now I'm currently only interested in larger game around me, such as blacktail and black bear.

[Kmino]

A good source for also looking for a mentor is First Hunt Foundation.  They can pair you up with a mentor in what ever you want in hunting species.  Are you specifically looking for big game hunting?  I work in the area of turkey hunting.  I grew up white tail hunting but not very much of it in WA.  Plenty of good info here on the forum to.  There is a search bar you can search for something you might be interested in.  Good luck.

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

Thanks for introducing me to that foundation. I'll absolutely look into it.

I am specifically looking to hunt blacktail and black bear. I'll certainly be using this forum!

[buckfvr]

It might sound silly, but there's some very important questions for hunting.

What species do you want to hunt?
What gmu are you going to hunt for that species?
Where in that gmu can you actually hunt?
What weapon type will you use?
When are the season dates for that species for your weapon type?

Once you answer those questions (internally, don't tell us your spot) then you're off to some sort of start. The most important t questions can be answered with the regulations book. I find it's helpful to download it and keep it on my phone. Even better on a PC.

Yes, all of that plus look at wdfw harvest reports for the gmu's you may consider and rely on google earth pro AND ONX to show you around. 

I would look hard at national forest and its fringes, avoid popular trail heads, popular gated roads, and other road ends with multiple fire rings and meat poles.  No sense competing with the masses if its avoidable.  Deer are where you find them and national forest is big and mostly overlooked.  If taking time off for a deer hunt, Id opt for the last week of the season over opening weekend every time.  Id also hunt at the snow line when possible.

[Kmino]

It might sound silly, but there's some very important questions for hunting.

What species do you want to hunt?
What gmu are you going to hunt for that species?
Where in that gmu can you actually hunt?
What weapon type will you use?
When are the season dates for that species for your weapon type?

Once you answer those questions (internally, don't tell us your spot) then you're off to some sort of start. The most important t questions can be answered with the regulations book. I find it's helpful to download it and keep it on my phone. Even better on a PC.

Great questions. I have answers to all of them. I know the exact area I plan on hunting, having spent 12 days this spring and summer scouting around that area. I'll also be hitting every regular rifle date I can. The WDFW book is right on my phone and I've got memorized what I need from it.

More than the logistics, I am hoping to find folks who may be willing to answer some of my specific questions and give their input on some of the places I have scouted and plan on hunting.

Thank you for your time!

Thanks for your time.

[Kmino]

It might sound silly, but there's some very important questions for hunting.

What species do you want to hunt?
What gmu are you going to hunt for that species?
Where in that gmu can you actually hunt?
What weapon type will you use?
When are the season dates for that species for your weapon type?

Once you answer those questions (internally, don't tell us your spot) then you're off to some sort of start. The most important t questions can be answered with the regulations book. I find it's helpful to download it and keep it on my phone. Even better on a PC.

Yes, all of that plus look at wdfw harvest reports for the gmu's you may consider and rely on google earth pro AND ONX to show you around. 

I would look hard at national forest and its fringes, avoid popular trail heads, popular gated roads, and other road ends with multiple fire rings and meat poles.  No sense competing with the masses if its avoidable.  Deer are where you find them and national forest is big and mostly overlooked.  If taking time off for a deer hunt, Id opt for the last week of the season over opening weekend every time.  Id also hunt at the snow line when possible.

Roger that, thanks for your thoughts. I plan on hunting in Wilderness within the Mt. Baker/Sn. Nat. Forest. I absolutely am hoping to never see a soul where I plan on going this season.

[Special T]

Ultimatel guide to bear hunting by Douglas Boze
Blacktail Trophy Tactics 1 or 2 Boyd Iverson
The savory wild mushroom Mckeeny and Shultz

Buy these books the BTT is out of print and the hardest to acquire. The 2nd one has a little more info but buy either and it will be an education.

[vandeman17]

This is how a first post to the forum should be. Well done on introducing yourself and giving us some background about you.

What are you thoughts on coming over to the eastide of the state to hunt?

[PsoasHunter]

I too was a self taught hunter without a mentor starting in my 20's in grad school in Seattle, so i know the challenges you face.  I read everything I could online and in books, and spent the first few years not seeing any legal animals, but learning a ton by being out there. Gradually things started to click and now, 13 years later, I've had a pretty good run of harvesting at least one animal a year between elk, deer, and bear.  Keep at it, it's possible to be self taught. But keep looking for mentors too, that will speed your learning.

I have 2 kids under 3 and my hunting time this season will be very limited,  so I'm not in a good positing to be a mentor. But I  might be able to answer some of your questions over the phone and be a resource,  especially since it sounds like you're doing your homework. I'll PM you my number.

[mcrawfordaf]

I'm also an "adult onset hunter". I've only been at it for two years now and I've sourced a wealth of knowledge from this forum. The search function can be narrowed down to search the forum topic of your interest ie, go to the Black Bear hunting topic and use the search box to look up terms/areas topics/tips of your interest specific to bear hunting. This forum is old and there is vast amounts of experience if you're willing to dig it up. It took me my second year hunting to bag my first big game animal and I owe a lot of that due to the helpful folks on this forum. A lot of your questions will most likely have already been answered and can simply take some sleuthing around. My best advice is to head into your first year under the impression you will not bag an animal, and focus on learning the area you plan to hunt. Learn it throughout the seasons and where the animals move to and from throughout the year.

[Kmino]

Ultimatel guide to bear hunting by Douglas Boze
Blacktail Trophy Tactics 1 or 2 Boyd Iverson
The savory wild mushroom Mckeeny and Shultz

Buy these books the BTT is out of print and the hardest to acquire. The 2nd one has a little more info but buy either and it will be an education.

Great advice. I have read Blacktail Trophy Tactics II twice, taking notes which I've studied and saved offline for when I am hunting. I will look into the other books as well.

[Kmino]

This is how a first post to the forum should be. Well done on introducing yourself and giving us some background about you.

What are you thoughts on coming over to the eastide of the state to hunt?

Glad my post was appropriate.

While I am keen on hunting where I have spent nearly 2 weeks scouting on the west side of the cascades, I am desperate for more hunting exposure anywhere I can get it. I'd be very willing to head east to contribute to another person's hunt if possible.

[Kmino]

I'm also an "adult onset hunter". I've only been at it for two years now and I've sourced a wealth of knowledge from this forum. The search function can be narrowed down to search the forum topic of your interest ie, go to the Black Bear hunting topic and use the search box to look up terms/areas topics/tips of your interest specific to bear hunting. This forum is old and there is vast amounts of experience if you're willing to dig it up. It took me my second year hunting to bag my first big game animal and I owe a lot of that due to the helpful folks on this forum. A lot of your questions will most likely have already been answered and can simply take some sleuthing around. My best advice is to head into your first year under the impression you will not bag an animal, and focus on learning the area you plan to hunt. Learn it throughout the seasons and where the animals move to and from throughout the year.

Thanks for your two cents. I'll certainly utilize this forum.

I am going into this year with that exact expectation; to learn a bunch, hopefully see a buck in the mountains, and come back the next year better prepared.

[vandeman17]

This is how a first post to the forum should be. Well done on introducing yourself and giving us some background about you.

What are you thoughts on coming over to the eastide of the state to hunt?

Glad my post was appropriate.

While I am keen on hunting where I have spent nearly 2 weeks scouting on the west side of the cascades, I am desperate for more hunting exposure anywhere I can get it. I'd be very willing to head east to contribute to another person's hunt if possible.

I will keep you posted on my plans for general and late buck over here. Depending on schedules we might be able to work something out

[Kmino]

This is how a first post to the forum should be. Well done on introducing yourself and giving us some background about you.

What are you thoughts on coming over to the eastide of the state to hunt?

Glad my post was appropriate.

While I am keen on hunting where I have spent nearly 2 weeks scouting on the west side of the cascades, I am desperate for more hunting exposure anywhere I can get it. I'd be very willing to head east to contribute to another person's hunt if possible.

I will keep you posted on my plans for general and late buck over here. Depending on schedules we might be able to work something out

Roger that. I will absolutely follow up. Thank you for your consideration.

[Woodchuck]

This is how a first post to the forum should be. Well done on introducing yourself and giving us some background about you.

What are you thoughts on coming over to the eastide of the state to hunt?

Glad my post was appropriate.

While I am keen on hunting where I have spent nearly 2 weeks scouting on the west side of the cascades, I am desperate for more hunting exposure anywhere I can get it. I'd be very willing to head east to contribute to another person's hunt if possible.

I will keep you posted on my plans for general and late buck over here. Depending on schedules we might be able to work something out

Roger that. I will absolutely follow up. Thank you for your consideration.

If that guy invites you to hunt, get in shape.
Pretty sure he does triathalons on lunchbreaks 

[vandeman17]

This is how a first post to the forum should be. Well done on introducing yourself and giving us some background about you.

What are you thoughts on coming over to the eastide of the state to hunt?

Glad my post was appropriate.

While I am keen on hunting where I have spent nearly 2 weeks scouting on the west side of the cascades, I am desperate for more hunting exposure anywhere I can get it. I'd be very willing to head east to contribute to another person's hunt if possible.

I will keep you posted on my plans for general and late buck over here. Depending on schedules we might be able to work something out

Roger that. I will absolutely follow up. Thank you for your consideration.

If that guy invites you to hunt, get in shape.
Pretty sure he does triathalons on lunchbreaks 

  Don't scare him off. I wouldn't drag him THAT far into the hills...

[nwmein199]

This is how a first post to the forum should be. Well done on introducing yourself and giving us some background about you.

What are you thoughts on coming over to the eastide of the state to hunt?

Glad my post was appropriate.

While I am keen on hunting where I have spent nearly 2 weeks scouting on the west side of the cascades, I am desperate for more hunting exposure anywhere I can get it. I'd be very willing to head east to contribute to another person's hunt if possible.

I will keep you posted on my plans for general and late buck over here. Depending on schedules we might be able to work something out

Roger that. I will absolutely follow up. Thank you for your consideration.

Go hunt with vandeman17. That will drastically shorten your learning curve. If you dont take him up on the offer I will!!

[Born2late]

I would also be reading on how to gut a big game animal and be able to do the “gutless method also”. Meat and hide care is big to me and I think one of the biggest overlooked things for new hunters. Once it’s dead what are your plans? Are you prepared to take care of the animal as needed without losing meat to spoiling?
These are the questions you need to think through. If you can get together with someone that traps it is the best way to learn to skin and you can even practice taking meat off the animal if it’s not going to be used.i can possibly answer questions for you if you need. Pm me and we can talk. I target blacktails specifically as my main hunt every year.

[Kmino]

I would also be reading on how to gut a big game animal and be able to do the “gutless method also”. Meat and hide care is big to me and I think one of the biggest overlooked things for new hunters. Once it’s dead what are your plans? Are you prepared to take care of the animal as needed without losing meat to spoiling?
These are the questions you need to think through. If you can get together with someone that traps it is the best way to learn to skin and you can even practice taking meat off the animal if it’s not going to be used.i can possibly answer questions for you if you need. Pm me and we can talk. I target blacktails specifically as my main hunt every year.

I appreciate your thoughts Born2late. Thank you for them.

I will absolutely be contacting you about blacktails.

[brokentrail]

Seems like you have some folks you can PM with questions already but feel free to PM me as well if I can help.  I hunt blacktail, turkey, bears/cougars (kinda, I have my tag in case I run across one) and coyotes every year and have been pretty consistent with my success. I raised 3 boys and they have all had success as well.   I didn't grow up in the NW but have hunted all of my life for something.  Feel free to reach out.  We need more hunters and I'd be happy to help you if I can.